Yuzu fruit may still sound foreign to Indonesian people. However, the fruit belonging to the citrus group is already very popular in East Asian countries because it has a myriad of health benefits.
yuzu fruit or Citrus Junos is the fruit of the citrus (orange) group. Compared to other types of citrus, yuzu fruit has a more fragrant aroma and a more sour taste.
Yuzu fruit actually comes from China, but is now more widely cultivated in Japan and Korea. Not only the flesh of the fruit, the skin and extract of the yuzu fruit are also widely used for culinary needs, traditional medicine, to cosmetics.
This is the content and benefits of Yuzu fruit
One of the main content of yuzu fruit is vitamin C. The amount of vitamin C in yuzu fruit can reach 3 times higher than lemon fruit.
Not only that, yuzu fruit also contains several other nutrients, such as:
- Carbohydrate
- Fiber
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6
- Minerals, such as copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium
- Active compounds, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and limonoids
Seeing the many nutrients contained in yuzu fruit, it is not surprising that this fruit provides various health benefits. The following are some of the benefits of yuzu fruit that you can get if you eat it regularly:
1. Boost the immune system
Vitamin C contained in yuzu fruit acts as an antioxidant that can strengthen the immune system and prevent various kinds of infections.
Severe vitamin C deficiency can also cause scurvy, which can weaken the body's collagen structure, including in the skin. Although often forgotten, the skin is also part of the body's earliest defense system to keep germs from entering the body.
Weakened skin defenses due to vitamin C deficiency can make it easier for bacteria to multiply on the skin and enter deeper into body tissues, even into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
Sufficient daily vitamin C needs, one of which is from yuzu fruit, can prevent this from happening. In fact, there is a study which states that vitamin C in yuzu fruit can accelerate the healing of ARI and prevent diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia.
2. Smooth blood flow
Blood circulation that is not smooth can cause various health problems, such as stroke or heart attack. now, consuming this fruit regularly is believed to reduce the risk of these diseases.
Several studies have shown that yuzu fruit extract can prevent the formation of blood clots that can clog blood vessels. That way, blood flow becomes smooth and the organs of the body can work optimally.
3. Maintain brain health
The nutrients contained in yuzu fruit can help maintain brain health, improve memory, and prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, this research has only been done on animals and still needs to be studied further so that its benefits in humans can be ascertained.
4. Prevent cancer
A study found that the active compound limonoids in citrus fruits, including yuzu fruit, can fight cancer cells, especially breast, colon, and prostate cancer. In another animal study, it was found that the flavonoid content in this fruit was able to inhibit tumor growth and suppress the growth of leukemia cells.
5. Gives a calming effect
Using yuzu fruit extract as aromatherapy has been shown to relieve anxiety, tension, depression, confusion, stress, to depression. In one study, it was seen that inhaling yuzu fruit aromatherapy could increase the activity of the nervous system in the brain.
6. Prevent premature aging
Exposure to UV rays, poor diet, lack of rest, smoking habits, and frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages are factors that can accelerate premature aging of the skin. So that this does not happen to you, start regularly eating yuzu fruit.
The antioxidants in yuzu fruit can protect skin cells from damage, thereby preventing premature aging. This fruit is also often used for cosmetic products because it is believed to brighten the skin and encourage the production of collagen which can prevent wrinkles.
In addition to the various benefits above, other small-scale studies have also proven that yuzu fruit can improve bone health, reduce cholesterol levels, prevent diabetes, and prevent heart failure.
Yuzu fruit is not only a delicious food, but also brings many health benefits. Although some research on the benefits of yuzu fruit in preventing and treating disease still requires evidence on a larger scale, the nutritional wealth of this fruit has been proven to be good for health, how come.
So, there's nothing wrong with including yuzu fruit in your daily menu and that of your family. This fruit with a fresh taste can be processed into a delicious cold drink or used as a flavor enhancer in your salads and side dishes.
However, if you want to use yuzu fruit as an alternative or a treatment companion for certain medical conditions, you should first consult with your doctor, especially if you are taking medication regularly.
