8 Delicious Tropical Fruit for Good Health

Delicious Tropical Fruit for Good Health: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and other Asian countries and territories have an abundance of nutrient-rich, vividly colored fruit. Not only are they delicious, but they also have tremendous health benefits and should be regarded an essential part of a healthy tropical diet. Numerous nutritionists and physicians praise the ability of these foods to prevent a variety of medical conditions and maintain the health and well-being of those who consume them. Here are given 8 Delicious Tropical Fruit for Good Health.

Delicious Tropical Fruit for Good Health

1. Papaya

In Asia, papayas are a popular after-meal fruit because they assist digestion. The vividly colored fruit is also an excellent source of fiber, antioxidant vitamins, and carotenes, which are brightly colored nutrient compounds with potent antioxidant properties. Unripe papaya is also used to make pickles and in a peppery, acidic, crunchy salad (som tham) in Thailand.

2. Banana

The humble banana is laden with vitamins A, B, and C, as well as potassium. They also contain an amino acid called tryptophan, which is a mood-boosting compound. Banana fritters ('goreng pisang') are a common dish in Singapore and Malaysia, made with particularly delicious tropical bananas, notably the smaller ones.

3. Pineapple

Fresh pineapple is not only a vitamin C-rich, juicily satisfying refreshment, but it also assists digestion because it contains bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme. In Asia, pineapple is served fresh, as well as in savory salads ('rojak'), with peanut sauce for satay, and dipped in a mixture of dark soy sauce, sugar, and chili.

4. Jackfruit

With a distinct taste that is a cross between a pineapple and banana, the jackfruit is packed with vitamin C, A and potassium, magnesium and calcium. Unripe, the mild-tasting flesh has a meat-like texture and popularly used in vegetarian cooking. Ripe, the flesh can be eaten on its own, added to icy dessert drinks or fried into crunchy crisps.

5. Mangoes

Mangoes are high in vitamin C, vitamin A and host of cancer-fighting antioxidants. The fruit can be eaten fresh and also made into a range of desserts. Mango puddings and jellies are popular in Singapore and Hong Kong, while in Thailand, the ripe fruit is paired with sticky rice and coconut milk. In Jamaica, mango leaves are brewed into tea for coughs and asthma.

6. Avocado

High in ‘good’ fat, avocado is commonly eaten as a delicious thick milkshake in countries like Indonesia. Avocados are packed with potassium, vitamin C, E and B-vitamins as well as omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful nutrient that staves off heart disease, lowers inflammation and cholesterol.

Also read: The Health Benefits of Tropical Fruits

7. Coconut

The coconut fruit is considered a superfood. Coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes and perfect for hydrating in humid climates, while the white flesh contains a host of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. Significantly, the fats in the flesh are high in medium-chai fatty acids that control inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease.

8. Starfruit

With its attractive shape and juicy sweet-sour flesh, the starfruit or carambola has one of lowest calorie content among tropical fruits. It is high in vitamin C, phytonutrients, fibre, B-complex vitamins and has small amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and zinc and iron. The crunchy fruit can be eaten fresh — wavy skin and all — or on a juice. In traditional Chinese medicine, the starfuit is used as a remedy for coughs and sore throats.