Benefits And Medicinal Importance Of Java Palm Fruit

What is Java Palm?

Java palm is also called ‘Salak palm’ or ‘Snake fruit’. It is a high value planting of tropical regions in Southeast Asia, where it’s grown in various regions of Java, Indonesia and Malaysia. The fruit grows on the palm, sprouting from the base in a bunch formation. The color of the outer skin is brown to orange brown while the flesh is white. The insides look like a garlic clove after removing its exterior skin. It is called snake palm due to its scaly outer surface with cactus like little thorns. Its size is more or less comparable to figs and can be range from 5-7 cm tapering towards the base and rounded at top. The taste of the fruit resembles apple and strawberry, with a little sourness like pineapple and a little sweetness like honey. It takes roughly 3-4 years to flower.

Nutritional Information: Nutritional value in a 100 gm serving contains:

Energy: Provides roughly 1,539 Kilojoules of energy to the body. Carbohydrates: up to 12. 1 gm which also helps in providing energy for the body.

Iron: The iron content is about 3. 9 mg (around 48. 75%). Protein: Contains 0. 8 gm of protein, which helps the body in building bones,muscle and cartilage. Fiber Content: Contains fiber nutrition value of about 0. 3 gm which helps strengthen the digestive system.

Vitamins: The vitamins present in the fruit are: Vitamin B2 Vitamin C Minerals: Also contains trace amounts of minerals as follows: Calcium-38 mg Phosphorus-18 mg Iron-3. 9 mg Medicinal Benefits:

Antioxidant: The palm fruit contains a lot of Beta-Carotene which is an antioxidant. It counteracts stroke and cancer causing radicals. Vision Improvement: Just like carrots, salak is a miracle fruit for eyesight because Beta-Carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is excellent for eyesight.

Digestion: Due to the presence of fiber and tannins, the fruit is an easy remedy for people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome as it helps strengthen digestive system.

Memory: Because of the essential nutrients present in the fruit, salak can be called a ‘memory fruit’ as it facilitates in boosting ones memory. Diabetes: The skin of the fruit is used in making tea that increases regeneration of pancreatic cells and helps control diabetes.

Heart: The potassium, minerals and antioxidants present in the fruit are good for the heart. They strengthen and prolong the heart’s functionality.

Pregnancy: Since salak is so rich in vitamins and minerals, it should be used during pregnancy as it can benefit both the mother and the fetus.