Rambutan – a single-seed tropical fruit is cultivated widely in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. With an outer red rind giving it a prickly appearance and soft white flesh encased within, the fruit is enjoyed right out of its peel or added to South East Asian desserts. With a sweet flavour similar to lychees, the taste of a rambutan is a cross between grapes and fresh dates, with underlying bitter notes. Eaten by cutting into its hairy shell, the rambutan is also used to make smoothies, curries, jams and even in cocktails. Here are six reasons to include this exotic fruit in your diet, for optimum skin health.
Antioxidant Protection
Rambutan is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and various polyphenols. These antioxidants help protect your skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, which accelerate the aging process and contribute to skin problems like wrinkles and fine lines. The high water content in rambutans also allows for skin to be hydrated and stay supple, during humid climates.
Collagen Production
The vitamin C present in rambutans is essential for collagen production and the production of elastin in the skin. Including a handful of these fruits in one’s diet can lead to firmer and more youthful-looking skin as well as improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin Hydration
Rambutans, like the lychee, contain a significant amount of water, which helps keep your skin hydrated. Proper hydration is vital for preventing dryness and flakiness of the skin as well as in maintaining optimum skin health. The fruit, while hydrating, also locks in the moisture beneath the surface of the skin, and regulates cell-turnover.
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UV Protection
While not a substitute for sunscreen, the antioxidants in rambutans may provide some protection against UV damage from the sun as well as help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration and promote a more even skin tone, which can result in a brighter and more radiant complexion.
Wound Healing
The vitamins present in rambutan, play a role in wound healing and tissue repair and so, consuming the fruit rich in vitamin C can aid in the healing of minor skin wounds and cuts. The carotenoids and pectin that are also prevalent in the fruit act as potent antioxidants, enabling the healing process to accelerate.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Some compounds and bioactive components in the fruit may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for soothing irritated or inflamed skin conditions. This includes providing relief from rashes, acne, marks left from breakouts as well as pigmentation. The therapeutic potential of the rambutan protects against oxidative damage as well as skin diseases.