The hala tree, or Pandanus tectorius as it is known in botany, is a robust and hardy plant of the Pandanaceae (Screw-pine family) that thrives in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate maritime locations. The plant is indigenous to the Pacific islands, including Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, as well as south Asia (south India, Sri Lanka), southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, and tropical northern Australia. The hala fruit is a cluster of smaller drupes or phalanges that grow together to form a larger, pineapple-like fruit 10-30 cm long and 8-20 cm in width. The ripe phalanges have a base that ranges in colour from yellow to orange to red when fully mature. Fibrous and fleshy tissue make up the base of the Hala fruit.
Promoting a Healthy Heart
Intake of hala fruit, which is high in dietary fibre, may promote cardiovascular health. Some people have found that eating them instead of conventionally processed munchies has helped their circulation and heart health. It may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by facilitating blood flow. Increasing fibre intake has lowered the risk of heart disease and other ailments. All the advice to increase your fibre intake is supported by the fact that eating fruit reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Increases Vitality Levels
The hala fruit is an excellent source of high-quality nutrients that can help give you more stamina and energy. It may also help keep you guarded against getting mentally and physically tired. Eating some vitamin-rich fruit like hala will help boost your energy levels when you're feeling run down. Drink some hala and coconut juice first thing in the morning if you need an energy boost.
Beautiful hala fruit, Image Source: Hala Fruit@Facebook
Healthy Digestion
The dietary fibre content of hala makes it a healthy food option. Several studies have shown that increasing our fibre intake positively affects our health. Constipation, bloating, gas, and even diarrhoea are just some of the digestive ailments it can aid with. Eat fruit like hala instead of processed food to speed up your metabolism and reap the benefits of the extra fibre.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Fruits like hala are high in fibre and can aid with digestive health. The ability to control hunger during the day is another benefit. Feeling fuller for more extended periods of time reduces the temptation to nibble on high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and thus helps you cut back on calorie intake. Over time, this could lead to a reduced caloric intake and a slimmer physique.
Enhances Libido
People in the area have been eating hala fruit for thousands of years, claiming it has aphrodisiac effects as well. You may try to check such claim by consuming hala fruit.
Boosts Mental Health
Hawaiians say eating hala fruit is a great way to calm down and clear your head. Some say that eating hala fruit can help calm the nerves and take the edge off stressful situations. Regrettably, not a single piece of scientific data backs up the assertion.
There might be flip side of eating hala fruit without consulting a health expert, especially if one suffers from certain ailments. Likewise, too overconsumption may also lead to stomach upset. So, to reap the health benefits of hala fruit, have it in moderation.