Tamarillo’s benefits are many and have caught the attention of people around the globe for its sweet yet tangy taste. Commonly known as tree tomatoes, tamarillo is a sweet fruit used to make chutneys, compotes and is a great addition to your salad. A powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, tamarillo may aid in weight loss and may give you healthy and glowing skin. In this article, we explore the different benefits of tamarillo and some simple ways to incorporate them into your diet.
In This Article
What Is Tamarillo?
Tamarillo is native to South America. Tamarillo, also known as “Tree Tomato”, is now cultivated in many parts of the world. One of the largest producers of tamarillo is New Zealand. The name was revised to differentiate it from the ordinary tomatoes, thus emphasizing on its exotic variety.
Benefits Of Tamarillo
1. Vitamins
Tamarillo is packed with vitamins A, C, E and pro-vitamin A (1). It has a good source of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin. Other nutrients in tamarillo are carbohydrates, protein, fat, calcium, potassium and sodium (2) (3). It also contains minerals such as, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron. It is fortified with many nutrients that help improve the immune system.
Related: 24 Best Vitamin E-Rich Foods You Should Include In Your Diet
2. Aids Weight Loss
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This fruit is beneficial in weight loss, which can be attributed to it being low in calories and high in fiber. Consumed raw, sprinkled with herbs or in the form of salads, the juice of tamarillo acts as a detoxifier when consumed. Its acidic properties help cut down fat. In a study conducted on rats, it was found that the use of tamarillo may help manage weight and control obesity (4). Exercising, in addition, can accelerate the results of weight loss.
Related: 15 Best Remedies To Lose Weight Naturally In 2 Weeks
3. Good For Skin
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Tamarillo offers vitamins A, C and E to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant. Anthocyanin, phenols andflavonoidsi XA group of substances found in fruits and vegetables that help manage high blood pressure and lower the risk of diabetes. protect the skin from oxidative stressi XAn unbalanced ratio of antioxidants and free radicals in the body, which increases the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. and pollution (5), (6). Tamarillo also helps in anti-aging. Just as regular tomatoes, these can be used in home remedies for various skin problems.
StyleCraze Says You can apply tomatillo directly to your face. Simply split it open and rub the flesh and juice over your skin and wash it off after leaving it on for 15 minutes.
4. Helps Control Diabetes
The chlorogenic acid present in tamarillo and the low glycemic indexi XA rating system that assigns value to foods based on how quickly they increase blood sugar levels in the body. of the fruit together help lower blood sugar levels in type-II diabetes mellitus (7). Tamarillo contains excellent antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress in organs such as the pancreas and the liver. Eating the pulp of tamarillo, or consuming its juice on a light stomach would ensure better results.
5. Soothes Inflamed Tonsils:
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Tamarillo can help reduce inflammation in the lymph nodes. In Ecuador, the natives warmed tamarillo leaves and wrapped them around the neck to treat inflamed tonsils. The absorption of heat via leaves helps reduce pain. The Columbians make a poultice of the fruit by cooking it in embers for external medicinal use.
6. Lowers High Blood Pressure
Increase your tamarillo intake to lower the levels of high blood pressure (6). Loaded with good sources of minerals and potassium, this fruit helps control blood pressure.
7. Good For Heart
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Potassium, a nutrient abundantly present in tamarillo, helps to balance the harmful effects of high sodium levels in the heart. It provides magnesium for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system (8). Also, tamarillo contains high fiber content that helps restrain absorption of bad cholesterol in the body. Due to its excellent antioxidant properties, it helps reduce oxidative stress that may otherwise lead to stroke.
8. Good For The Eyes
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Tamarillo fruits are also very good for maintaining healthy eyesight. Anthocyanins present in tamarillo help improve your vision. According to a study, anthocyanins have effects on rhodopsin regeneration and smooth muscle relaxation in vitro. Anthocyanins were present in eye tissues and improved blood circulation (9).
StyleCraze Says You can add blackberries and bilberries to your diet in addition to tomatillo as they are two other good sources of anthocyanins (9). Related: 15 Best Foods To Improve Eyesight Naturally
9. May Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
Anthocyanins contained in the darker tamarillo have potent antioxidants, which help combat free radicals that cause cancer. They also have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that stave off cancerous outbreaks (8).
Now that you know about tamarillo health benefits, go ahead and check out one of its recipes!
Tomorilla Sprout Salad:
Serves: 1 person
Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- Tamarillos – 2 to 3
- Multi grain (optional) – 250 grm
- Onions -1(diced)
- Green chilli-1 small
- Cumin seeds – ¼ tsp
- Salt to taste
- Oil – 1/2 tsp
- Garnish of your choice
Preparation:
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Add cumin seeds and sauté for a minute, after which you can add the diced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Once slightly tender, add the multi-grain sprouts and sauté on a high flame.
- Alternate the flame from low to high, sauté for another 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle with some water and cover it.
- Steam it for a minute, and then remove the lid and add the tomatoes.
- Sauté on a high flame, adding salt.
- You can season it with Indian or Italian seasoning, which is optional.
Tell us how you found this post! Also share your tamarillo recipes, if you know any! Leave a comment below!
Infographic: Top 5 Reasons To Have Tamarillo
Tamarillo is loaded with different compounds, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious must-have in your pantry. While the benefits of consuming this South American fruit were covered in detail in the article above, we’ve picked up the finest ones for you here.
Check out the infographic below to learn more about the benefits of adding tamarillo to your diet.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Tamarillo is a sweet-tangy fruit featured in many savory dishes. It is packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals that promote overall health. Tamarillo’s benefits range from promoting heart health to soothing inflamed tonsils. In addition, it may help manage diabetes and weight loss. It is good for your skin as well, as it delays early signs of aging and reduces fine lines. Tamarillo may also help boost immunity and reduce the risk of cancer. However, remember to consume it in moderation as excess intake may cause problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat the skin of a tamarillo?
Yes, tamarillo skin is edible. However, it has a very bitter taste.
How do you eat tamarillo?
You can eat tamarillo by scooping out the flesh with a spoon directly. It can also be added to salads for a unique flavor.
Sources
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum): Chemical composition biological properties and product innovation
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092422441930367X?via%3Dihub - Wine Tree Tomato
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/600912/nutrients - Tree Tomato
https://gms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/gs/handler/getmedia.ashx?moid=3122&dt=3&g=12 - Protective Effects of Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea) Extract against High Fat Diet Induced Obesity in Sprague-Dawley Rats
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4480815/ - Nutritional Compositions and Antiproliferative Activities of Different Solvent Fractions from Ethanol Extract of Cyphomandra betacea (Tamarillo) Fruit
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5772812/ - Phenolic and Anthocyanin Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7070485/ - Effect of Tamarillo Fortification and Fermentation Process on Physicochemical Properties and Nutrient and Volatiles Content of Yoghurt
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8750935/ - Neuroprotective Potential of Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea) Epicarp Extracts Obtained by Sustainable Extraction Process
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8634709/ - Therapeutic Effects of Anthocyanins for Vision and Eye Health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6767261/
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Mayuri Aavula, MSc (Dietetics)
Mayuri Aavula is one of the top nutritionists in Hyderabad, India, and has won several awards and accolades. She has 6 years of experience and started TruDiet in 2016 to provide diet care services to popular film and TV personalities. She has also featured in many nutrition awareness campaigns in print media, All India Radio, and other television channels, including…View Profile ›
Tanya Choudhary, Health & Wellness Writer
Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her. She finds purpose in creating authentic and useful content that can impact people’s health in better ways. In…View Profile ›
