Benefits of tamarillo, and information on the different nutritional properties of the tree tomato or cifomandra.
The tamarillo is, at the very least, one of those exotic or tropical fruits whose shape and appearance is very reminiscent of the tomato, hence it is popularly known by the names of tree tomato, French tomato or cyphomandra.
But this resemblance is not a coincidence: it belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes about 2,300 species of plants, and to which tomatoes and potatoes belong.
The tamarillo is a variety that comes from the Peruvian Andes, although it is currently grown in tropical areas of Colombia and Brazil, and also in places as diverse as New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, California and South Africa.
In the market you can find tamarillo practically throughout the year, and it has a bittersweet flavor that sometimes tends to be somewhat bitter.
Nutritional properties of tamarillo
It is a fruit especially rich in water and vitamins, among which provitamin A and vitamin C stand out as antioxidant nutrients. In the case of this last vitamin, as you know, it helps in resistance to infections, favors the absorption of iron (therefore recommended in case of iron deficiency anemia) and intervenes in the formation of bones, teeth and collagen.
Regarding provitamin A, it has the ability to transform into vitamin A, which is essential for vision, skin, hair and the functioning of the immune system.
Tamarillo benefits
Its consumption is recommended when it comes to preventing and reducing the risk of degenerative and cardiovascular diseases and cancer, thanks to the presence of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin A and C.
On the other hand, as we indicated in the previous note, thanks to the fact that vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron, tamarillo is interesting in people with iron deficiency anemia, as long as its consumption is accompanied in the diet of foods rich in iron.
Due to its soluble fiber content, it helps prevent and improve constipation. In addition, it is useful in case of high cholesterol, and it is beneficial in the control of diabetes.
