Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPomelo Fruit Nutrition FactsPomelo BenefitsShould Anyone Not Eat Pomelo?How to Eat Pomelo FruitWhere Do You Find Pomelo?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Pomelo Fruit Nutrition Facts
Pomelo Benefits
Should Anyone Not Eat Pomelo?
How to Eat Pomelo Fruit
Where Do You Find Pomelo?
Similar tograpefruit, thepomelois the largest member of thecitrus family. It is native to Southeast Asia and has a light green to yellow skin with tangy, sweet, and juicy flesh inside. Pomelos are highly nutritious and rich in antioxidants.
This article reviews the nutrition facts of pomelos and their potential health benefits, as well as how to eat them.
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Like many other citrus fruits, the pomelo is an excellent source ofvitamin C, providing over the daily value in just 1 cup. Vitamin C is an importantantioxidantand is beneficial for immune health.
One cup of pomelo sections (about 190 grams) provides:
Pomelos are a good source ofdietary fiber, which can support digestive health.
A pomelo is also rich in many other vitamins and minerals, such aspotassiumandcopper. Potassium plays important roles in the body, including helping with muscle contractions, heart and kidney function, and nerve transmission.
Copper also has vital functions in the body, such as maintaining the nervous and immune systems and making energy, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
What Does a Pomelo Taste Like?Pomelos have several varieties, which have slightly different tastes and flavors. Nevertheless, most pomelos are sweet, with hints of tartness and acidity. Pomelo is generally sweeter and less bitter than its relative, the grapefruit.
What Does a Pomelo Taste Like?
Pomelos have several varieties, which have slightly different tastes and flavors. Nevertheless, most pomelos are sweet, with hints of tartness and acidity. Pomelo is generally sweeter and less bitter than its relative, the grapefruit.
Few studies have been performed on humans to determine the clinical health benefits of pomelo. Most studies showing potential benefits have been done on animals or in test tubes. Hopefully, the future will bring more studies in humans to fully understand pomelo and its health benefits.
May Benefit Heart Health
Pomelo may help reduce cholesterol levels, thus boosting heart health. One study in rats found that pomelo extract reduced totalcholesterol,low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which have been linked to heart disease.
Another study in mice looked at the pomelo extract of naringin, a flavonoid (polyphenolic plant compound with a variety of health benefits) withanti-inflammatoryand antioxidant activity. The researchers found that the pomelo extract possesses “anti-hyperlipidemia effects” (preventing high amounts of fat in the blood) and could be a potential dietary strategy for managing high cholesterol in the future.
Boosts Immune Health
Thanks to vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds found in pomelo, it can help give a boost to yourimmune system. Vitamin C has been shown to enhance immune health, helping to reduce the length of respiratory tract infections, such as thecommon cold.
In addition to vitamin C,lycopeneandcarotenoidsare other antioxidants found in pomelos that help provide protective effects to the immune system.
May Fight Cancer Cells
Though no studies have been conducted in humans, some animal studies have shown promising results for the role of pomelo in fighting the growth of cancer cells.
A 2018 study found that tumor-bearing mice treated with polysaccharides from pomelo peels had suppressed tumor growth and a boosted immune system.
Another study found that carotenoids from pomelo leaves exhibit anticancer activity, potentially helping to inhibit certain melanoma cells.Additional research has shown the peels of citrus fruits contain compounds that may be potentially beneficial in the treatment of cancer.
Keep in mind that the amounts used in many of these studies are in much higher quantities than there would be in a typical serving of pomelo. Nevertheless, more research is necessary in humans to further evaluate the anticancer potential of pomelo.
Has Antimicrobial Properties
Research shows that pomelo might have antimicrobial properties, which may protect against some strains of bacteria and fungus.Most of this research was conducted using essential oils extracted from the pomelo fruit, particularly from the peel, or rind, of the fruit.
May Slow Signs of Aging
Thanks to their high antioxidant content, pomelos may slow signs of aging. This is because antioxidants, includingvitamin C, may prevent free radicals from damaging the skin barrier.
Additionally, antioxidants in the essential oil of the pomelo peel have been shown to reduce the production of the pigmentmelaninin the skin, possibly helping to hinder the development of sunspots and skin discoloration.
Several varieties of pomelo are also high in a compound called gallic acid,which is known to have anti-aging properties.
People who takestatin medicinesfor high cholesterol should avoid pomelo fruit.Similar to grapefruit, pomelos contain compounds called furanocoumarins, which can impact the breakdown of statin medications.
If you are taking other medications for any underlying health conditions, talk with a healthcare provider or pharmacist prior to including pomelo in your diet.
Just like with any fruit or vegetable, there are a variety of ways to enjoy pomelo. The pith of the outer layer is fairly bitter, so most people remove it altogether prior to eating.
The inner flesh should pull apart in sections. You can peel away or slice off any remaining layers of pith and enjoy the fruit.
Alternatively, you can eat a pomelo like you would a grapefruit. Slice the entire fruit in half, then cut out the center core on each half. Next, cut around the fruit, slicing between the flesh and the outer pith portion.
Another method of eating a pomelo is to slice it all the way through in half. Then, slice with the blade between the flesh of the fruit and the outer pith layer. Next, cut through the rind, quartering the fruit and then pulling it all apart to expose the fruit and remove it from the outer portion. Peel or slice off any remaining layers of pith.
Enjoy pomelo in ways similar to other citrus fruits, such as orange or grapefruit. Many people like to eat pomelo on its own or with a sprinkle of either salt or sugar. It is often juiced for beverages, tossed into salads, or cooked down and used in sauces or desserts.
Pomelo is most commonly grown in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand and imported to the United States. They may be hard to find in your local supermarket but may be more common during the winter months of October through March.
You may have more luck finding them in ethnic grocery stores or specialty supermarkets.
Summary
Pomelos are the largest of the citrus fruits, similar to a grapefruit. They usually have a green outer layer with a thick pith and sweet and juicy flesh inside. Pomelos are very nutritious, boasting plenty of dietary fiber and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and copper.
Few studies have been conducted on humans in regard to the health benefits of pomelo. However, animal studies suggest pomelo may benefit heart health and the immune system and fight against cancer cells. Studies have also found that pomelo may exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal properties and can potentially slow signs of aging.
Pomelo are eaten and enjoyed like other citrus fruits. They are most commonly grown in Southeast Asia and imported to the United States where they are most likely to be found during the winter months or in ethnic grocery stores or specialty supermarkets.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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