What is Lulo?

Lulo, also referred to as naranjilla, is a citrus-like fruit with a unique tangy taste. It is native to the northwest part of South America, however, cultivated in different regions of the world. Its varieties across the world have differences in taste and concentration of nutrients.
Lulo is rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, with vitamins A, B, and C. Its antioxidant content prevents damage from free radicals and eliminates symptoms of premature aging. Lulo also promotes cardiovascular health and prevents many types of cancers. What`s more? It`s low in calories, making it fit for weight loss. Lulo is quite versatile, as it is used in various recipes such as jelly, pie, and cheesecake, to mention a few.

11 Health Benefits of Lulo

Improves Blood Circulation

Lulo is rich in iron; hence it boosts red blood cells and increases the flow of oxygen in the body.

Prevents Cancer

Lulo prevents cancer by neutralizing free radicals that mutate healthy cells. This is possible because lulo contains lots of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

Aids Digestion

Have you ever heard of pepsin? It is a type of fiber that ensures a healthy gastrointestinal tract. It wards off constipation, bloating, cramping, and gastric ulcers. Lulo contains pepsin, so you can trust it for healthy digestion. What`s more? Fiber regulates the amount of glucose released in your bloodstream, making it even healthy for people who suffer type-2 diabetes.

Improves Eyesight

Lulo is rich in vitamin A and beta carotene which combat free radicals that cause oxidative stress in ocular cells. This fruit is reliable for preventing cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye disorders.

Boosts Immunity

The vitamins A and C in lulo makes it a natural immune booster. Its vitamin C content serves as an antioxidant which eliminates free radicals and purifies organs. It also aids white blood cell production and strengthens the body against various infections. What`s more? Vitamin C stimulates collagen development, hence supports organs, blood vessels, and connective tissues.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Regular consumption of lulo is the same as the regular consumption of fiber. This is because lulo is rich in fiber, and this makes it great for heart health. People who consume lulo regularly have reduced risks of strokes.

Strengthens Bones

People who consume lulo regularly enjoy healthy bone density due to its calcium and phosphorus contents. Lulo is particularly great for people who suffer arthritis and osteoporosis, as it relieves the symptoms of those conditions.

Enhances Mood

Lulo relieves stress, and through this, brightens the mood. Its ability to trigger hormonal changes is what makes it reliable for reducing the risk of depression.

Regulates Cholesterol

Lulo contains adequate dietary fiber, enough to eliminate unhealthy cholesterol from the body. It also contains minerals and vitamins that improve heart health and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Improves Skin Health

With lulo`s vitamin C content, you can rest assured that the damage caused by free radicals is over. Lulo improves skin health and wards off premature aging. Would you be surprised to know that a number of skin products contain lulo? Well, they do, thanks to lulo`s skin beautifying quality.

Detoxifies the Body

Lulo is diuretic, hence it eliminates toxins from the kidneys and keeps it healthy. It also rids the body of excess salts and fat, and purifies the bloodstream.

A Lulo Recipe — Lulada (Colombian Lulo Drink)

Ingredients

This suffices for four servings
• 6 peeled and diced lulos
• 5 cups of water
• 3 cups of crushed ice
• 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
• Sugar to your taste

How to Make Lulada

• Put the lulos, sugar and a splash of water in a bowl.
• Mash the combination together with a fork or the tip of the handle of a wooden spoon.
• Add the lime juice and the rest of the water, and then stir until everything blends well.
• Fill each glass with ice, and add the lulo mixture.
• You may garnish the drink with a slice of lime.

Side Effects of Lulo

May Trigger Allergic Reaction

Lulo belongs to the nightshade family, just as tomatoes, eggplant, and some other foods do. People who are allergic to foods in this family are likely allergic to lulo. Allergic reactions to lulo include swelling in the mouth, lips, and tongue, burning sensation in the mouth, itching, and some other reactions. If you experience any of these, you might need to stop consuming lulo.

Risk of Hypotension

Lulo is popular for reducing the risk of high blood pressure due to its potassium content. Potassium is a natural vasodilator which relaxes the blood vessels and enhances blood circulation. But as necessary as potassium is, moderate consumption is key. Excess potassium can lower blood pressure so badly to the point of suffering hypotension, which is excessively low blood pressure. Hypotension has symptoms such as nausea, depression, dizziness, fatigue, and blurry vision.
Also, people who suffer hypertension and are taking medication for it may need to consume lulo moderately in order not to fall in the category of an overdose, as that would be excess potassium content.

Excessive Fiber Consumption

Regular consumption of lulo keeps our digestive system healthy. Its dietary fiber content is a natural laxative which supports bowel movement and relieves constipation. It also reduces the risk of gastrointestinal problems like bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and similar conditions.
As great as rich fiber intake sounds, moderation is highly important. Excessive intake of dietary fiber can be terrible, especially when there isn`t adequate water consumption. Remember that already, fiber absorbs a lot of water from the body system, so the risk of dehydration may just increase with much fiber intake and inadequate water consumption. Excessive consumption of fiber also causes intestinal blockage, intestinal gas, poor absorption of nutrients, and some other conditions.

Excessive Antioxidant Consumption

Lulo is rich in antioxidants, due to its phytonutrient, polyphenol, vitamins A, and vitamin C contents. These antioxidants are responsible for preventing cancer and benefitting health in a lot of other ways.
Inasmuch as the human body requires antioxidants, moderation is a necessary factor to consider because it has some health risks. For instance, studies show that smokers are vulnerable to higher risks of lung cancer due to excessive antioxidant intake. Asides smokers, the increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke comes with an excessive antioxidant intake.

Risk of Hypoglycemia

Regular consumption of lulo is healthy for people who suffer diabetes or are at risk of developing it, due to its low glycemic index. A food`s glycemic index determines the rate at which it releases sugar into the bloodstream. So with lulo, you`re sure of a relatively slow rate of sugar release into the bloodstream. This prevents a sudden increase in blood sugar level, hence manages diabetes. Lulo`s dietary fiber content also reduces the rate at which sugar gets absorbed into the bloodstream.
So certainly, lulo prevents diabetes; this is a reason diabetics who are already on medication should consume lulo in moderation, so they don`t end up having excessively low blood sugar levels. Some symptoms of abnormally low blood sugar levels include excessive sweating, excessive hunger, fainting, vomiting, and nausea.

Now That You Know…

Whether you eat lulo, drink lulada, or make any other thing with it, you have loads of nutrients to benefit. Just ensure that you maintain moderation in whatever you do.