12 Amazing Health Benefits Of Rambutan

If you are amazed what on earth a rambutan (Ram-bu-tan) is, it is a fruit with a rich antioxidant profile and nutrients. Wondering what could be the health benefits of a rambutan? Well, brace yourself! The list is quite too long.

In this article, we take you through its 11 amazing benefits, its nutritional breakdown, potential side effects, some easy and delicious recipes to include in your diet, and more. So, let us get started.

Know Your Ingredient: Rambutan

What Is It?
A tropical fruit with soft green and red spiky outer coating. It has a juicy texture and acidic taste.

What Are Its Benefits?
It boosts immunity, prevents cancer, and improves heart, bone, digestive, scalp, and hair health.

Who Can Consume It?
Anyone except people who have diabetes or hypertension.

How Often?
It can be consumed daily in moderation.

Caution
Avoid eating rambutan seeds as they may cause toxicity and affect motor function.

What Is A Rambutan?

It is a medium-sized tropical tree and belongs to the family Sapindaceae. Scientifically called Nephelium lappaceum, the name rambutan also refers to the delicious fruit (which we are going to talk about) this tree produces. It is native to the Malay-Indonesian region and certain other regions of Southeast Asia.

Also spelled rambotan, ramboutan, rambustan, and ramboetan, the fruit is closely related to other tropical fruits like the lychee, longan, and mamoncillo. In fact, in the native language, rambut means hair. This is with reference to the numerous hairy protrusions of the fruit. In Vietnamese, the fruit is called chom chom (which means messy hair), referring to the spines covering its skin.

Trivia

Arab traders were the ones who first introduced the rambutan into East Africa around the 13th to 15th centuries.

What Is Rambutan Good For?

Though the fruit is small, it contains a considerable amount of vitamin C – a nutrient that boosts immunity and flushes toxins out of your body

.

Rambutan contains copper as well, another mineral that works in tandem with iron to improve the health of your blood vessels and blood cells (as it is also a good source of iron).

Did You Know?

Rambutan trees are also considered ornamental varieties and are highly valued because of their color contrast between bright-colored fruits and dark leaves.

What Is The History Of Rambutan?

Like we saw, rambutan is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. This is where the widest cultivars of the fruit are found. Around the 14^th century, the Arab traders introduced rambutan to East Africa. And in the 19^th century, the Dutch introduced this fruit to South America. In 1912, the fruit traveled from Indonesia to the Philippines.  

Rambutans are a big part of local culture. People see them as a symbol of luck and good things to come. The fruit and flowers symbolize good luck and protection against negativity. That is why you will often see them at festivals and celebrations.

The significance of this fruit is not just cultural. They are beneficial for your health too. We’ll discuss that below. But before that, let’s take a look at the nutrients this wonder fruit contains.

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Rambutan?

A hundred grams of rambutan contain about 84 calories. And a serving of the fruit has just 0.1 gram of fat. It also has 0.9 gram of protein. And 100 grams of this fruit also contain 40 percent of the vitamin C you require daily and about 28 percent of iron.

Wondering what this spiky fruit can do for you? Well, read on.

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Rambutan?

Rambutan is rich in antioxidants that fight the free radicals and prevent any ailment that they might cause. These include cancer, inflammation, and even heart disease. The abundance of certain vitamins and the delectable taste make this fruit a must-have on one’s plate.

1. Can Aid In Diabetes Treatment

A Chinese study talks about how rambutan peels possess anti-diabetic properties. Diabetic mice induced with the phenolic extracts of rambutan peels had shown a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels (1).

2. Can Prevent Weight Gain

There is no specific research that suggests how rambutan, by itself, can prevent weight gain and promote weight management. However, fruits, in general, as per studies, can prevent weight gain as they have low energy density (2). Fruits also contain some amount of fiber that can, aid weight loss by helping you stay full for longer.

3. Improves Heart Health

The high fiber content in rambutan can potentially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (3). It also helps alleviate hypertension and might lower cholesterol levels – both of which can otherwise damage the heart.

4. Enhances Bone Health

The phosphorus in rambutan has a role to play here. The fruit contains good amounts of phosphorus, which aids in the formation of bones and their maintenance.

The vitamin C in rambutan also contributes to bone health.

5. May Help Prevent Cancer

Rambutan is one of those fruits with a high antioxidant content, which is reason enough to say that it can prevent cancer. These antioxidants can fight inflammation and protect the cells in the body from getting affected.

The vitamin C in the fruit also aids in this regard. It neutralizes the harmful free radicals and offers protection against different forms of cancer.

According to one study, rambutan peels can alter and disturb the growth of cancer cells and can even be used for the treatment of liver cancer (4). And as per another report, eating five rambutans every day can drastically cut the risk of cancer (5).

6. Has Antibacterial And Antiseptic Properties

Studies suggest that rambutan has been used since the ancient times for its antibacterial properties (6). Certain studies also speak of the antiseptic properties of the fruit, which protect the body against numerous infections. The fruit accelerates wound healing and also prevents pus formation.

7. Boosts Energy

Rambutan contains both carbohydrates and protein, both of which can offer an energy boost when required. The natural sugars in the fruit also aid in this aspect.

8. Improves Digestive Health

The fiber in rambutan might help improve digestive health. It can aid digestion and also help prevent digestive issues like constipation. And the antibacterial properties might help kill intestinal parasites. Thus treating diarrhea as well.

However, we have less research in this regard. Please consult your doctor.

9. Works As An Aphrodisiac

Certain sources say that the leaves of rambutan work as an aphrodisiac. Simmering the leaves in water and then consuming them is said to activate the hormones that boost libido.

Rambutan is also believed to enhance fertility, though there is no research to back this up. Check with your doctor before using it for this purpose.

10. Promotes Scalp And Hair Health

The antibacterial properties of rambutan might treat dandruff and other scalp issues like itching. And the vitamin C in the fruit can nourish the hair and scalp.

The copper in rambutan treats hair loss. It also intensifies hair color and prevents premature graying.

Rambutan also contains protein, which can strengthen the hair roots. Vitamin C can also give your hair that added shine. You can simply apply rambutan juice to your hair and let it sit for about 15 minutes before shampooing as usual.

As there is little research in this aspect, we recommend you consult your doctor before you use rambutan for your scalp/hair health.

11. Enhances Skin Health

The seeds of the rambutan fruit are known to enhance your skin’s health and appearance. Mash the seeds into a paste and apply it to your skin for a clearer and even complexion. Using the seed paste regularly can soften and smoothen your skin and improve its texture.

Rambutan also hydrates your skin. The manganese in the fruit, along with vitamin C, aids collagen production and also acts as an antioxidant that damages the free radicals. All of this keeps your skin healthy and young for a long time.

12. Provides Required Nutrient-Intake During Pregnancy

As noted above, rambutans are rich in many nutrients and antioxidants that may prove beneficial during pregnancy. Its vitamin C content may boost immunity and keep illnesses at bay. It also has high fats and calories, making it a great food source to meet daily caloric intake requirements during pregnancy (7). It also provides other benefits such as digestive and heart health support, bone health enhancement, and energy-boosting properties that play a vital role in maintaining the good health of the mother and fetus. While there may be cultural taboos against the consumption of rambutans during pregnancy, they are not grounded in science. However, if you are unsure about its safety, consult your doctor to decide the best way to add it to your diet.

That’s pretty much the list of rambutan benefits. But there is a big question running around. Did you ever wonder if rambutan is the same as lychee? Let’s find out.

Rambutan Vs. Lychee – What’s The Difference?

Firstly, the two are different. Let’s accept that.

Rambutan

The rambutan is about the size of a golf ball. It has a red outer skin and yellowish green spikes all over. The flesh of this fruit is white and has a big seed at its center. It has a sweet, creamy, rich taste.

The skin is really thick and hard to peel.

Lychee 

The lychee is a little smaller than rambutan. It also has a red outer skin but minus the spikes. And the skin is rough. The flesh looks similar to that of the rambutan, but it tastes different. It is not as rich and creamy. It is crisper. And yes, this one also has a seed at the center.

The skin is not as thick, and you can peel it as you do with a hard boiled egg.

So, is that all? Is that all there is to rambutan? Well, no. There’s a host of other things you can do with the plant.

How Else Can You Use Rambutan?

We already saw how to use the fruit and its benefits. But that’s not it. There are other parts of the plant that are quite useful as well. These include the leaves, seeds, peel, and the bark. And here, we look at each of them.

• The Leaves

The leaves of the fruit contain healing juices. They possess analgesic properties, which basically means they act as an effective painkiller. It is said that drinking the juice works on your nerve centers and heals pain.

The juice from the leaves also offers great scalp health. You can also get rid of frizzy hair – just squeeze the juice from the leaves and apply to your scalp and hair. Rinse after an hour. Repeat 3 times in a week.

• The Seeds

The seeds also have numerous beneficial properties, but we suggest never to eat them raw. They contain saponins, compounds that can be extremely poisonous.

The seeds are full of proteins and carbs. Adding them to your snack can be a good idea. They also have oxidative properties, which can help remove blemishes from your skin. You just have to crush the seeds to make a fine paste and apply to your skin.

• The Peel

The peel contains flavonoids and gallic acid – these contain anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. You can simply wash the peels and eat them raw. And don’t worry about the spines – they are just soft and tender.

The peel can also cure dysentery and fever. Just boil the peel and strain the liquid. Drink this twice or thrice a day.

•  The Bark

The bark of the rambutan plant has astringent properties and can treat canker sores.

See? We told you. Not just the fruit, even the plant and its parts have some use. Now that’s cool, isn’t it? What’s even better are the facts about the fruit.

Any Fast Facts On Rambutan?

• The rambutan plant can reach as much as 66 feet in height.
• Rambutan produces fruit twice a year. And each plant/tree can produce as many as 6,000 fruits per season.
• The oil extracted from the seeds of rambutan can be used for cooking.
• There are over 200 varieties of rambutan today.
• Rambutan is usually harvested with more fruit left on the branches. This allows the fruit to stay fresh for longer and also makes it less prone to damage.

Rambutans might be those fruits you rarely come across. So if you want one, where can you get it? Good question.

Where To Buy Rambutans?

You can find rambutans in select stores, some of which include Kroger, Wegmans, Independent Asian Supermarkets, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, and 99 Ranch Market. Or you can also get the fruit online.

With rambutan, it’s a different story. Because this is a fruit that only ripens on the tree. One can’t prematurely harvest it. In the USA, the season is late June to August and again from December through January. The US crop primarily comes from Hawaii.

And in case you are heading to the market to buy your rambutans, there is a way to select the fruit. And then there is a way to store it.

What About The Selection And Storage?

Selection

While buying rambutans, look for the fresh ones that are bright red or yellow. The spines should be firm. Never choose a rambutan with bruises as it may be a sign of a damaged or overripe fruit.

Storage

It can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days. Refrigerating the fruits gives them a lifespan of a week or so, but they might lose their aroma. They should be ideally wrapped in a paper towel or a perforated plastic bag.

There are a few tips on how to cook this fruit. Basic guidelines, we can say.

Any Tips For Cooking?

• Before you even use rambutan for cooking, make a cut through the skin all the way round. Post which you can peel off the skin and use it.
• In case you are serving the fruit to your guests, you can retain half of the skin on the platter. This enhances the look of the fruit. Your guests can then peel the fruit and eat.
• Make sure you don’t cut the fruit half right through its seed.

And now for the million dollar question.

How To Eat Rambutan Properly

We know it’s a tricky task, but we have you covered.

• The first step is to choose a ripe rambutan. A ripe rambutan is bright red with green spikes.
• Place the fruit on a cutting board, and using a kitchen knife, just cut through the tough rind. Don’t try to cut the fruit in half because, well, you can’t. There is a large seed at the center.
• Hold the knife stationary and slowly rotate the fruit. This will ensure some part of the ring is peeled off.
• Squeeze out one half of the rind with your fingers.
• You can either squeeze out the other half of the rind, or if you are worried about the loss of juice, just peel the rind.
• Ensure you dispose the seed before eating the fruit.

Okay. So now, you are relishing the fruit. You are happy. But wouldn’t it only get better if you add this fruit to some delicious recipe(s)? For a delicious and healthy fruit salad, try mixing rambutans with other tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. They taste great together and give you a lot of nutrients. Find more mouth-watering recipes by scrolling down.

Any Popular Rambutan Recipes?

Let us tell you that these orbs taste wonderfully great whether raw or in fruit salads, or pureed, or even in jams, jellies, and sorbet.

1. Rambutan And Lime Sorbet 

What You Need

• 1 pound of rambutan, peeled and deseeded
• Rind and juice from 3 organic limes
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 3 teaspoons of honey

Directions

1. To a saucepan, add the sugar, honey, and the lime rind and juice. Keep stirring over moderate heat until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the rambutans and lime syrup to a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth. Pour this mixture into an ice cream maker and process. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
3. Store in the freezer, and remove it 30 minutes before serving.

2. Rambutan Salad 

What You Need

• 1 finely chopped red onion
• 1 crushed clove of garlic
• Pineapple vinegar
• Deseeded red chili
• 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup of lemon basil
• Rambutans, as required
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the onion, salt, pepper, garlic, and vinegar. Allow them to stand. Doing so can pickle the onion and stop it from burning.
2. Peel and deseed as many rambutans as you need. Take at least 5 fruits per person.
3. Add the mint leaves, lemon basil, and chili. Then, gently toss all the ingredients together.
4. You can serve cold with leafy greens or meat of your choice. You can also have it with grilled fish.

We know the recipes are great. But we also must know the murky side of rambutan.

Does Rambutan Have Any Side Effects?

Most of the side effects come from the fact that the fruit is sweet.

• Diabetes

Yes, we did speak of rambutan for its anti-diabetic properties. But there is another side to it. Rambutan contains fructose, and this can promote insulin resistance, worsening diabetes. It can cause a spike in the blood sugar levels when taken in excess.

Note: The fiber in rambutan regulates blood sugar release, making it a great choice (in moderation) for those with blood sugar imbalances.

• Hypertension

In case you let the fruit ripen too much, the sugar in the fruit can turn into alcohol. And this can pose harm to people with blood pressure problems.

• Toxicity

This is with the seeds. Eating them can be fatal. Hence, don’t eat them.

Infographic: Top 7 Reasons For Eating Rambutans

Rambutan has a remarkable nutritional profile to go along with its distinctive, eye-catching exterior. You can acquire a range of health advantages for your body with just this one fruit. We have rounded up the top 7 benefits of eating rambutan in the infographic below. Scroll down to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rambutan seeds poisonous?

Yes. We recommend against eating them raw. Boiling or cooking them might reduce their toxic properties (however, research is lacking in this regard).

Which season is a rambutan grown in?

The fruit is harvested between July to September and December to January – July to September being the main period.

How to grow rambutan?

The trees can grow in tropical and sub-tropical environments. Temperatures between 71 to 87o F are a must. Anything below 50 can kill them. Hence, they are best grown in warm regions like California and Florida. 
The rambutan tree also likes to stay moist. You can plant the seed flat in a pot with drainage holes. It must be filled with organic soil, amended with sand and organic compost. You can place the seed in the dirt and slightly cover with soil. The seed will take anywhere from 10 to 21 days to germinate. 

How many rambutans should you eat in a day?

You can have 5 to 6 rambutans in a day. Anything beyond that may cause a spike in your sugar levels or cause hypertension, as discussed above.

Is rambutan good for the sperm?

Rambutan helps increase sperm count and fertility. According to a study, the peel extract of rambutan may increase sperm production (8).

Illustration: Amazing Health Benefits Of Rambutan

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover 12 amazing health benefits of rambutan. From boosting immunity to aiding digestion, check out the video below to know more about this tropical powerhouse.

Disclaimer: 

“The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before starting a diet, exercise, or supplement regimen. This article is intended for educational purposes only.”

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Rachelle CavesRDN, CNSC, CPT

 

Rachelle Caves is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, and Certified Personal Trainer. She has 12 years of significant experience providing nutrition therapy for a wide range of conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, while helping clients achieve weight loss without counting calories or restricting carbohydrates.

Read full bio of Rachelle Caves

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

Read full bio of Aparna Mallampalli