Description
Salak is a species of palm tree (family Arecaceae) native to Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. It is cultivated in other regions as a food crop, and reportedly naturalized in Bali, Lombok, Timor, Malaysia, Maluku, and Sulawesi.
Salak Nutritional Information
Salak is not only a great fruit to include in your food for its flavor, but also for its nutrient content, which includes high levels of dietary fiber, protein, sugars, potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin C, and vitamin A, as well as various antioxidants and active ingredients. There are only 82 calories in a 100-gram serving of salak, which means that it has a low impact on your overall caloric intake.
Health Benefits Of Salak
The most important health benefits of salak include its ability to boost vision health, strengthen cognition, optimize digestion, increase energy, aid weight loss efforts and regulate blood sugar levels for diabetic patients.
Improves Memory
Thanks to the minerals and active ingredients in this fruit, such as potassium, beta-carotene, and pectin, this fruit is able to increase blood flow to the brain, which can boost cognition and improve your memory power, while also eliminating oxidative stress and lowering your risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Boosts Energy
Studies have found that salak is able to increase stamina and stimulate the metabolism, which can provide a solid boost to your energy levels. The carbohydrates found in this fruit are also good for maintaining energy levels throughout the day.
Weight Loss
There is a high level of dietary fiber in salak, which is ideal for increasing feelings of fullness and preventing unnecessary snacking and overeating. This also improves digestive efficiency and eliminates symptoms of constipation, bloating and cramping.
Improves Heart Health
The potassium found in salak help it lower your blood pressure, as potassium is a vasodilator. This means that it can reduce the tension in blood vessels and arteries, which lowers overall strain on the cardiovascular system.
Protects Vision
Beta-carotene is one of the antioxidants found in salak, which has a direct link to vision health. Having enough beta-carotene in your diet can lower your risk of macular degeneration and slow the progression of cataracts as you age.
Treats Diabetes
The high-fiber nature of this fruit makes it excellent for regulating blood sugar levels in the body, which is important for diabetic patients. There is a decent amount of carbohydrates (simple sugars) in this fruit, but the fiber counteracts those effects and prevents the spike in blood sugar, easing the strain on the pancreas.
