Pomelo: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode
By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Smita Barode
Last updated: Jan 19, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Smita Barode
Last updated: Jan 19, 2024Table of Contents
Pomelo is a natural citrus fruit and highly nutritious that resembles grapefruit, but the size of pomelo is large. Pomelo has its origin in subtropical, tropical southeast Asia and is the most widely cultivated fruit crop in the world.1,2 The scientific name of pomelo is Citrus grandis (L) which belongs to the Rutaceae family. Pomelo is also referred to as Pummelo, Chinese grapefruit, and Shaddock fruit.2,3 The taste of pomelo is slightly acidic and sweet with a hint of bitterness, which makes it one of the five most consumed citrus fruit around the world. The data released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation in 2019, stated that worldwide Pomelo production is around 9.3 million metric tons and the USA is the leading producer with approximately 5 million metric tons.3 The important nutritional constituents like vitamin C, para insulin, folic acid, potassium, pectin, and chromium.4 The composition of the fruit can vary with the conditions like fruit size, maturity, horticulture conditions, climate, and storage.3 Let us discuss more beneficial properties of the Pomelo.
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The nutrient value of pomelo is:
| Nutritional component | Value per 100g |
| Water | 89.1 g |
| Energy | 38 Kcal |
| Protein | 0.76 g |
| Fat | 0.04 g |
| Carbohydrate | 9.62 g |
| Iron | 0.11 mg |
| Fibre (total dietary) | 1 g |
| Potassium | 216 mg |
| Calcium | 4 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Vitamin C | 61 mg |
| Magnesium | 6 mg |
| Phosphorus | 17 mg |
| Zinc | 0.08 mg |
| Manganese | 0.017mg |
| Copper | 0.048 mg |
| Thiamine | 0.034 mg |
| Niacin | 0.22 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.027mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.036 mg |
Table 1: Nutritional value of pomelo per 100 grams5
You will feel fuller for a longer period because of the protein and fibre in pomelo. This may bring down your cravings, which eventually leads to calorie reduction through portion control. Pomelo has a low-calorie count per serving as well. I strongly recommend foods like pomelo that may help you boost your nutrition while lowering your calorie intake if you’re attempting to lose weight.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
The properties of Pomelo are given as follows:
From my perspective, consuming pomelos might be good for your heart by lowering your blood’s triglyceride and cholesterol levels. In one research, rats who were fed concentrated pomelo extract had lower triglyceride levels (by up to 21%) and LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol levels (by up to 41%). Pomelo may lower dangerous lipids in circulation by inhibiting their absorption during digestion, according to different researches.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Pomelo may be a rich source of nutrients and some of the potential uses of Pomelo are:
Pomelo contains flavonoids like quercetin, hesperetin and naringin. The flavonoids in the pomelo may bind to starch leading to an increase in hepatic glycolysis (breakdown of glucose) and a decrease in gluconeogenesis (glucose formation). The study by Lin et al. 2021 showed that ethanolic extract of pomelo may reduce hyperglycemia by upregulating the insulin concentration. If you have diabetes consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.7
The collagenase and elastase enzymes are responsible for the breakdown of collagen, resulting in skin ageing. The free radicals present in the body may increase the production of collagenase and elastase. An increase in the production of these enzymes can accelerate skin ageing. The antioxidant property of pomelo may help in managing skin ageing by scavenging free radicals. The study by Lukitaningsih et al. 2021, evaluated the physical and chemical stability parameters of the pomelo extract in the semisolid formulation and pomelo may show the free radical scavenging property. This may help in the anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity of the pomelo extract.8 If you have skin-related problems consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.
Pomelo peel extract may benefit the agriculture industry. Pomelo may use to inhibit microbes that cause disease to the plant. Staphylococcus aureus is one such microbe that can contaminate food (fresh or packed). To control the contamination of food, Sawanit aichayawanich 2013, produced a biodegradable film containing pomelo peel extract to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. The essential oil in the pomelo peel extract may destroy the phospholipids layer of the microbe leading to leakage of cytoplasm and may also inhibit the essential enzyme of Staphylococcus aureus.9
Pomelo may contain volatile oils that have the aroma of citrus which play an important role in the insecticidal, fragrance, and repellent properties. Terpenoids like Linalool, Neorl, geraniol, nootkatone, indole, and cadinene are important aromatic compounds that may be potential for flavour, cosmetic, insecticidal, repellent and fragrance industries. These compounds reach the maximum concentration level at maturation providing maximum benefits.3
Though studies show the benefits of Pomelo in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Pomelo on human health.
Our cells are harmed by free radicals, especially if our surroundings are full of them. Antioxidants may aid in repairing that damage, lowering our chance of developing cancer. From my knowledge, Pomelos are well-known for containing significant amounts of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, as well as other antioxidant chemicals such as naringenin and naringin, which are also frequently present in citrus fruits, and lycopene, commonly found in tomatoes.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
Pomelo or Chinese grapefruit can be used in the following ways:
One should always consult the Ayurvedic physician before consuming pomelo in large quantities or for therapeutic benefits. They will be the best person to prescribe you the correct form and dosage as per your health condition.
Pomelo being a fruit does not have any side effects. However, children and elders should take precautions and consult an ayurvedic physician in case they are on medication, before consuming pomelo. Pharmacists and health professionals should create awareness among people and educate them about the potential side effects of the drug with fruit juices.
Consuming pomelo juice with sildenafil (which belongs to the phosphodiesterase5 medicine group) may reduce the bioavailability of sildenafil. The bioavailability of Cyclosporine may increase with the intake of pomelo juice. The increase in the blood level of tacrolimus is also reported after the consumption of 100gm of pomelo.10 You should consult doctors or ayurvedic physicians before taking fruit juice with drugs.
Also Read: What is a Kumquat? Exploring the Unique Characteristics and Benefits
Pomelo may help in anti-ageing of the skin, decrease blood glucose levels, and may reduce diabetes. However, more research to be conducted to claim these effects of pomelo. If you have any of the mentioned problems consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.
Yes, pomelo may interact with some drugs like cyclosporine, sildenafil, and tacrolimus.
Adults and children especially those on medication should avoid fruit juices. Still, more research should be conducted on pomelo juice. Pomelo fruit or juice must be taken only after the doctor’s advice.
The flavonoids present in pomelo fruit may decrease the formation of glucose and increase the breakdown of glucose which may help in managing diabetes. If you have diabetes consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.
The antioxidant property of pomelo may help in scavenging the free radicals that are responsible for the increase in the production of enzymes which causes skin ageing. The scavenging will decrease the production of these enzymes, thus delaying the ageing process.
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