The chicken egg fruit is a remarkable fruit that few people think about. It contains polyphenols and carotenoids, a rich source of fiber that helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and provides excellent antioxidant benefits for the body.
Little-Known Benefits of Chicken Egg Fruit
The chicken egg fruit is a familiar fruit to Vietnamese people, especially in rural areas where the chicken egg tree is widely cultivated. However, its nutritional value and health benefits are not well-known.
Characteristics of Chicken Egg Fruit
The chicken egg tree, also known as Lékiema, scientifically named Pouteria lucuma, originates from South America. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and bears oval-shaped fruits that turn a rich yellow when ripe. The flesh inside resembles egg yolk, while the seeds are dark brown. When eaten, the fruit has a sweet, fragrant, and soft texture. The unripe fruit has a bitter taste and contains white sap. The name “chicken egg” accurately describes the characteristics of this fruit.
In many countries around the world, the chicken egg fruit is favored for being easy to eat and packed with nutrients. This superfood is a “treasure” of vitamins, fiber, calcium, and more for the body.
Ripe chicken egg fruit, yellow inside and out.
Notably, this fruit has been sold at high prices on online marketplaces like Amazon. Specifically, on Amazon, the chicken egg fruit is marketed as a superfood high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, selling for 1.5 million VND per kilogram of powder. In contrast, the chicken egg fruit is available at various Vietnamese markets for a much lower price, typically only a few tens of thousands of VND per kilogram.
In many rural areas of Vietnam, residents also grow chicken egg fruit and sell it at affordable prices. This fruit is also popular and sought after by many consumers.
Nutritional Value of Chicken Egg Fruit (Lékiema)
The Lékiema (chicken egg fruit) can be eaten directly when ripe or processed into dry powder for use. One tablespoon (7.5 grams) of chicken egg fruit powder provides: 30 calories, 0g protein, 0g fat, 6g carbs, 1.5g sugar, and 2g fiber.
One chicken egg fruit contains a significant amount of nutrients beneficial for the human body. Particularly, this fruit is considered a superfood due to the following benefits.
Benefits of Chicken Egg Fruit
Many people will be surprised by the fantastic benefits that chicken egg fruit (Lékiema) can offer.
1. Antioxidant Properties
The chicken egg fruit is rich in polyphenols and carotenoids, two groups of antioxidants known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties and for promoting cardiovascular health.
Regular consumption of chicken egg fruit can significantly improve skin health. Your skin will become brighter, more even-toned, and healthier when it receives adequate nutrients.
2. Eye Health
The yellow color of chicken egg fruit indicates a high content of xanthophyll and vitamin C, which are believed to enhance eye health and improve vision.
Xanthophyll and vitamin C in chicken egg fruit are good for eyesight.
3. Blood Sugar Control
Chicken egg fruit is rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which can reduce the body’s absorption of simple sugars. This may help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels and regulate blood sugar effectively.
4. Cardiovascular Health
The polyphenol content in Lékiema fruit helps protect against heart disease.
Polyphenols are beneficial plant compounds believed to protect against high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
Chicken egg fruit is good for cardiovascular health.
5. Diabetes Management Support
For many middle-aged individuals, diabetes is a concerning disease. To manage this condition, many people proactively reduce their intake of sugary foods. Additionally, consuming chicken egg fruit can act as a “treatment” to support diabetes management. This way, blood sugar levels can be regulated and insulin sensitivity improved.
The soluble fiber in chicken egg fruit can help protect against diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity and preventing spikes in blood sugar after meals or snacks.
6. Digestive Health
Lékiema fruit contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stools and prevents constipation by aiding the smooth passage of food through the intestines.
Soluble fiber nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which help keep intestinal cells healthy. Additionally, it improves symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis.
7. Cancer Prevention
Chicken egg fruit is high in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols and carotenoids, which are two groups of antioxidants that enhance health and combat cancer.
8. Skin Health
The niacin, beta-carotene, iron, and various fibers, along with antioxidant components found in chicken egg fruit – Lékiema, help regenerate cells, resulting in firmer, healthier skin.
