In this final article of my series devoted to raw vegetarian nutrition, I want to have a look at 4 more superfoods that grow in Bali and can make a positive contribution to your health.
Recall from the last article that a superfood is one that contains a high level of phytonutrients when compared to other foods. Phytonutrients are organic components of plants such as carotenes and lignans that, while not essential for life, are thought to promote health.
4 More Balinese Superfoods – And What They Can Do For Your Health
Papaya
Native to southern Mexico and now grown throughout the tropics, it’s rumored that Christopher Columbus once called the Papaya the “fruit of the angels.” Not surprising, given the sweet, juicy taste and creamy texture of papaya.
But papaya is more than just a tasty treat. As it turns out, research into the fruit has uncovered many potential health benefits that come from regularly enjoying it. Here are the most commonly cited benefits:
Due to a high concentration of the digestive enzymes papain and chymopapain, which are unique to the fruit, papaya offers valuable support for calming an upset stomach and speeding digestion – especially the digestion of protein. Green, or unripe papaya, contains the highest levels of these enzymes.
Papaya also contains significant amounts of vitamin C, E and beta-carotene which can help reduce inflammation and support healing from minor burns.
Ripe papaya juice has been seen to ease constipation due to it’s high water and fiber content.
Papaya can be helpful in preventing morning sickness and motion sickness.
Papaya seeds are sometimes recommended for expelling intestinal parasites like worms. This can be especially valuable in a tropical climate.
In Bali, papaya are easy to find at any market. They can be eaten ripe as a fruit or green as a vegetable. Papaya can also be used topically as a treatment for cuts, rashes, stings, ringworm and burns.
I enjoy using papaya as a base for my green smoothies.
Durian
Durian is called “the king of fruits” throughout much of Asia, where it grows exclusively in tropical climates. The pungent odor of this large thorny fruit turns some people away, but the taste of the rich, creamy flesh is worth experiencing at least once.
Durian is a favorite fruit among raw food vegetarians due to its taste, texture and effects. Some of my raw food friends actually travel around Asia following the ripening of durian. I met one man recently who had eaten at least one durian for the past 90 plus days in a row.
Durian has high protein content. Along with avocados, it is the highest protein fruit and is therefore an excellent muscle building food.
Durian also contains significant amounts of the amino acid tryptophan, which works in the body to raises serotonin levels in the brain. When these levels are increased a general feeling of well being ensues, making durian a good raw food choice for treating insomnia, anxiety and light depression.
One other significant property of durian is that it works as a blood cleanser and detoxifier.
Bali’s season for durian runs between December and March. During this time you can find durian on pretty much any corner. At other times during the year, durian imported from Malaysia or Thailand are available.
To pick a good durian chose a fruit that is more brown or yellow than green, that is heavy for its size and, if possible, that is just starting to split open. Also, seek durian that have fallen from the tree instead of having been cut from the tree.
Interesting note: Durian is a favorite fruit of orangutans, elephants and tigers.
Mangosteen
Known as the “queen of fruits,” mangosteen ripens the same time as Durian and is believed in Asia to be the perfect counterpart to the intense and rich flavor of the king of fruits. Mangosteen has a refreshing, sweet, tangy and slightly citrus flavor.
Over the past 10 years, various companies have promoted mangosteen juice as a “cure all.” Not surprisingly, there’s a lot of hype around the fruit that makes it challenging to get hard evidence about its nutritional and health benefits.
And yet it does seem clear that mangosteen’s uniqueness is in its high concentration of phytonutrients called xanthones. These compounds have been seen to be exceptionally anti-inflammatory. Eliminating inflammation in the body can lead to numerous health benefits including relief from chronic bloating, joint pain and even arthritis.
The purplish colored mangosteen rind also very high in antioxidants – though also extremely bitter in taste.
One other property commonly attributed to mangosteens is the ability to soothe stomach and bowel ulcers.
Mangosteens are easily available in Bali from December to March at most markets.
Cacao Beans
Once utilized as a form of currency in Aztec society, raw cacao beans are an amazing food. They are high in protein, beneficial fats, vitamins and minerals. Raw cacao is also rich in magnesium, an important mineral highly deficient in modern diets. The raw seeds are an excellent source of natural sulfur, a mineral associated with healthy skin, nails, hair and proper liver & pancreas function.
Eating raw cacao beans, and the raw chocolate made from them, may lead to a variety of health benefits including:
The suppression of appetite. The prevention of premature aging due to high levels of anti-oxidant flavanols Mental and physical stimulation due to the chemical theobromine. An increase in happiness and alertness combined with a relaxed body and mind, which stems from high levels of anandamide, known as the “bliss chemical.” Lowered blood pressure and healthier heart due magnesium
Cooking and processing seriously compromises or destroys most of these health enhancing constituents in the seeds. That’s why we never heat our chocolate when making such treats as raw chocolate mousse, raw chocolate truffles, raw mole sauce and more.
Organic raw cacao is easy to come by in Bali and is among the world’s best. Indeed any lover of chocolate is blessed to live here.
A lot more can be said about raw cacao – I recommend the book “Naked Chocolate” by David Wolfe and Shazzie.
Thanks for following this series of articles. It’s been a pleasure sharing this information that has made such a profound impact on my life. I hope I’ve inspired you to explore raw vegan food and superfoods as a positive contribution to your life.
Mark Ament is an expert on living food nutrition and internal cleansing. He is the author of three books on the subject. Contact Mark on mark@healingvibes.com. To find out what’s happening in the raw food world on Bali visit www.rawfoodbali.com
