Jiló: Know 8 Benefits That Will Make You Give This Fruit A Chance

Despite its bitter taste, the jiló has connoisseurs in all corners of the country. Jiloeiro fruit, is mainly grown in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Minas Gerais.

Rounded in shape, the jiló has a greenish color, ranging from lighter to darker tones, containing important nutrients for good health, such as calcium, phosphorus and iron.

Despite being confused with a vegetable, the jiló is a fruit and can be consumed in various ways, making its presence with its unmistakable flavor.


8 Amazing Benefits of Jilo

Water-rich fruit (about 90% of its composition), this is a low-calorie food, making it a great alternative for those on a restrictive diet. Check out some of the most popular benefits of eating jiló according to nutritionist Ana Paula Moura:

  1. Assists in diabetes control: "Due to its large amount of fiber and its low carbohydrate content, this fruit helps keep track of blood glucose," says the professional.
  2. Support in the treatment of anemia: As it is an iron-rich food, it can be a great adjunct in the treatment of anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia.
  3. Guarantees a healthier heart: According to the nutritionist, the jilo is rich in vitamin B1, which acts directly in the regulation of some cardiac functions.
  4. Help in treating dyslipidemia: This fruit has high doses of flavonoids, compounds that help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and still prevent the formation of atheromatous plaques in the circulatory system.
  5. Improved oral hygiene: "Thanks to its bitter taste, the jilo increases salivation, a fact that helps in oral hygiene, reducing bad breath," explains Ana Paula.
  6. Provides better digestion: This is one of its best known benefits. Due to its bitterness, the jilo stimulates the secretion of more gastric juice, resulting in better digestion of food.
  7. Guarantees a feeling of satiety:As it has a large amount of fiber and water, this fruit guarantees a greater feeling of satiety and can be consumed in greater quantity.
  8. Antioxidant Function: "As the jilo is rich in vitamin A and manganese, it helps prevent serious diseases like cancer and degenerative diseases by fighting free radicals," adds the professional.

All of these benefits can ensure better health and increase the feeling of well-being. Check out its effects by adding jilo consumption to your eating routine.

Read also: 10 foods that guarantee good health


Does Jilo lose weight?

Frequently associated with weight loss, we asked the nutritionist about the weight loss action of jilo. Check out your explanation:

“Indirectly he does lose weight. Is it a fruit rich in nutrients but with very low calorie value? every 100 grams of fruit on average we get 40 kcal?, guides the nutritionist.

Still according to the professional, the feeling of satiety is guaranteed by the amounts of fiber and water contained in the fruit, making it "an excellent option to be used in weight loss diets, as we can use a large and low calorie portion," he concludes.


How to take the bitter out of jiló

According to Ana Paula, a good tip to remove the bitter taste of the fruit is to cut it into four parts and put it in a container with water and a pinch of salt for about 15 minutes.

In addition, the professional reveals that the best time to consume the jilo is when it has bright green color and is firm to the touch. "It can be eaten with or without shell, but if it gets yellow, it should be discarded, because the more mature the more bitter it becomes", he explains.

Also read: 100 Ways to Cut 100 Calories

Jilo recipes that will make you see this ingredient with other eyes

Check out the following recipes that use the jiló in its preparation and prove all the benefits guaranteed by its consumption through practical and delicious options:

1. Chicken with jiló: tasty option, this is a typical dish of Minas Gerais region. With few ingredients it is possible to make a meal rich in flavors. The tip is to taste the jiló along with the chicken, angu and okra, so its bitter taste will be complemented by the taste of the other ingredients.

2. Jag's Babaganoush: Great alternative to accompany toast or crackers, here the babaganoushi, a typical Arabian dish prepared with eggplant, gets a reinvented version. The warning goes to the amount of salt used: it is necessary to remove the excess salt from the jiló after leaving it in brine.

3. Canned Jiló: A simple and easy way to taste the fruit is to serve it canned.For this recipe, ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced onion, salt and lemon help to get the most out of your taste. Remember that the longer you can preserve, the more tasty the jilo will be!

4. Jaló stuffed with vinaigrette: Here the jiló is baked in the oven with a special filling containing tomato, parsley, chives, onion, salt, lemon olive oil, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Ideal for a size larger than usual.

Read also: 16 Tasty Eggplant Lasagna Recipes for a Low Carb Diet

5. Braised Jilo: Simple way to prepare the jilo. After soaking it in salted water, simply put it in a pan with onion and garlic sauteed in olive oil and let it cook for a few minutes using the lid. To ensure even more flavor to the fruit, it is worth adding soy sauce.

6. Breaded Jilo: This recipe is a great alternative for those who want to turn the jilo into an appetizer. The secret to leaving the jiló dry is to pass it in beaten eggs seasoned with salt and black pepper and bread it in a mixture of breadcrumbs, cornstarch and oregano. Worth a try!

If well prepared, the jilo can become the highlight of the dish, either as a main ingredient or as an accompaniment. Bet it!

Contraindications and warnings about its consumption

The professional reveals that there is no contraindication to the use of jilo, unless the person has a specific allergy to the fruit. In this case it is recommended to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. A warning of its consumption is for people who have some dysfunction in iron elimination, since this food has high doses of iron.

Despite its characteristic flavor, jiló is a fine example of food that has numerous health benefits if consumed on a regular basis. Whether tasted alone or used as a special ingredient in recipes, it can promote health and well-being to the body. Try it!

Read also: 40 healthy foods to lose weight

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