Can you eat a Rambutan Seed? (3 Detrimental Effects)
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “Can you eat a Rambutan Seed?”. We will shed light on the risks associated with eating rambutan seeds and the health benefits of the rambutan fruit. We will discuss some general attributes of the rambutan fruit and seed.
What is the chemical constituent of the Rambutan seed?
Rambutan seeds have a high amount of fats such as oleic acid, arachidic acid, and a high nitrogen and protein level. A high amount of both saturated and unsaturated fats is present in the rambutan seed.
Oleic acid is the largest constituent with 40.45%, followed by arachidic acid at 36.36%. Oleic acid is also commonly referred to as omega 9 fatty acids.
Why are rambutan seeds toxic?
The rambutan seeds are a topic of controversy. Some people believe that it is a health supplement that provides the body with rich antioxidants, and eat them for health reasons or culture. Some prefer to eat them as they are while others roast or ferment them. Roasted rambutan seeds have proved to be harmless in comparison to raw. Roasting reduces some of the harmful effects and compounds. TO be safe, do not give yourself the benefit of the doubt and refrain from eating the seeds in any shape or form.
Rambutan Seeds could be healthy but are also toxic to the body. Some compounds present in the Rambutan Seeds can be poisonous. Scientific studies do not have much insight to offer, however, it is inarguable that a high level of tannin and saponins; both of which are present in a Rambutan Seed, can be toxic.
Rambutan seeds ae generally unsafe to eat so steer clear of it, until research proves otherwise. It is best to eat the fruit only and throw the seed and peel away.
Animal studies have been conducted rather the safety of consuming Rambutan Seeds. Raw seeds have been known to cause a narcotic effect and analgesic effect. The sedative effect can cause a person’s motor coordination to diminish and consequently cause a person to feel sleepy, drowsy, or experience coma or even death.
Roasting the seeds rather than consuming raw, seems to counteract some of the harmful effects of the seed. However, there is no evidence and a lack of human studies discourages from eating the seeds altogether.
Acute Toxicity levels of rambutan seeds are 2,500 mg/kg dose, which can be obtained from more than two rambutan seeds.
The rambutan seeds have traces of alkaloids which causes the seed to have a narcotic effect. Alkaloids interfere with the neurotransmitter receptor and ion channels which causes biochemical alteration and harms the human nervous system.
Toxic Alkaloids also impair the liver, kidney, heart, reproductive system, and GIT problems.
What are the health benefits of eating the Rambutan fruit?
The rambutan fruit is found in Southeast Asia, in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. The fruit resembles Lychee with its translucent white flesh and a sweet, creamy taste.
Rambutan is ripe if its spikes are red. The skin is removed and the flesh becomes exposed. The seed can be removed before you eat the fruit or spat out after eating. Instead of eating the fruit by itself, you could make a salad, pudding, ice cream, or even curry.
Rambutan is a highly nutritious fruit with great health benefits such as weight loss and improved digestion. Rambutan has high fiber content, vitamin C, and copper. According to cell and animal studies; rambutan proved to ward off cancer, protect against heart diseases and diabetes.
While vitamin C boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant. In case of an infection, vitamin C helps the body to produce white blood cells to fight the infection.
Rambutan has both soluble and insoluble fiber. The Fiber in the diet ensures that the gut remains healthy while the blood sugar and cholesterols levels remain under control.
Soluble fiber makes a gel when it comes in contact with water, which slows down the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients.
Soluble fibers are a nutritional boost for gut-friendly bacteria. The bacteria strengthen the cells of the gut by producing short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The short-chain fatty acids protect from irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Insoluble fiber speeds up bowel movement and prevents constipation. Fiber makes a person full and slows down digestion.
Copper is also a crucial part of a healthy body that maintains the health of bones, heart, and brain at a cellular level.
In this brief guide, we answered the question “can you eat a Rambutan Seed?”. We shed light on the risks associated with eating rambutan seeds and the health benefits of the rambutan fruit. We discussed some general attributes of the rambutan fruit and seed.
