Green Leaf: HEALTH BENEFITS OF ARATILES

        We call this fruit "Datiles" in our place. To some it is known as "Aratiles", "Mansanitas", "Sarisa" and "Kerson Fruit" in English. Muntingia Calabura is its scientific name.

         This tiny sweet and cherry like fruit has recently become popular because of a student scientist from Iloilo City who discovered an anti-diabetic component in the fruit. Maria Isabel Layson found bioactive compounds like anthocyanin, flavonoids and polyphenol in it. These components are cure for diabetes.

     But there are more to this miracle fruit than a diabetes cure.

1. Anti-Bacterial - it has anti-bacterial components, thus, a good source of antibacterial agents that fights numerous kinds of bad bacterias in our body. This is important during times when we have so many bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics.

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties - The leaves can be used as tea for treating inflammation and swelling and for lowering fevers.

3. Lessens Uric Acid - the fruit contains antioxidant known as Anthrosyanin which inhibits the rise of uric acid in the body.

4. Gout - eating 9 - 12 pieces of aratiles three times a day is a relief from persons suffering from gout.

5. Brain Function - Eating the fruit and drinking tea made of the leaves works great for getting rid of   headaches. This fruit contains a lot of flavonoids, which helps in the development and proper function of the brain. It is also helpful for people suffering cognitive impairment.

6. Anti-oxidant Properties - the fruit has a lot of different flavonoids and phenolic compounds that protect cells against the effects of free radicals.

7. High Blood Pressure - the leaves contains nitric oxide that relaxes the blood vessels which improves the blood flow and so prevents high blood pressure.

8. Pain Blocker - leaves made into tea are great for pain because they block pain receptors, a good
antinociceptive agent similar to opiates.

9. Potential Anti-Cancer - studies shows that the leaves have great anti cancer abilities which may be used for treating cancer. However, more research must still be made to confirm this.

10. Vitamin C - a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C, is found in fruits that helps fight cold, flu and even cardiovascular disease. 100 grams of fruit yields 150 mgs of Vitamin C.