The Mexican chesa fruits, also known as the canistel fruit, tiesa fruit, eggfruit, and even Pouteria Campechiana. We’ll just refer to them as chesa fruits. Are odd little fruits.
They got their “eggfruit” nickname because of two reasons; their texture, which people often compare to a hard-boiled egg yolk. And their taste, often compared to that of an egg custard.
So it’s safe to say that if you don’t like eggs, the eggfruit, oddly enough, is probably not for you. However, if you do like eggs, but find the relationship of fruit and egg a bit weird, don’t knock it yet.
Other than the eggy resemblance, chesa fruits are also sweet with a caramel-like flavor, and many people love them. Because of their texture, they’re great for making ice cream. And surprisingly enough, chesa fruit health benefits are quite extraordinary.
Let’s see what it has to offer.
Chesa Fruit Nutrition
It’s really not surprising that the chesa fruit offers so many health benefits once you look at its nutritional values. It packs many valuable vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Beta Carotene
- Calcium
- Fiber
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin B Complex
Chesa Fruit Health Benefits
Bowel Function & Health
Chesa fruits are a great source of soluble fiber, hinted by their hard-boiled-egg-yolk-like texture. And fiber does a few major things for your bowel. It makes, let’s call them “exits”, easier and more regular.
And it lowers the risk of hemorrhoids and diverticular disease by easing the stress on your colon. Studies even found a high-fiber diet to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Stronger Bones
The calcium, iron, and phosphorus in chesa fruits all play major roles in maintaining bone health.
Calcium and phosphorus play such a significant role that if you don’t consume enough of them, your bones will get fragile and not grow properly.
Iron, on the other hand, helps the body make collagen (what bones are made of) to rebuild bone as well as gets oxygen into bones to help them heal more efficiently.
Better Immune System
Since chesa fruits are packed with vitamin C, 43mg per 100g (almost as much as oranges), they’re great for the immune system. Vitamin C is a powerful immune booster as well as a potent antioxidant.
It will help the body fight against free radicals, which are a common reason for sickness. As well as promote the production of white blood cells, which protect the body against infection.
And on top of all that, vitamin C will support cellular functions of both the adaptive and innate immune system.
Fights Acne
As mentioned above, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and there’s plenty of it in chesa fruits. Now, if you didn’t know, a major cause of acne is free radicals.
They damage skin cells and often develop into local inflammations, also known as acne. Antioxidants prevent that.
On top of that, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), vitamin A can treat and prevent acne. And phosphorus is a popular treatment for acne.
Prevents Cancer & Other Diseases
Staying on the topic of antioxidants and their benefits, free radicals have been correlated to cancer, diabetes, asthma, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and many more detrimental diseases.
So taking in more powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A. As well as pro-oxidant elements such as vitamin B complex, beta-Carotene, iron, and phosphorus, makes chesa fruits hugely beneficial in my book.
Lowers Cholesterol
One of the compounds in chesa fruit’s vitamin B complex is niacin. Niacin has been found to significantly increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides.
It’s actually commonly given by doctors for treating high-cholesterol patients. Do note though that some doctors avoid giving it to diabetic patients as it could increase blood sugar levels.
Adding on to that, Vitamin C was found to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, and vitamin A was found to both lower LDL and increase HDL.
So, it’s safe to say that incorporating chesa fruits into your diet if you have high cholesterol is a good decision.
Boosts Energy
Iron plays a role in many bodily functions, from the immune system to gastrointestinal processes and body temperature regulation. So having more iron is already a big plus.
But if you’re struggling from lack of energy and focus, the increased intake of iron might just help you as it plays a critical role in energy production.
Conclusion
Whether you want to call it the chesa fruit, tiesa fruit, eggfruit or Pouteria Campechiana, it’s a great, underrated fruit. The texture and flavor make it different than most “basic” fruits, and the health benefits make it more than just a fruit.
So, are you going to get some? If you’re looking for a more “basic” fruit, check out the health benefits of plums.