Carissa Macrocarpa or Natal Plum, or Large Num-Num, or Amatungulu, or just Carissa is a South African shrub that now can be found in various places around the world. This Carissa shrub prefers to live in coastal areas with salty winds. It can grow as high as 7 (about 2 meters) feet and as wide as 10 feet (about 3 meters). Carissa plant produces beautiful, thick, round, and shiny leaves which people claim to be poisonous. Also, Carissa produces nice, red, tarty, plum-shaped, sweet and sour fruit (or berry) which is edible when raw and/or when cooked. Some people enjoy the Carissa fruit Raw or in jellies, jams, pies, and sauces. The Nutrients in about a cup or 150 grams of Raw Carissa fruit that was cut into slices are:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1, Thiamin
- Vitamin B2, Riboflavin
- Vitamin B3, Niacin
- Vitamin C (Large Amount)
- Protein
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Copper
- Natural Fats
- Carbohydrates
- Calories
The Health Benefits of Raw Carissa Fruit are:
Vitamin C:
- Improves wound healing
- Prevents cells from damages
- Improves gums health
- Improves teeth health
- Improves Immune System
- Protects from free radicals
- Reduces Aging
- Lowers Risks of some Cancers
- Improves Iron absorption
- Improves Lung health
- Prevents from frequent colds
- Protects from frequent infections
Iron:
- Improves Oxygen distribution
- Improves Immune System
- Provides Healthy energy
- Reduces fatigue
- Reduces weakness
- Improves concentration ability
- Lowers chance of infections
- Supports healthy hair
- Reduces Dizziness
- Lowers chances of headaches
- Strengthens nails
- Protects from apathy
- Lowers risks of depression
Potassium:
- Improves nerve function
- Improves muscle function
- Reduces confusion
- Reduces irritability
- Reduces fatigue
- Lowers chance of heart problems
- Lowers chance of high blood pressure
- Protects from chronic diarrhea
- Improves exercise ability
Top Carissa Image was borrowed legally from Wikipedia.
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