The definition of tropical fruits is confined as fruits that are grown in hot and humid regions within the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, covering most of the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Oceania.

The said regions, tropical fruits have always been part of the rural landscape, with the keen purpose of providing food and nutrition. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and WHO (World Health Organization) always recommended to consumption tropical fruits for a well-balanced diet and for avoiding cardiovascular problems, diabetes and certain types of cancer.

The two main reasons to discus on tropical fruits, one is for its high rich of nutritional value as well as inexpensive compare to stone fruits. Most tropical fruits have in common their antioxidant nutrients, a low caloric content and a high percentage of water.

In this post we present you 16 tropical fruits that you may not know, but that you will undoubtedly love.

1. Litchi

The lychee is a fruit native to China, although its cultivation has spread throughout the subtropical areas of the world.

It is common to eat it in salads, juices, smoothies and fruit salads, but it also goes very well as a garnish with rice, meat and fish.

It contains a high content of vitamin C, being ideal for people who need a vitamin supply.

It is also a powerful natural antioxidant and helps prevent aging, the growth of cancer cells, promotes the immune system, weight loss, gastrointestinal health, combat stress and maintain bone health.

2. Papaya

Papaya is one of the most favorite and consumed tropical fruits in the world, and also one of the best. Coming from the Central American region, it is a fruit that completely loaded with nutrients.

Among its numerous qualities, its ability to facilitate digestion stands out, thanks to its papain content, a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down food proteins.

In addition to lightening digestion, it is ideal in weight control diets, due to its low-calorie content (26 kcal / 100g) and absence of fat.

3. Guava

Guava grows mainly in the Caribbean and Central America and South Asian regions. This intensely flavored fruit has five times more vitamin C than oranges.

In addition to having vitamins and fiber, it is an excellent source of potassium and has powerful antibacterial properties, which help stabilize sugar levels and stimulate the digestive process. Guava has stunning benefits for health, to know more precisely, read here.

You can take it in a salad or in a smoothie, combining it with the banana.

4. Mango

The juicy and sweet mango stands out for its beta-carotene content, which reduces blood cholesterol levels and cares for heart health, according to this information obtained from the United States National Library of Medicine. In addition, its soluble fiber content favors intestinal movement.

Lastly, this fruit is a wonderful source of vitamin C, making it a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Go ahead and eat this delicious fruit naturally, in smoothies and various desserts.

5. Pitaya/ Dragon Fruit

Pitahaya, pitaya which is very popular name as the Dragon Fruit, is a fruit that comes from a cactus and is native to America.

Dragon fruit is perfect for the formation of collagen, red blood cells, bones and teeth, thanks to its vitamin C. It is also an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor.

The leaves of the pitaya, if you want, can be boiled and served as an infusion to relieve headaches, reduce insomnia, anxiety and nervous disorders.

6. Kiwano

The kiwano is a wild fruit native to Africa, very aromatic and tasty.

It is low in calories and very rich in potassium, so its consumption is recommended to the entire population and, especially, to those who carry out weight loss regimens or take diuretics that eliminate potassium, suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or blood vessel conditions. and heart.

To correctly choose a kiwano, you should make sure that it has dark orange skin and that it yields to pressure, as this will indicate its degree of maturity.

When you go to eat it, cut it in half, then scoop out the pulp with a spoon and carefully remove the seeds.

7. Coconut

Coconut is part of Caribbean and Pacific Island cuisine.

It is one of the foods most recommended by nutritionists due to its high content of water and rich of trace elements, minerals and vitamins E and K. Moreover, it is a great and stunning stimulant of the immune system.

Coconut water and its pulp are consumed, although it must be taken into account that it can be a bit indigestible for those with a more delicate stomach.

8. Rambutan

The rambutan is a tropical tree, native to Southeast Asia, which grows mainly in hot climates and offers an exotic fruit of the same name.

It is a sweet fruit, smooth and pleasant to the palate, with a flavor similar to that of grapes.

Rambutan is rich in carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium and fiber, making it suitable for hydration, promoting intestinal transit and providing antioxidants to the body.

9. Mangosteen

The mangosteen is a fruit from Indonesia, whose cultivation is carried out only in Southeast Asia.

The pulp and rind of this fruit is rich in hydroxy citric acid that stops the creation of fat, prevents excess cholesterol in the blood, causes a greater feeling of satiety and can be used as a treatment for obesity.

10. Physalis

The physalis is a round or oval fruit, yellow or orange, originally from Peru.

Its flavor is similar to tomato, but has some citrus nuances, making it the ideal complement for cakes, jams and salads.

Physalis is rich in vitamins A, B and C, and minerals such as iron, calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients are very purifying and antioxidant rich and also strengthens our defenses.

11. Passion Fruit

Passion fruit, is native to South and Central America.

Due to its high content of potassium, fiber, and vitamins A and C, this fruit has become very popular lately. Its compounds are beneficial for relaxation, falling asleep and fighting aging.

You can include it in your desserts, juices and smoothies. They will be delicious!

12. Avocado

The avocado is a fruit considered a superfood. It is highly appreciated in the cosmetic industry for its high concentration of essential fatty acids. Contains vitamins E, A, B1, B2 and B3, potassium and magnesium and antioxidants.

It is, without a doubt, an essential product in any balanced diet, providing us with energy and nutrients. Its concentration of oleic acid is believed to reduce inflammation and keep the heart healthy, according to this study from the Universidad Veracruzana. You can eat it in a salad or as part of different dishes such as guacamole.

13. Pineapple

When it comes to a healthy diet, pineapple is one of the fruits that is always present. The aptly named “queen of fruits” is said to be very effective in helping to prevent obesity.

Its fiber content, vitamins C, B1, B6, folic acid and minerals give it digestive properties. The bromelain present in its structure is a mixture of enzymes that helps digest proteins and also has anti-inflammatory effects. This is confirmed by this research carried out by the Sri Ramachandra University (India).

14. Bananas

Banana is very popular fruit worldwide and rich in vitamins and minerals and have quite good health benefits.

They are well known for their high potassium content. A medium banana provides 12 percent of the RDI for this mineral a rich of carbohydrate composition has made banana a unique characteristic.

The carbohydrates in green, unripe bananas consist largely of resistant starch, which can improve blood sugar control and make you feel full.

You know, the chemical pectin has a controlling role of blood sugar and improves digestive health, banana is full of pectin.

Moreover, it is proved that the high carbohydrate and mineral content of bananas makes them a great source of energy before exercise.

15. Durian

This fruit is known as the “King of Fruits”.

Studies found that one cup about 237 ml of durian provides 80 percent of the RDI for vitamin C.

It is very rich in manganese, vitamin B, copper, folate, and magnesium.

Additionally, durian contains several healthy plant compounds that work as antioxidants.

16. Watermelon

Watermelon is high in vitamins A and C. It is also rich in some important antioxidants, including lycopene, carotenoids, and cucurbitacin E.

Several healthy plant compounds that watermelon contains that work as antioxidants have been studied for their anticancer effects.

Lycopene consumption is linked with a lower risk of developing cancers of the digestive system, while cucurbitacin E may inhibit tumor growth.

Consuming foods rich in lycopene may also promote heart health due to its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Of all the fruits, watermelon is one of the most hydrating. Watermelon is 92 percent water, which can help you feel fuller.

Bottom Line

All fruits are healthy, but some are even healthier than others.

Try to eat a variety of fruits from the list above to improve your health.

Related Topic 

11 Foods That You Must Take for Good Health