Yuzu is a citrus fruit. It is a plant from the family Rutaceae. This fruit is grown commercially in Japan. Yuzu fruit resembles a yellow clementine with uneven skin. This fruit can be either yellow or green depending on the degree of ripeness. It is a very aromatic fruit. Yuzu is especially popular in East Asian cuisine. Its juice, peel, and seeds serve as gourmet flavorings for sauces, vinegars, marmalades, and seasonings. While yuzu oil is used in cosmetics, perfume, and aromatherapy.
Nutritional Value of Yuzu Fruit
100 g of yuzu fruit provides the following nutritional value:
- Calories: 52
- Carbs: 13 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Vitamin C: 58%
- Vitamin A: 30%
- Thiamine: 5%
- Vitamin B6: 5%
- Vitamin B5: 4%
- Copper: 5%
Health Benefits Of Yuzu Fruit
1. Improved Blood Flow
Yuzu fruit contains two compounds hesperidin and naringin, that can keep platelets from sticking to the lining of blood vessels. This antiplatelet activity can prevent blood clots and inflammation of blood vessels.
2. Improve Mood
The fragrance of yuzu fruit has similar aromatherapeutic benefits as the lavender scent. The compounds such as limonene and linalool present in yuzu are responsible for the distinct aroma. As per research yuzu oil has soothing effects, potentially helping reduce tension and anxiety. It even decreased heart rate and improved nerve system activity.
3. Improve Bone Health
It has been found that yuzu can improve bone health. There are flavones in the ethanol extract of yuzu peel that promote the development of osteoclasts. It is a type of bone cell, that helps repair and maintain bones.
4. Enhances Skin Health
According to studies, yuzu is used in anti-aging cosmetics. The ethanolic extracts of yuzu peel prevent elastase activity. It can delay skin aging. The flavonoids and other phenolic compounds present in peel extract promote procollagen synthesis and decrease melanin content to brighten the skin.
5. Help Reduce Inflammation
Yuzu peel contains an anti-inflammatory compound and limonene chemical that has the potential to relieve bronchial asthma. It even contains free radical scavenging properties and can prevent cell damage. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties present in yuzu peel extract can inhibit colitis. However, yuzu reduces inflammation.
6. Easy to Add to Diet
Yuzu is sour to taste because of which it can not be eaten on its own. This fruit is used traditionally for making vinegar and seasoning. It is usually added to powders, marmalades, pastes, tea, jellies, and sweets. Yuzu can be an amazing fruit in dressings, condiments, desserts, baked goods, and drinks. An individual can also enjoy its aroma through essential oil.