BANGALORE: Gac fruit will soon be an added ingredient to the rapidly expanding market of functional foods in the city.
Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis) is mainly found in the region from Southern China to Northeastern Australia . It is found in abundance in Vietnam. The fruit is commonly used for coocking in Vietnam.
It has been identified as a rich source of lycopene, also present in tomatoes and processed tomato products. Gac contains 70 times more lycopene than tomatoes. Lycopene acts as an antioxidant and prevents free radicals that cause aging.
It also has a high concentration of Vitamin C 40 times greater than what is found in oranges, 10 times more beta carotene than carrots, 40 times more zeaxanthin than corn and a high content of Omega 3 fatty acids.
According to recent studies, this fruit contains nutrients that have proven to prevent cancer and to even slow down the multiplication of cancerous cells. It fights anemia due to the abundance of iron found in this fruit as well as folic acid. It is recommended for those with high cholesterol levels as well as those who have a history of high cholesterol in their family. If consumed weekly, this fruit reduces the 'unwanted' high cholesterol levels from the body.
As this fruit is high in antioxidants, it prevents cardiovascular diseases. This fruit is also known to benefit eyesight.