Bignay: The Small But Terrible Nutritious Fruit
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Bignay is a common fruit in the Philippines. Based on studies, every fruit packs a great amount of nutrients needed by the body.
Way back the early 90s when I was still a dirty, obnoxious, and playful kid, I used to buy a pack of small fruits that I and friends will enjoy. We can buy about a cup of them for only P1.00.
The fruit, which is smaller than a pea, comes in green, red, and black with each color represents a distinct flavor. Green is sour and a bit bitter, red is sour, and black is sour with kicks of sweetness. The only thing I didn’t like is the huge seed that covers about 70% of the fruit.
The fruit is bignay.
What is Bignay?
With scientific name Antidesma bunius, bignay is native to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The tree grows up to 30 meters and produces flowers arranged into clusters with a scent many considered as foul. In time, some of the flowers will become fruits.
The fruits are eaten raw or can be processed into jams and bignay wine.
Me and my friends enjoy it so much despite the sour flavor. Little did we know that these cheapies pack awesome health benefits.
Bignay is a Great Antioxidant
Free radicals are impaired atoms produced by oxygen metabolism. They attach to cells and tissues causing damages to the cell membranes making them vulnerable to outside dangers. As a result, there will be a delay in body’s impairment and rejuvenation.
Bignay is rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Catechins. Together, these form a great team in eliminating the free radicals in the body. This can result in fairer and healthier skin, glossier hair, pinkish lips and many more.
Bignay Aides in Losing Weight
The fruits and leaves of Bignay are proven to suppress appetite. This is the reason why companies are now into manufacturing and repacking the dried leaves and fruits of this wonderful tree. Several natives of the country believe that consuming the fruits in large amount will boost the digestion to increase metabolism.
The fruit is also known to clean up the colon and a great laxative for a more frequent bowel movement.
It Can Reduce Blood Sugar and Pressure
Research proves the fruit and essence of bignay can reduce blood pressure. This will be a great advantage for people with hypertension so they can avoid other health compromises. The tea also aids in lowering the levels of SGPT (alanine aminotransferase) and SGOT (aspartate aminotransferase). The SGPT and SGOT are indicators of liver and kidney damage.
Tests with diabetic people found out that bignay fruits and tea can lower the sugar level.
The health department recognizes bignay as one of the precious gems of the country. Researchers are continuously doing more research to further prove its health benefits.
