Supporting Respiratory Health With Langsat
Published on: November 22, 2024
Supporting Respiratory Health With Langsat
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Kausalya Rajesh

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Madihah Maryam Ali

Bachelor of Science Cardiovascular Medicine (2024) Doctor of Medicine (2026)

An overview

The respiratory system plays a crucial role in our human body, it helps protect the lungs, purify the air we inhale and makes breathing easier. So, we should prevent it from foreign bodies like bacteria and viruses by eating healthy, breathing exercises, and physical activity. As for the 

dietary source, there is a specific fruit which enhances the overall respiration. It is nothing but the Langsat fruit. There is more genuine nutrient content present in this fruit which miraculously fixes many things including acute and chronic health issues. Let's delve more into the intense cure and goodness of the fruit in detail and discuss it.

Introduction

Respiratory health is so important that it has to be protected with special care throughout our lives. Respiratory diseases are the most dangerous diseases which occur mostly due to environmental, occupational, and behavioural inhalational exposures

Chronic respiratory diseases have received less public attention and less research funding than other diseases. So it always takes prevention, screening, treatment and research efforts dedicated to that individual.

Ayurveda is one of the ancient treatments used in the ancient period which includes eating regimens, reflection, yoga, diuretics, douches and clinical oils.1 They often recommend turmeric, ginger, and holy basil for a better result because these are effective in conditions of asthma and bronchitis. The use of pine needles, rich in Vitamin C was common to treat all respiratory-related issues. Aromatherapy is another remedy using plant-derived essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, peppermint and tea tree. 

Some fruits also can cope with respiratory health, one of them is Langsat. Its scientific name is Lansium parasiticum, and it is from the family Meliaceae. It's grown in parts of Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand and Malaysia. Traditionally it is consumed for eye inflammation, ulcers, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, malaria, insect bites, and worms. It is identified that it is a great remedy for respiratory issues and health.

Understanding langsat

It has a sweet and tangy flavour, berries used in the cuisine for centuries and have been recognised in the international markets for a while. They are a good source of vitamins, and minerals, and contain a reasonable amount of folates. The langsat fruit measures about four to five diameters is oval and has a thick hairy portion outside. There are several health benefits in the langsat fruit which are crucial for the whole human body.1 It is also packed with calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorous. It can also cure some of the gastrointestinal problems. It has a range of vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate which are very necessary for the human body to function normally around. 

NutritionAmount
Protein0.8 g
Carb9.5g
Fibre2.3g
Calcium20 mg
Phosphorous30 mg
Vitamin A13IU
Thiamine89mcg
Riboflavin124mg
Ascorbic Acid1mg

Langsat and respiratory health

  1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Langsat contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate inflammation in the respiratory tract. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as bronchitis and asthma, where inflammation plays a significant role in symptom severity
  2. Antioxidant Content: Langsat is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and free radicals in the body, which can contribute to respiratory ailments and exacerbate symptoms of respiratory conditions
  3. Immune Support: The vitamins and minerals found in Langsat, including vitamin C and zinc, are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. By supporting immune function, Langsat may help the body fight off respiratory infections more effectively
  4. Expectorant Properties: Some traditional medicine practices suggest that Langsat may have expectorant properties, helping to thin mucus and facilitate its expulsion from the respiratory tract. This can help relieve congestion and cough associated with respiratory infections
  5. Respiratory Hydration: Consuming fruits like Langsat, which have high water content, can help keep the respiratory tract hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining the mucous membranes' integrity, which serves as a barrier against pathogens and irritants

How do we eat the langsat fruit

The exact picturization of how to eat the fruit is we can make it as smoothies, ice cream, sweet soups and puddings. It often looks like a potato but has a sour taste like grapes and looks like glitter balls after peeling. We can also make it as a pancake and yoghurt. Since it has a high nutritious and fibre content, often used in various cuisines.2 The inner seed is powdered and is used to cure malaria, reduce fever and get rid of scorpion stings. It can also be made as a fresh salad with other fruits and vegetables with essential cooking oils or else peel off the skin and just eat it raw.

Are there any safety measures or prevention before eating the fruit?

It is completely safe to consume for everyone but some of them may experience allergic reactions which include itching, swelling, or in rare cases it may increase respiratory issues if it is eaten in large amounts. Langsat contains tannins and may have a bitter effect on the tongue, palate, and throat. Overconsumption of the langsat fruit leads to weight gain and multiple health concerns in the human body. 

Conclusion

Finally, langsat works as a natural ally for respiratory health because of its nutritional content and therapeutic properties. The anti-inflammatory properties antioxidant content, and immune-supporting nutrients, Langsat offers a holistic approach to supporting respiratory wellness. While scientific research on Langsat's specific effects on respiratory health is still evolving, traditional uses and anecdotal evidence suggest its potential efficacy in alleviating respiratory symptoms such as coughs, congestion, and inflammation. Incorporating Langsat into a balanced diet or utilizing it in herbal remedies may complement conventional respiratory care approaches. However, it's essential to approach Langsat as a part of an overall healthy lifestyle and not a standalone treatment for respiratory conditions.

References

  1. Abdallah HM, Mohamed GA, Ibrahim SRM. Lansium domesticum—a fruit with multi-benefits: traditional uses, phytochemicals, nutritional value, and bioactivities. Nutrients [Internet]. 2022 Apr 6 [cited 2024 Mar 23];14(7):1531. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/7/153
  2.  Labaki WW, Han MK. Chronic respiratory diseases: a global view. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Jun [cited 2024 Mar 23];8(6):531–3. Available from: (https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2213260020301570
  3. Mokhtar S.I., Zakaria F., Ayob M.A., Siow W.S., AS N., Latiff Z.A.A. Study on the nutritional values and customer acceptance of Lansium domesticum & Nephelium lappaceum newly fermented natural fruit vinegars in Malaysia. Asian Pac. J. Adv. Bus
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Kausalya Rajesh

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