Miracle Fruit, the bright red berry, is one of the super foods that has become immensely popular in recent years, all thanks to its low calorie but intensely sweet taste and magical therapeutic properties. Also known as Miracle Berry, Miraculous Berry, Sweet Berry, these oval-shaped fruits are grown on the plant Synsepalum dulcificum belonging to the Sapotaceae family.
Low in sugar content, laced with a mild tangy taste, Miracle fruit contains glycoprotein molecules along with carbohydrate chains, called miraculin, hence the name. Miracle fruit originates from West Africa, with its culinary usage dating back to the 18th century. It is a staple ingredient in palm wine, and porridges in African countries owing to its amazing ability to transform an extremely sour tasting dish into an intensely sweet one, also making it a popular food flavouring agent in the food industry. 
The glycoprotein molecule present in this fruit binds to the taste buds when the fleshy part of the fruit is consumed and the miraculin blocks the receptors and activates sweet receptors, causing a fresh, candy-like taste in the mouth. However, this taste lasts up to 30 minutes and vanishes after drinking water.
These fresh berries, though not available extensively in India can be bought in the dried forms or as a flavouring agent. Miracle fruit is not just all about changing the intrinsic taste of sour foods, they offer numerous health benefits as well.
What Are The Nutritional Facts Of Miracle Fruit?
Miracle fruit is an amazing source of Vitamins C, K, A and E is loaded with amino acids that are responsible for regulating various bodily functions. Low on calories, this fruit comes with an array of polyphenolic compounds, antioxidants that fight free radicals thus preventing various chronic conditions.
According to various studies, miracle berry aids in preventing oxidative stress, bringing down the levels of free radicals, improving organ functions besides regulating the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
What Are The Health Benefits of Miracle Fruit?
Regulates Blood Sugars:
Miracle berries are a blessing for diabetics finding it hard to fight sugar cravings. Its amazing ability to reduce insulin resistance in diabetic patients makes it a wonder fruit that can prevent sudden spikes in the levels of blood sugars, especially after consuming meals. Researchers believe that the high concentration of polyphenols in this miracle berry decreases plasma glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity even in those with high levels of blood sugar.
Weight Loss:
These berries are your natural sugar-free additives and if you are one of those wanting to nibble on something sweet after a meal or with mid-day hunger pangs, enjoy these fruits. These fruits packed with simple carbs and sugars not only satisfy your urge to eat something sweet but also bring down weight, owing to their low-calorie count.
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Boosts Immunity:
Miracle fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C, an important nutrient that plays a vital role in fighting both viral and bacterial infections. This fruit if consumed regularly, triggers the production of white blood cells, thus preventing the body from various diseases.
Improves Vision:
The presence of Vitamin A in the Miracle berry plays a pivotal role in protecting the vision. Include these amazing berries in your regular diet and consume it at least twice a week to prevent macular degeneration and the formation of cataracts from an early age.
Clears Metallic Taste:
One of the popular therapeutic properties of miracle berry lies in its ability to mask the metallic taste in the mouth of patients undergoing chemotherapy. The side effects caused by chemotherapy include loss of appetite, aversion to eating, severe weight loss etc. Consuming these fruits after each session clears that metallic taste in the mouth, converting it into sweetness, and encouraging the patients to relish regular foods, thus providing the required nutrition.
How To Eat Miracle Fruit?
Miracle berries can be consumed as it is. Make sure to clean them properly, before eating. However, if you get dried berries, soak them in tepid water for a couple of hours allowing it to soften and then enjoy. The water can be added to lemon or lime juice to mask its intrinsic sour taste as it serves as an amazing substitute to sugar.
What Are The Side Effects of Miracle Fruit?
Though miracle fruit is loaded with various therapeutic properties, it needs to be consumed with some caution. This fruit can alter the pH balance and may cause elevated levels of acidity in the blood. It may also lead to heartburn, digestion issues and other gut-related problems if eaten regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Uses Of Miracle Berries?
Miracle berry is typically used to uplift the sweetness of any sour foods and drinks. It contains a compound called miraculin, which temporarily alters taste perception, making sour items taste sweet.
Can I Eat Miracle Berries Every Day?
Though it is safe to consume miracle berries regularly for most healthy adults, moderation is key. Excess intake may lead to digestive discomfort in some individuals.
How Much Sugar Is In Miracle Fruit?
Miracle fruit itself is low in sugar, typically containing about 1-2 grams of sugar per berry. The key property of this fruit is its taste-altering properties rather than sugar content.
Can Miracle Fruit Grow In India?
Yes, miracle fruit can grow in India, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires warm temperatures and humidity.
Is Miracle Fruit Safe To Eat?
Yes, miracle fruit is safe to eat for most people. However, if you have specific health conditions or concerns, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider before trying it.
How Fast Do Miracle Berries Work?
The effects of miracle berries can be felt within about 30 minutes and typically last for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on individual factors and the amount consumed.
What Are The Side Effects Of Miracle Fruit?
The most common side effects may include mild digestive upset or allergic reactions. These are rare, but it's important to pay attention to your body's response.
How To Consume Miracle Fruit?
You can consume miracle fruit by eating fresh berries or using miracle fruit tablets. For fresh berries, chew and hold the pulp in your mouth for a minute before eating sour foods.
Conclusion:
Miracle fruit or miracle berry originates from West Africa and its culinary usage dates back to the 18th century. A bright red berry, this fruit has the unique quality of masking sour tasting dishes with intensely sweet flavour and is used extensively in various cuisines. Loaded with an array of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals these berries are the best bet for diabetics fighting sugar cravings. These low-calorie fruits not only help you lose weight, and fight mid-day hunger pangs but also improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin.
This fruit is particularly recommended to patients undergoing chemotherapy, as it helps mask the side effects of chemotherapy like a metallic taste in the mouth, by triggering hunger thus encouraging them to consume nutritious food. However, do exercise in moderation as it can lead to severe heartburn or other intestinal issues, if consumed in excess amounts.
( This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Nutritional benefits, phytochemical constituents, ethnomedicinal uses and biological properties of Miracle fruit plant (Synsepalum dulcificum Shumach. & Thonn. Daniell)
Afolabi Clement Akinmoladun a, Aanuoluwapo Ruth Adetuyi a, Kayode Komolafe b, Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju c,∗
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7785844/
