Page 66 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2026

HEALTHY LIVING
The word “snake” is usually associated with something negative, but not snake fruit. This unique fruit, popular in many parts of the world, is gaining recognition for its taste and health benefits. Also called salak, snake fruit is easier to find than before.
Snake fruit grows on palm trees in Indonesia and Malaysia. Its scaly, red skin looks like a snake. Inside there are three sections of juicy, white or yellow pulp and a hard, inedible seed. There are two main types in Indonesia: Salak sidempuan and Salak pondoh. After picking, it ripens briefly. Unlike other fruits, snake fruit stays fresh longer after you pick it.
Snake fruit’s texture is like an apple, and it tastes sweet and a little acidic. Gula pasir is the most popular and priciest variety. You can’t eat the seeds, but the sweet, astringent flesh is enjoyed in many South Pacific dishes. If you eat salak, you get flavor and nutrition. It’s full of phenolics, flavonoids, and monoterpenoids. It also contains:
• Protein
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Fiber
• Iron
• Phosphorus
• Vitamins A and C
Its fiber and pectin aid digestion and may support immunity, though more research is needed. You also get benefits for your vision, memory, energy, blood sugar, and weight.
Snake fruit’s antioxidants may help your body fight disease. Other proclaimed benefits include:
• Energy boost: Salak’s carbs help keep your energy up.
• Weight loss: The fiber in salak helps you feel full longer,
prevents overeating, and improves digestion.
• Memory: Beta-carotene, pectin, and potassium may boost
your brain and memory. It’s called the “memory fruit” in
some places.
• Vision: Beta-carotene may help protect your eyes from
cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Heart: Potassium helps lower your blood pressure and
supports your heart.
• Heartburn relief: Traditionally, you’d use snake fruit to
soothe heartburn.
• Diabetes: Some studies suggest vinegar-prepared snake fruit
may lower blood sugar and improve cholesterol.
66 | August 2026 2 | December 2020
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story by Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray