Immediate Impact of Snake Fruit Jelly Consumption on Autonomic Nervous System Regulation of Heart Function and Blood Glucose Level in Healthy Young Adults
Keywords:
salak, blood pressure, heart rate variability, antioxidants, anti-inflammationAbstract
Background and Objective: Salak or snake fruit is a type of fruit rich in vitamins and minerals, known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that positively affect the autonomic nervous system function controlling the heart. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of consuming jelly made from snake fruit on autonomic nervous system activity related to heart function in healthy young adults.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial, cross-over design was conducted. Twenty-five healthy volunteers aged 18–35 years consumed both a control and a test formula of ready-to-drink jelly made from snake fruit, administered randomly in a 140-gram portion. Measurements of heart rate variability, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose levels were taken before consumption (minute 0) and at 30-minute intervals after consumption over a 2-hour period (minutes 30, 60, 90, and 120). A one-week washout period was maintained between the consumption of the two jelly formulas.
Results: After consuming the ready-to-drink jelly, the test group showed significantly higher values (p<0.05) in R-R interval, standard deviation of all normal to normal R-R intervals, root mean squares of successive NN interval differences, total power, and high frequency power. Additionally, heart rate and blood glucose levels at minutes 30 and 60 were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those in the control group. However, there were no differences between groups in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
Conclusion: Consumption of ready-to-drink jelly made from snake fruit increases heart rate variability by enhancing parasympathetic nervous system activity and decreases heart rate and blood glucose levels within the first hour in healthy young adults.
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