Lucuma, whose scientific name is Pouteria lucuma, originates from Peru.
About the taste, lucuma is very sweet, which resembles that of sweet maple and potato, so it is widely used to sweeten foods such as ice cream in many countries.
Not only can lucuma be consumed fresh but it is also available in powdered form and you might be surprised with the benefits of lucuma powder additionally.
After dehydrating the internal pulp of the lucuma, you can obtain its powder which is often used to enrich many foods and drinks. Being a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, carbohydrates and its natural sweetness, lucuma powder can help improve heart health, control diabetes, prevent inflammation, control weight, boost the immune system , supply energy and support skin health and deal with stress or depression
Let’s see, below, the benefits of lucuma and also its side effects and contraindications:
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Nutritional properties
Beta-carotene content Like many deep orange fruits and vegetables, lucuma is a rich source of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a great source of vitamin A needed to promote cell growth and better vision. It can also help boost your immune system and keep disease at bay.
As a natural antioxidant, it can help protect your cells from oxidative stress that can cause so many serious diseases.
Fiber We all know the importance of fiber to ensure better digestion. A high-fiber diet can help treat a number of common digestive conditions, including constipation, gas, and bloating. Lucuma is a very rich source of fiber.
Niacin (vitamin B3) Vegetarians in particular will benefit from this natural source of niacin. Most meat eaters get adequate amounts of chicken and beef, but if you’re looking to reduce your meat intake, lucuma is a great alternative. Niacin helps our bodies perform various roles, including muscle building and as a digestive aid.
other nutrients Lucuma also contains iron, calcium, zinc and protein.
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Lucuma Benefits
skin benefits As we have already mentioned, lucuma is packed with beta-carotene, which is an important and healthy natural antioxidant. By now, most of us know the importance of getting as many antioxidants into our system as possible to counter the damage caused by environmental free radicals.
Antioxidants like beta-carotene help stimulate the repair of damaged cells and the growth of new cells, including skin cells.
When we eat foods that contain beta-carotene, our bodies convert it to vitamin A, where it works on our skin cells. Eating plenty of beta-carotene can noticeably improve the tone and appearance of your skin and reduce blemishes and wrinkles, making you look younger and healthier.
The beta-carotene present in lucuma can also protect your skin from sun damage and sunburn.
A study published in 2010 showed that lucuma powder had anti-inflammatory potential and helped promote tissue regeneration as well as wound healing. The researchers concluded that it could have applications in skin care and medicine.
Glycemic index of lucuma and blood sugar Lucuma has a very low glycemic index because it contains only 2 grams of sugar in the fruit for every 11 grams of carbohydrates. Due to its low glycemic index, it is considered a safe alternative sweetener for diabetics and anyone else concerned about their blood sugar. If you use lucuma powder to sweeten your food and drinks, it can stabilize your blood sugar levels and can also help provide energy without the worry of sugar spikes and subsequent crashes.
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Contraindications and side effects of Lucuma
Little research is available to determine the safety of using lucuma over a long period of time.
As with any substance, caution should be exercised when consuming lucuma in large portions on a consistent basis.
Consult a health professional about the use of lucuma if you also regularly take antihypertensive medications or other herbal supplements, as lucuma may interact with their use.
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