What is cocona and what are its health advantages?

The cocona, with the scientific name, is a tropical shrub native to South America, the Andean region, which incorporates countries like Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. It belongs to the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, eggplants and potatoes.

In places with temperate climates there are those that cultivate it as an indoor ornamental plant; nevertheless, it’s appreciated mainly for the properties of its fruit, which is wealthy in antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Do you need to know more? We let you know what its health advantages are.

What are the characteristics of the cocona?

can be often known as ‘ubiu’ (Brazil), ‘tupiro’ or ‘topiro’ (Venezuela) and ‘coconilla’ or ‘lulo’ (Colombia). It is a perennial herbaceous shrub that grows in South American soilsparticularly within the Andean region and the Amazon.

It can reach one or two meters in height. It has pubescent stems and branches with the identical characteristic. Its oval leaves are smooth above and ribbed below; their size ranges between 25 and 45 centimeters long and 20 to 39 centimeters wide.

It also has extraxillary inflorescences ranging in size from 3 to 10 centimeters long. Its flowers resemble those of the potato, but they’re larger.

Its fruit could be almost spherical or ovoid. The color of the latter varies between yellow, orange and reddish. It can measure between 4 and 12 centimeters wide and three to six centimeters long. They weigh between 24 and 250 grams.

Of the entire plant, the fruit is probably the most used part, for culinary and medicinal purposes. We let you know what nutrients it provides and what it’s used for in the subsequent section.

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Some dietary facts about cocona

Fruits are largely composed of water, as much as 90%. In addition, they provide interesting contributions of carbohydrates, dietary fiber and certain essential minerals, similar to calcium and iron.

As a part of an evaluation of 5 cocoa ecotypes, it was estimated that 100 grammes of fruit provide between 3.12 and 4.24 grams of carbohydrates, and between 1.8 and 1.93 grams of fiber.

Concerning minerals, the next values ​​were observed:

• Potassium : between 570.83 and 2382.24 milligrams
• Sodium : between 3.25 and 6.87 milligrams
• Calcium : between 17.85 and 70.07 milligrams
• Fer : between 52 and 71 milligrams

Furthermore, as a part of a analyse physicochemical, the protein content of cocona is 0.88 grams, considering the pulp with seeds and skin. Lipids range between 0.3 and a pair of.23%. The quantity of fiber observed is 3.72 grams; the quantity of total fiber within the pulp and skin was evaluated.

Other dietary values ​​described on this document are as follows:

• Energetic value : 29.18 kcal per 100 grams of pulp and 29.24 kcal per 100 grams of shell
• Total carbohydrates within the pulp: 5.92 grams per 100 grams
  • Of these, 62.16% correspond to fiber, 37.66% to total starch and 0.23% to sugars.
• Fructose : 5,3mg/100g
• Sucrose: 1,4 mg/100 g
• Glucose : 7,4mg/100g
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C): 19,55 mg/100 g
• β-carotene: 5,1 μg/g
• Lycopene: 31 μg/g
• Fer : 4.78% of every day needs

In the pulp, but especially within the skin, other essential trace elements have been found, similar to copper, chromium and selenium. Also potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

A publication shared byFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) adds that cocona also incorporates vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B5 (niacin).

A source of antioxidants

Emphasis must be placed on the antioxidant content, as these explain lots of the fruit’s helpful health properties. A study shared by emphasizes that this fruit is abundant in lycopene and is richer in beta-carotene, in comparison with tomatoes.

The health advantages of cocona

Due to its nutrient content and bioactive compounds, cocona fruit is related to several positive health effects. Of course, like other foods, for it to be helpful it should be included as a part of a healthy eating regimen.

Better digestive health

There are not any clinical studies associating the consumption of cocona fruit with digestive health. Despite this, anecdotal evidence suggests that it’s a food that improves digestion and prevents constipation. This is essentially explained by its water and fiber content, two key elements within the digestive process. THE fibers increase stool bulk and help improve intestinal motility.

In addition, this fruit acts as a prebiotic, and due to this fact promotes the balance of healthy bacteria within the intestine.

Cholesterol reduction

In traditional medicine, cocona fruit is taken into account a healthy complement to scale back cholesterol. A study carried out on mice showed that the pulp of this fruit has the potential to scale back high levels of cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.

These qualities are attributed to its significant contribution of antioxidants — carotenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, amongst others — which, once assimilated, help reduce lipid oxidation.

Researchers consider these findings open the door to the plant’s potential use in managing diseases, similar to hyperlipidemia. However, larger, human studies are needed.

Increased energy level

Cocona fruit incorporates small amounts of B vitamins (niacin, thiamine and riboflavin) which contribute to energy metabolism. An adequate intake of those vitamins is key optimal functioning of the energy production system. In other words, they’re key nutrients in the method that turns food into fuel for cells.

Anti-tumor potential

Cocona fruit has been studied for its antitumor potential. Of the research reported that its extracts exhibited cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect on breast and colorectal cancer cell lines.

Bioactive compounds, similar to caffeic and gallic acids, beta-carotene, catechin, quercetin and rutin, are believed to be accountable for this effect. However, this area of ​​study is comparatively latest. Further clinical trials are needed to corroborate the properties.

Like other foods, cocona just isn’t a treatment for cancer. It mustn’t replace therapies prescribed by the doctor.

Elimination of free radicals

The composition of carotenoids and phenolic compounds of cocona makes this fruit a very important source of antioxidants. In research reported in , extracts of this food were found to assist eliminate all reactive oxygen species tested.

Reactive oxygen species are unstable oxygen-containing molecules that react with other molecules within the cell. Their accumulation within the body can damage DNA and cause cell death.

Other possible advantages of cocona

In folk medicine, many other advantages are attributed to the cocona fruit beyond those already mentioned. However, there have been no quality studies to support these effects.

Popular literature describes other advantages. These are:

• Weightloss. Its consumption as a part of a healthy and varied eating regimen can contribute to weight reduction. This just isn’t only on account of its low calorie intake. This can be explained by its content of dietary fiber, a compound that increases the sensation of fullness.
• Bone health. Due to its calcium intake, cocona consumption is taken into account healthy for bones. This mineral, related to vitamin D, is important for maintaining bone density and prevention of osteoporosis.
• Anemia. The nutrients present in this fruit, especially iron and B-complex vitamins, help prevent anemia.
• Antibacterial potential. Cocona also appears to have the potential to fight certain strains of bacteria. A study highlighted the undeniable fact that a 75% hydroalcoholic extract helps fight bacteria, which is related to dental diseases.

Risks and contraindications

Eating cocona is taken into account protected for most individuals. However, excessive consumption could cause diarrhea, bloating and stomach upset.

If you suffer from diabetes, hypertension, bleeding disorders or any relevant chronic illness, it is suggested to seek the advice of a physician before consuming this food frequently. Especially should you take supplements. Indeed, its compounds can have interactions with drugs used to treat these conditions.

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How is cocona eaten?

One of the advantages of this fruit is that it is rather versatile and has a wide range of culinary uses. In fact, there are those that eat the ripe fruit without further preparation, because it has an acidic flavor that resembles that of citrus fruits.

In all cases, peeled and fresh, it will possibly be added to fruit salads or yogurt desserts. It can be ideal for preparing smoothies, juices, compotes and jams. There are those that dare a bit more and add it to salads, cakes and meat and fish preparations.

On the market it is feasible to seek out supplements in capsule or powder form. These must be taken with caution and preferably under medical supervision. In addition, the consumption instructions given by the manufacturer should be respected.

What do you have to remember concerning the cocona?

Cocona is a plant native to South America. It stands out for its characteristic fruit, which might have yellow, orange or red tones. It is appreciated for its contribution of nutrients and bioactive compounds that help promote well-being.

When included as a part of a varied and healthy eating regimen, it’s a food that gives energy, promotes digestion, helps deal with cardiovascular health and prevents the negative effects of free radicals. The best? It is so versatile that it will possibly be included in lots of recipes. Don’t stop trying it!