Cocona fruit is a fruit wealthy in vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds. So what are its important advantages? Discover them here!
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.
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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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:
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:
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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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.
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!
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