Lucuma is a native South American fruit from thePouteria lucuma tree that’s unique in bringing sweetness while full of healthy antioxidants and minerals. This fruit is sweet and dry in texture. It has a green shell and soft yellow flesh. Today, the fruit is commonly powdered and used as a healthier sweetener than sugar since it contains half the carbs and less sugar but more sweetness than table sugar.
On average, 10 grams of lucuma powder contain the following:
6 g carbohydrates
2 g fiber
1.5 g sugar
0.5 g other minerals and compounds
Known as “the gold of the Incas,” lucuma has been part of the South American diet since the pre-colonial period and is believed to remedy various ailments. Modern studies have evidence that to be true as its research has shown that lucuma has several health benefits, making it a superfood.
Below are the significant benefits of lucuma.
Healthy Maintenance of Cardiovascular Health
Having lucuma as part of your diet is an excellent addition to preventing blood sugar and blood pressure problems. Lucuma contains various compounds that potentially inhibit hypertension. The fruit reduces the risk of type II diabetes and normalizes blood sugar levels with lower sugar content. Other antioxidants present in the fruit help maintain heart health, preventing cardiac diseases.Antioxidants May Help Inflammation and Cancer prevention.
Lucuma contains various antioxidants which may help protect the body from certain cancers. Based on research, lucuma is rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, and antioxidants known to help prevent inflammations and cancer formation. A healthy amount of these antioxidants are practical additions to lower cancer risks brought about by lifestyle and environmental factors.Lucuma Helps Maintain Healthy Organs
Lucuma has an excellent antioxidant variety that can provide specific polyphenols and carotenoids for your nutritional needs when it's part of a diet. With vitamin C in the fruit, lucuma strengthens the immune system for more robust protection against diseases. The carotenoids also promote good eye health.
Lastly, lucuma is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, vital in improving digestion and gut health support. Your gut bacteria convert the soluble fibers to produce short-chain fatty acids, which protect the digestive system from inflammation and diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
