Apart, Stevia: There is a new natural sweetener that sneaks into the shakes of the health conscious.
This South American Superfruza, once appreciated by the ancient civilizations, has orange yellow meat and has flavors that resemble sweet potatoes, caramel and arce syrup.
In the Andean Valley of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, where it originates, it is often used as a natural sweetener, and it is even the most popular ice cream taste in the region.
Now, Lucuma, also known as the “Gold of the Incas”, appears in everything, from Lattes to Paleo snack bars, thanks to its sweet flavor and their perceived health halo.
Sold here mainly as a fine and yellowish dust made of dry fruit pulp, Lucuma’s appeal is in its lowest glycemic load and its generosity of nutrients.
Lucuma is rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, who give the fruit their distinctive color and help increase the health of his eye.
Antioxidants fight against free radicals that damage cells, so consuming high foods in antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and reduce their risk of cancer, heart disease and cognitive deterioration.
Lucuma is also full of nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, zinc, calcium, potassium and dietary fiber, which benefit everything from their intestine to their eyes to its immune system.
“Unlike refined sugar, Lucuma retains fiber, vitamins and minerals, offering more than just empty calories,” said nutritionist Scott Keatley to Food and Wine.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a tablespoon of Lucuma contains a gram of protein and six grams of carbohydrates, compared to the 13 grams of carbohydrates and zero grams of protein in white sugar.
They are also only 30 calories per tablespoon, unlike Sugar’s 49 table.
Too much sugar is bad for heart health and, unlike table sugar, Lucuma does not increase blood sugar levels so dramatically.
In fact, the investigation suggests that Lucuma’s polyphenol content could help inhibit angiotensin I (ACE) converting enzyme, which could help regulate blood pressure.
And, although more research is needed on the subject, its vitamin B3 (Niacin) levels could even increase their mood and reduce their risk of depression.
With all these health benefits, it is easy to see why Maya saw Lucuma as a symbol of fertility with many healing properties.
But do not exceed, remember, it is still a sweetener!
