Fruits have been an easy and cheap way to provide the body with enough micronutrients to complement daily needs and thus the body can perform its metabolic functions and among these fruits is the jabuticaba.
Due to the above, we present the following article where we provide you with information about the most important benefits of jabuticaba for human health.
What is the jabuticaba?
The jabuticaba is a fruit tree native to Brazil, whose species is Myrciaria cauliflora Berg, from which a fruit of the same name is obtained, highly appreciated by the aborigines, since it can be consumed directly from the tree for its therapeutic and nutritional properties, in addition to be used by the food industry.
Note: Other species of the jabuticaba are cultivated in different latitudes of South America such as Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. (1)
It should be noted that the jabuticaba grows attached to the trunk of the tree and thicker branches, its skin being thin and purple in color which blackens as it matures. Its pulp is white and very juicy, with a slight sweet and sour flavor with seeds inside.
What are the health benefits of jabuticaba?
Below we present the most outstanding benefits of jabuticaba for human health, from the chemical and nutritional point of view:
1. Boosts the immune system
One of the first benefits of jabuticaba and its seeds is that it contains vitamins , minerals and phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties, which help the immune system to face the harmful action of pathogenic microorganisms that cause some common diseases, as well as strengthen cell activity. to keep the body healthy. (two)
Note: This property can help prevent diseases such as the flu, colds , and some allergies.
2. Regulates cholesterol and blood sugar
Another of the benefits of jabuticaba consumption is that thanks to the presence of important vitamins such as ascorbic acid, it favors the reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood , preventing cardiovascular diseases. (3)
Additionally, the presence of dietary fiber both in its pulp and peel, especially the soluble one, regulates the absorption of fats and sugars through the intestines , being favorable for diabetic people. (4)
3. Slows cell aging
Thanks to the content of phytochemical compounds, vitamins and minerals with antioxidant properties, jabuticaba prevents cell oxidation due to the effect of free radicals, molecules that can cause cell aging and the appearance of chronic degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. (5)
4. Improves gut health
It has already been mentioned that this fruit contains dietary fiber, an element that favors the transit of food through the digestive tract, strengthening the intestinal bacterial flora, preventing common conditions such as diarrhea or abdominal cramps and more complex pathologies such as constipation . (6)
5. Fight anemia
The consumption of jabuticaba also helps in the prevention of hematological diseases such as anemia, since its vitamins and minerals stimulate the synthesis of red blood cells and hemoglobin, substances of great importance for the health of blood tissue.
Highlights: Articles describe the importance of vitamins and minerals in the prevention and treatment of anemia. (7)
6. Strengthens bones and teeth
The jabuticaba also favors bone health by containing among its minerals, calcium and phosphorus that help the strength and resistance of the bones and the formation of enamel on the teeth .
Likewise, the jabuticaba has the presence of vitamin C which is an essential micronutrient that favors the synthesis of collagen , a protein necessary to give elasticity to the bones.
7. Contributes to weight loss
Several aspects intervene in this benefit of the jabuticaba. The first of them is that this fruit is low in calories ; second, the fiber contained regulates the absorption of fat and sugars , decreasing the presence of cholesterol and fat deposits in the body.
Another important aspect is that jabuticaba contains B complex vitamins that promote energy metabolism in the body.
8. Promotes healthy skin and hair
The action of the antioxidant compounds of jabuticaba benefits skin health by preventing the proliferation of certain bacteria as well as favoring the wound healing process.
On the other hand, by stimulating collagen production, jabuticaba prevents the appearance of wrinkles on the skin and helps keep hair strong and flexible.
You should know : The cholesterol-regulating effect of jabuticaba favors blood circulation and with it the oxygenation and nutrition necessary for healthy skin and hair.
What properties does the jabuticaba have?
The health benefits of jabuticaba are due to the presence of chemical and nutritional components that we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
The vitamins that this kind fruit contains are: vitamin B1 , vitamin B2, vitamin B3 , vitamin C and vitamin E.
Note: This fruit also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron , potassium , zinc , phosphorus and manganese.
2. Other compounds
Jabuticaba also contains elements such as dietary vegetable fiber, carbohydrates, proteins, water and lysine.
How is jabuticaba consumed?
The jabuticaba is a noble fruit, which can be eaten ripe directly from the tree. In addition , juices can be prepared with it and it is also used in homemade pastry recipes.
To highlight: The food industry uses jabuticaba to make jams, jellies, and it can be processed into a powder to add as an ingredient to yogurts and desserts, among other foods.
Key takeaways
- The jabuticaba is an edible fruit that has important chemical and nutritional properties .
- Jabuticaba strengthens the function of the immune system and regulates the presence of cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Jabuticaba helps slow cell oxidation and prevents anemia.
- The jabuticaba through its micronutrients, favors the synthesis of collagen, red blood cells and hemoglobin for the general health of the organism.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.