Lucuma is a tropical fruit originating from the valleys of Andes in Peru, Ecuador and Chile. In fact it is popularly known as the (Gold of the Incas) due to its deep yellow shade of fruit and has been a long time favorite in terms of flavor and healthy benefits. Today lucuma is accessible throughout the world mainly in the form of powder and adds a healthy benefit to a diet.
What is Lucuma Powder?
Lucuma Powder ‘Pouteria’ lucuma is a nutrient dense fruit with a sweet and maple like flavor. While edible fresh lucuma is more commonly available in powdered or dried form and used to make smoothies desserts and a variety of culinary preparations. Lucuma is abundant in vitamins minerals and antioxidants qualifying this fruit as one of the superfoods.
Here are the 10 Best Lucuma Powder Benefits
1. Abundant in Antioxidants Lucuma Powder is rich in antioxidants polyphenols and carotenoids known to defend the body from free radicals responsible for oxidative stresses. Such antioxidants can decrease the risk of chronic diseases like heart problems and cancer.
2. Good for Heart Health Lucuma powder is a fiber enriched food. The dietary fibers reduce cholesterol levels and provide cardiovascular health. Reducing bad LDL cholesterol and good circulation improves general heart health.
3. Healthy Blood Sugar Maintains Blood Sugar
Though the fruit is sweet, lucuma has a very low GI. This means that instead of causing a sudden spike in the blood levels and it does not contribute much to spreading disease. The sugar is excellent for a diabetic or one trying to control his or her blood sugar levels.
4. Boosts Immune Function Lucuma powder is a rich source of vitamin C and a strong antioxidant that can elevate and enhance an individual’s immunity. Vitamin C protects the body from infections and makes recovery faster hence, vitamin C also enhances iron uptake from plant based food sources.
5. Promotes Digestive Wellness Lucuma powder contains the fiber that will facilitate proper digestion, according to the impact on the regular movement of bowel movement and aids in healthy gut bacteria growth. This will avoid constipation and improve gut wellness as a whole.
6. Promotes Healthy Skin Lucuma powder has much antioxidant thus, it saves the skin from pollutants and ultraviolet rays. The vitamin C in lucuma ensures that the skin gets to have younger look with firm skin by encouraging collagen production.
7. It Has Potential Antioxidant Anti-Inflammatory Action Others thought the lucuma powder had anti-inflammatory properties, thus preventing inflammation in the body. Diseases that are known to be caused by chronic inflammation include arthritis and heart disease hence adding anti inflammatory foods such as lucuma to your diet will be a plus.
8. Maintain Healthy Eyes Lucuma is rich in carotenoids that include beta carotene. Beta carotene is said to contribute toward eye health. It is a precursor to vitamin A, which the body converts into the vitamin, contributing to protecting one’s eyesight. Vitamin A protects vision and keeps away problems like cataracts.
9. Natural Energy Booster Lucuma’s carbohydrates naturally boost energy, so you can add it to your pre workout smoothie. In contrast to processed sugars, the low glycemic load ensures that this time there is no crashing after a few hours.
10. Wound Healing Because of its high vitamin C content and lucuma can also be beneficial to the healing process of wounds. This vitamin is essential in the formation of collagen, which will be indispensable to repair the damage done, hence quick healing can be achieved. For this reason, lucuma is a very rehabilitative food for any kind of injury or surgery recovery process.
Lucuma powder is generally safe to consume for most people; however, here are several possible adverse effects to be aware of:
Allergic reactions Although unlikely, there are instances where some may be allergic to lucuma. You would always be better to start low and build up, test your body to your tolerance and see how you react before adding it to your diet.
Gastro-intestinal Problems Although lucuma powder is a fibrous material, taking so much at one go will always lead to gastrointestinal problems like bloating or gas. However, a gradual introduction into the diet will not cause discomfort.
Interaction with Blood Sugar Medications Lucuma powder can regulate blood sugar; thus, patients diagnosed with diabetes will most likely be put on prescription drugs for blood sugar regulation. Intake of lucuma powder may interfere with such drugs. A patient who is diabetic or uses any blood sugar regulating medications should consult a doctor prior to consumption of lucuma powder.
Here are the some common uses of Lucuma Powder in daily basis
1. As A Sweetener
Blends : Add one tablespoon of the lucuma powder to your favorite blend for added sweetness and nutrition.
Baked Goods : Replace sugar with lucuma powder in cakes cookies and muffins.
Desserts : Lucuma powder is one of the common used ingredients in South American desserts and ranging from ice creams to puddings and custards.
2. As a topping Pour lucuma powder on oatmeal yogurt or cereal for a sweet and nutritious topping.
3. In Liquids Just add the lucuma powder to your tea, coffee or hot milk and enjoy an natively sweetened beverage. Moreover you can utilize it as a flavoring for home brewed almond milk or other plant milks.
4. As an addition Lucuma powder is also a good dietary supplement which you may be used together with other superfood powders or alone. Conveniently helps add extra vitamins minerals and fiber to your diet.
Lucuma powder is a natural and nutrient rich sweetener that offers several health benefits. It impacts the health of your heart and it helps maintain blood sugar balance and supports immune function. Furthermore, because it is versatile in the kitchen and possibly, anti inflammatory this natural sweetener would make a great addition to every healthy diet. It is considered safe to consume but to avoid any gastrointestinal distress and smaller servings should be started. Also, if you have specific health conditions you are managing, please do not hesitate to discuss with your healthcare provider. Lucuma Powder offers a delicious healthy way to enrich your meals and wellbeing.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and cannot be interpreted as a recommendation for any treatment or medical remedy. You should first consult your doctor before taking the lucuma powder and especially in case you suffer from some health condition or take medication. Seek professional advice if you change your diet.
