The lúcuma is a subtropical fruit native to the Andean valleys of Chile, Ecuador, and Peru.
Contents
Uses
- Smoothies – with banana, milk, Cacao and Maca
- Baby food
- Baking
- Mix into yoghurt
- Sprinkle onto cereals
- Desserts – such as a raw Chia pudding
- Soups – such as coconut and kumara
- Raw chocolate – with Cacao and Goji Berries
- Flavour ice-cream or milk
Benefits
- High in carotene, which is an antioxidant that rejuvenates and reduces the effect of aging. It’s also great for eyesight.
- Sweet. It can provide a sweet, unique flavour to foods without causing the spike in blood sugar that most other sweet foods cause.
- High in iron, which increases energy levels through improving the transportation of oxygen to cells.
- High in Niacin (Vitamin B3) which is generally found in meat, making Lucuma a great source of Niacin for vegetarians and vegans.
- High in fibre, therefore assisting the digestive processes.
- Anti-inflammatory – The State University of New Jersey reported a study that evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of Lucuma extract on wound healing and skin aging. The study found that Lucuma significantly increased wound closure and promoted tissue regeneration.
Cautions
- Due to a lack of research, however, little is known about the safety of long-term or regular use of lucuma. In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances such as metals. Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. Please consult your nutritionist.
Interactions
- Please consult with your pharmacist to find out more about medicine interacting with Lucuma.
Other Names
Pouteria lucuma, Lucuma obovata, Teissa (Philippines), eggfruit (England)
References
Source:Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pouteria_lucuma
Davina Hearne, http://davinahearne.com/lucuma-a-superfood-also-known-as-gold-of-the-incas/
Alt Medicine, http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/Lucuma.htm