Home » Health » Aguaje, camu camu and paiche, the Amazonian superfoods that protect your immune system | News

Aguaje, camu camu and paiche, the Amazonian superfoods that protect your immune system | News

The vast Peruvian Amazon houses in its fertile territory a series of superfoods that surprise the world with their great nutritional value. In this second wave of infections, it is key to encourage its frequent consumption, since this strengthens the immune system against infections such as covid-19 and other diseases.

These are the most representative foods of the Peruvian Amazon that can be consumed frequently as part of a balanced and nutritious diet, the following stand out.

Aguaje

Known in our jungle as the “fruit of the tree of life”, aguaje provides a great contribution in vitamins and minerals, has natural compounds that are beneficial to health.

This fruit of a palm tree that grows in flooded areas called aguajales, contains a high content of vitamin A (beta-carotene), even higher than carrots and spinach. For this reason, it has antibiotic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory functions, in addition to helping eye health and maintaining healthy skin.

This Amazonian fruit also contains a high concentration of vitamin C, which helps in the absorption of iron and calcium, thus strengthening the bones and muscles, preventing osteoporosis and other related ailments.

He aguaje It contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds that have an anticancer effect, especially against breast, colon and prostate tumors. It also prevents cardiovascular diseases and strokes.-

Another of the great benefits of phytoestrogen is the reduction of the effects of menopause and balances the hormonal levels. Scientific research has shown that women and men who consume foods rich in this compound have a late menopause and climacteric with fewer disorders.

Aguaymanto

It is considered one of the five best foods produced in Peru for health. Powerful antioxidant, with high contents of vitamins A, B and C, calcium, iron and phosphorus, it is perfect for strengthening the immune system.

He aguaymanto provides the human body with a high content of vitamin C, which helps to treat asthmatic processes, sinusitis and other allergies. In addition, it has an antioxidant, perfect for slowing aging, it also helps heal wounds, improves the immune system, increases the production of red blood cells. –

It also corrects the performance of cardiovascular functions and works as a natural tranquilizer.

Another of the health benefits that aguaymanto contains is to relieve stress, combat high blood pressure, anxiety and stabilize the level of glucose, so it can be consumed by people with diabetes. Likewise, it helps prevent stomach, colon and intestinal cancer.

Cacao

Cocoa is a species native to the Amazon. Its center of origin is located in the region between the basins of the Caquetá, Putumayo and Napo rivers: tributaries of the Amazon River, and includes part of the Peruvian territory.

Cocoa is very rich in antioxidants. These natural compounds are capable of preventing the negative action of free radicals in our body, helping to prevent the degeneration of our cells (responsible for the appearance of diseases).

Due to its richness in antioxidants, cocoa is ideal for our cardiovascular system, preventing the onset of heart disease. In addition, it helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.

Cocoa also contains a series of components that act as stimulants and euphoriants. This quality translates into a feeling of well-being due to the presence of phenylethylamine, which acts in the brain, triggering a state of emotional well-being and euphoria.

He cacao helps increase the production of endorphins: hormones that improve our mood. In addition, it stands out for being an energetic food, so it helps us regain strength in situations of physical and mental fatigue.-

In addition to its qualities as a stimulant of our nervous system and our emotions, cocoa acts as an excellent stimulant of the digestive system.

On the other hand, several studies have confirmed the benefits of cocoa as a natural relief against constipation, thanks precisely to the fact that it becomes an ideal food to tone and stimulate the digestive system.

Camu camu

Camu camu is one of the 553 fruits native to Peru and grows wild on the banks of rivers and in the floodplains typical of the Amazon. In Ucayali it is considered an emblematic crop of the region.

It contains a high concentration of vitamin C, which is 40 times greater than in lemon and 10 times greater than in orange, so its flavor is markedly acidic.

The high antioxidant power of this Amazonian fruit helps mitigate the negative impact caused by oxidative stress, an alteration that occurs due to the action of free radicals in the body and that can cause the death of cells and premature aging.

Clinical studies reveal that the consumption of camu camu It helps to accelerate the healing processes and the formation of collagen, a protein that promotes the development of tendons and blood vessels. In addition, vitamin C helps the fixation of calcium, an essential mineral for the formation and strengthening of bones.-

Carachama

Not very pleasant to the naked eye, this prehistoric fish similar to catfish is the protagonist of the traditional Peruvian Amazon cuisine, especially in the famous carachama broth or soup, considered a succulent energy-repairing soup.

This responds to its extraordinary nutritional value, since it contains proteins, vitamins A, C, E and B12, as well as minerals such as phosphorus, iron and iodine that make it a powerful ally in the fight against anemia and malnutrition.

Its curious name alludes to the absence of ribs and bones, which makes it possible to make the most of its delicious meat, whose versatility can be appreciated in stews, suds and other steamed dishes.

Therefore, the carachama preferred among many other fish and widely consumed in rural areas in the departments of Amazonas, Loreto, San Martín, Huánuco, Ucayali and Madre de Dios.-

Carambola

It stands out for its unique star shape, but above all for its nutritional properties. It is a source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium, important for cardiovascular, skin and nervous system function, and it favors the formation of collagen, bones and teeth.

The pulp of the carambola It has fiber, so it is a good regulator of metabolism. It also works as a natural laxative, being indicated for people suffering from constipation.-

It has a low caloric intake as it is a fruit rich in water, so it is ideal to include this fruit in diets to reduce weight. In addition, its low concentration of fructose makes it an ideal food for people with diabetes.

Cocona

It is an Amazonian fruit that has essential vitamins for good nutrition and a powerful immune system, such as vitamins A and C, in addition to the B complex such as thiamine and riboflavin. To this they add minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron.

It also has an important concentration of fiber and water, which help reduce blood glucose levels, good digestion and the proper functioning of the intestines.

Among the benefits of consuming cocona highlights that it helps fight anemia, regulates the level of glucose in the blood, controls constipation, protects the kidneys and liver, and even improves hair health by preventing hair loss.-

Passion fruit

It provides the body with vitamins A and C, as well as the B complex. Also essential minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. These nutrients strengthen the immune system and make it more resistant to respiratory infections, asthma and other diseases.

Its high fiber content makes this Amazonian fruit an excellent remedy for constipation, since it helps regulate digestion.

He passion fruit It has properties that help reduce muscle and headaches. In addition, it stimulates the production of endorphins that help fight stress and insomnia.-

Paiche

The paiche is not only the most emblematic fish in the Peruvian Amazon, but also a superfood with great nutritional benefits that contribute, as part of a balanced diet, in a key stimulus for the optimal functioning of the immune system against coronavirus and other infections.

The second largest freshwater fish in the world, which in its adult phase can exceed three meters in length and 200 kilos in weight, concentrates high protein values ​​in its meat. Every 100 grams of paiche meat provides up to 20 grams of protein.

Its nutritional composition includes moisture (77.09%), fat (1.1%) and mineral salts (1.1%). It also contains essential minerals such as iron and zinc that are key to preventing and fighting anemia and chronic malnutrition, especially in children and pregnant women.

In addition, its high content of omega 3, 6 and 9 contributes to the prevention of cardiovascular problems, improves brain functions and the nervous system, among other benefits.

The frequent consumption of this food is beneficial to promote the sustainable use of natural resources, in this case of our Amazon.

The versatility of paiche For gastronomy, it allows consuming this hydrobiological species in various forms, being ideal steamed, in ceviche, in stews and grilled to better take advantage of its nutritional properties that strengthen our immune system against coronavirus and other infections.-

Pitahaya

This Amazonian fruit, whose peculiar outer shape full of bumps that give it the nickname of “dragon fruit”, is a source of antioxidants that help reduce the proliferation of free radicals in our body, responsible for the appearance of tumors and premature aging. .

It also contains vitamin C, which helps prevent flu and colds, in addition to strengthening the immune system and also increases collagen, which is important for the body, since it is a main component of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Its properties include its captin content, a substance that works as a natural toner of the heart and helps to relax the nervous system. In addition, it has riboflavin (vitamin B2), vital for the production of red blood cells.

The pulp and black seeds of the pitahaya contain a large amount of fiber, which helps improve intestinal transit and prevent chronic constipation. These seeds are rich in Omega 3, ideal for fighting some autoimmune diseases and preventing the appearance of certain types of cancers related to hormonal changes, such as breast, colon and prostate.

The leaves of the pitahaya they also have important nutrients for our health. Consuming them in an infusion helps fight migraine headaches and insomnia.-

Consuming these prodigiously nutritious fruits, frequently in the diet, will allow good health.

(END) LZD / MAO

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