Cupuaçu

The benefits of Cupuaçu are

a superfruit from the tropical rainforests of South America is renowned not only for its ability to melt away body fat and excess weight—but is also being touted as the modern day "fountain of youth?" "Superfruit" is a term first used in the food and beverage industry in 2005, and refers to any fruit that combines superior nutritional properties ... powerful antioxidants ... and demonstrated health benefits. Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), pronounced coo-pwah-sue, is a tree that grows in the fertile soil of South American rainforests—and its fruit meets all 3 qualifications, and has countless therapeutic benefits. This may be why South Americans call it ...

"The Pharmacy in a Fruit"

Loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, flavonoids, essential fatty acids and amino acids, the cupuaçu fruit is amazingly versatile, and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Reported health benefits include:

• Weight loss
• Fat reduction
• Supple and radiant skin
• Lustrous locks
• Improved cognitive function
• Increased short-term memory
• Stable moods
• Pain relief
• Decreased inflammation
• Fewer allergy symptoms
• Strong immune system
• Decreased heart rate
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced cholesterol levels
• Digestive relief
• Decreased risk of chronic diseases

Cupuaçu has been used for centuries by the indigenous people of the Amazon to relieve pain, boost energy, protect against heart disease and much more. Because it gently soothes the intestinal tract, shamans have used cupuaçu to relieve abdominal discomfort, and midwives have used it to ease labor pain. But the benefits don't stop there.

Cupuaçu is Also a Highly Effective Solution for Shedding Weight and Burning Fat

Rich in vitamin C, cupuaçu restores and protects the body's C-supply, which is continually depleted by day-to-day stressors. The backbone of cell growth and regeneration, vitamin C facilitates weight and fat loss because it triggers the production of carnitine, a substance that transports fat cells to the mitochondria, where our bodies burn fat into energy. When our vitamin C levels are diminished, our bodies do not produce enough carnitine, and excess fat stays put.

Cupuaçu's ability to shed pounds is not just due to high levels of vitamin C: The fruit also contains the flavonoid quercetin, which helps sustain vitamin C levels in the body. When the body's vitamin C storehouse is low, the stress hormone cortisol is released into the blood stream. Too much cortisol stimulates weight gain because the hormone tells the brain to store fat in the abdominals. Feeding the body cupuaçu replenishes and protects vitamin C levels, thereby balancing cortisol production.

Cupuaçu doesn't just burn stored fat; it also burns more calories because it boosts energy levels. Cupuaçu has a caffeine-like effect—but does not contain caffeine. Its energy-boosting effect enables you to enjoy cupuaçu without any of the drawbacks: no nervous coffee jitters or a mid-afternoon caffeine crash. It strengthens the immune system while simultaneously supporting the body's ability to fight disease.

Theograndins: Antioxidants That Destroy Colon Cancer Cells

Cupuaçu is so rich in powerful antoxidants that scientists recently gave the new antioxidants found in cupuaçu a name: theograndins. Theograndins have shown great promise in destroying colon cancer cells and counteracting the damage of free radicals, which are a main contributor to premature aging. Cupuaçu is also rich in vitamins B1, B2, niacin, amino acids and essential fatty acids, such as Omega 3 and 6, which promote youthful, firm and elastic skin, and glossy, shiny hair.

Its anti-aging properties may be the reason why many people consider cupuaçu the modern day fountain of youth.

The essential fatty acids found in the cupuaçu fruit also lower cholesterol and neutralize the damaging effects of LDL (the bad cholesterol) by defending against the oxidative deterioration of lipids.

Together, the phytonutrients, antioxidants and essential fatty acids found in cupuaçu invigorate the cardiovascular system and increase longevity by neutralizing free radicals, thereby protecting the artery walls from damage and eventual heart disease.

The cupuaçu fruit is the size of a small melon. The inside consists of juicy flesh and large black seeds similar to those of the papaya, and the outside is a brown husk similar to that of the coconut. The flesh is served both raw and sweetened, and also used to make candies, ice cream, jams, tarts and juices. The seeds are dried and ground to make a drink similar to hot chocolate but with energy-boosting capabilities.

Unfortunately, you probably won't find cupuaçu available in your local supermarket because it grows only in the rainforests of Brazil, Peru and other countries in South America—and it is difficult and expensive to ship the fruit fresh. You can, however, purchase cupuaçu in the United States from online retailers and health food stores either in supplement, lotion, balm or powder form.