Cupuaçu

Cupuaçu

Other names : Theobroma grandiflorum, Cupuassu, cupuazú, CopoasuCupuaçu, Cupuassu, Cupuazú, Copoasu
Cupuaçu is definitely not the prettiest fruit, but its health benefits are more than attractive! Just in case pronouncing this strange-looking name has you a little worried, here’s a phonetic representation to help you out: “coo-poo-wa-soo.” 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. This superfruit grows naturally in the lush Amazon basin as well as in the jungles of Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Columbia. As a member of the Cacao family, Cupuacu is tasty, too! With a unique flavor that includes hints of banana, passion fruit and chocolate, you would enjoy adding this one to your diet even if it wasn’t good for you.

The benefits of Cupuaçu are

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.

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.

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

Cupuacu gets its power from a healthy dose of phytochemicals and flavenoids, the same chemicals that are thought to make green tea, red wine, green leafy vegetables and so many other plant-based food items extremely healthy for humans. Here’s a breakdown of the specific chemicals that give Cupuacu its superfruit status:

• Polyphenolic Tannis – Found in red wine and grape juice, tannins have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown they also have antiviral, antiparasitic and antibacterial effects.
• Thegrandins – A unique polyphenol, this substance acts as a super antioxidant. Cupuacu is one of the only known sources of this healthy ingredient. 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.
• Catechins – This antioxidant is responsible for dark chocolate’s healthy properties. In animal studies, it’s been shown to protect the brain from experiencing a stroke when included as a regular part of the diet.
• Quercetin – A beneficial flavenoid, quercetin has strong antiviral, anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.
• Kaempferol – This flavenoid, also found in green tea and broccoli, protects the body from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
• Isoscutellarein – A powerful flavenoid that promotes a healthy heart.
• 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.

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
• Cancer : Theograndins have shown great promise in destroying colon cancer cells
• Heart Disease : Theograndins have shown great promise in counteracting free radical damage, a main contributor to heart disease. 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.
• Decreased heart rate
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced cholesterol levels : The essential fatty acids found in the cupuaçu fruit lower cholesterol and neutralize the damaging effects of LDL (the bad cholesterol) by defending against the oxidative deterioration of lipids.
• Digestive relief
• Decreased risk of chronic diseases

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.