If you’ve been craving something sweet, but don’t want to consume unhealthy sugars, feast on this mouth-watering news: Lucuma powder tastes like a cross between sweet potato and maple (some say butterscotch or caramel). Even better, it’s healthy for you since it’s rich in antioxidants and vitamins. What’s not to love?
A staple in many subtropical areas, the dried powder of the fruit is a great way to sweeten foods. The fruit comes from the Pouteria lucuma tree, which is native to Peru, Chile and Ecuador. So incredible is this fruit that it’s often referred to as “Incan Gold” and the tree from which it comes appears frequently in Incan art.
It’s also referred to as “egg fruit” based on its appearance. The outer layer looks like cooked egg yolks, however, we can assure you that the taste is completely different. In powder form, it’s granulated and resembles brown sugar.
Top 5 Benefits of Lucuma Powder
1. Diabetes Management
With just 2 grams of natural fruit sugar for every 11 grams of carbohydrates, lucuma powder is considered a low-glycemic index food, making it safe for diabetics or anyone watching their blood sugar levels. It stabilizes blood sugar and provides long-term energy, minus any blood sugar spikes and crashes.
2. Weight Control
Lucuma powder is a low calorie sweetening alternative that satisfies your sweet tooth naturally. Unlike harmful artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharine, lucuma powder offers just the right amount of sweetness, healthfully. People feel satisfied after consuming it and therefore, their cravings are kept at bay. Many use the powder in smoothies and yogurts.
3. Natural Healing
In South America, the flesh of the fruit is considered a potent natural healer. In the United States, studies also show the benefits of its antibiotic and antifungal properties. For example, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, engaged in a study that showed lucuma extract to promote wound closure and tissue regeneration. Many people believe the powder has similar skin benefits. One thought behind this is that the 1 teaspoon of the powder contains two percent of the recommended daily value (RDV) for iron, which plays an important role in boosting the immune system.
4. Digestive Tract Regulation
Lucuma powder is high in fiber, an important component behind regulating the digestive tract and therefore, flushing toxins from the body. This reason, coupled with its enjoyable flavor, makes it an ideal choice for people of all ages who want to maintain or restore their digestive health.
5. Gluten-free
Lucuma powder is naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for those monitoring their intake of gluten or who have celiac disease.
With so many health benefits, why not consider trying some today?
Buy some sweet Lucuma Powder from Amazon. (affiliate link)
Sources for this article include:
- www.livestrong.com
- www.freepatentsonline.com
- organiclucuma.com
- essentiallivingfoods.com
- superfoodsmadesimple.com
