Food is a fundamental habit that we must develop in order to obtain essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. One of the most important food groups is that of antioxidants, composed of fruits and vegetables. Among these, the nanche, the fruit that will take 10 years off your life, is native to tropical America and provides a wide variety of nutritional contributions to strengthen your body’s systems and prevent diseases and illnesses. In the preparation of your daily diet you should incorporate portions of fruits to obtain the key vitamins that your body requires.
The Spanish Heart Foundation maintains that fruits have a high carbohydrate content, often as mono and disaccharide sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) that give fruits their sweetness. “Fruits provide an important vitamin (vitamins A, C, B1, B1, B2, B6, folic acid) and mineral (potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, silica, zinc, sulfates, phosphates, chlorides) contribution”, authorities detail. At the same time, they indicate that fruit intake reinforces fiber values, mainly cellulose and pectins. In addition, most fruits have a high water content that ranges between 80 and 95%. They also stand out in the nutritional structure because they have antioxidants, flavonoids, terpenes, selenium, phenolic compounds and phytochemical substances. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet because they participate in growth processes, support body functions and physical, mental and social well-being at all ages. Another advantage is that they help prevent forms of malnutrition (malnutrition, micronutrient deficiency, overweight and obesity) and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases.
What are the benefits of this fruit for your body?
The Government of Mexico explains that nanche or nance is a fruit that is generally eaten in its natural state (ripe). They also mention that you can find various products based on this fruit such as ice cream, jams, jellies, fresh waters, desserts, popsicles and liquor.
“Nance is loaded with vitamins K, C, and E, as well as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pathogenic acid, folic acid and manganese. The fruit is an excellent source of soluble dietary fiber, protein, iron, fat, carotene and phosphorus,” health professionals point out.
Authorities value and promote the consumption of nance because it has been proven that it can counteract gastrointestinal infections, skin diseases and degenerative ailments.
Against aging
As in nance it possesses vitamin C and is therefore a crucial nutrient for the synthesis of collagen. This process not only helps prevent wrinkles, but also keeps the skin hydrated and smooth.
The vitamin C in the nanche acts as a cofactor in the production of collagen, strengthening the fibers that support the skin. In addition, we must take into account the antioxidants that are present in this fruit and that allow fighting free radicals, protecting the skin from environmental damage, such as ultraviolet radiation and pollution, factors that accelerate premature aging.
What other benefits are generated by the consumption of nanche?
A report from the Digital Library of Traditional Mexican Medicine states that the most frequent medicinal use of this plant is against diarrhea. It is also used for other digestive disorders such as dysentery, stomach pain, indigestion, lack of digestion and bile. The way to consume it for the treatment of these problems is using the bark in decoction orally.
“It is used in gynecological problems such as infection of the womb and inflammation of the ovaries, prevents abortion and facilitates childbirth, and is applied in skin conditions, against scabies, pimples and nail. Its cooking combined with cedar bark is used to wash wounds,” the report indicates.
Among the benefits of the nanche are the treatment of renal affections, waist pain, cold, diabetes, as a tonic, to tighten gums, wounds and snake bite. Antipyretic and astringent properties are attributed to it.
The geographic and economic contributions of nanche
The Agrarian University of Havana highlights the benefits of the nanche in terms of regional economic production and in the social and demographic development of the areas of planting, cultivation and harvesting of native plant fruits.
The academic professionals emphasize that the selection of native plants is necessary because they provide food to the communities. Also, they stand out for their tolerance to progressive salinity, adaptability to eroded soils, high temperatures and efficient root systems for water extraction.
The significance of tropical fruits can be registered in their importance for food security in developing countries, from the nutritional point of view, as well as for their contribution to export earnings and income.
According to the academic institution in Havana, 90% of the tropical fruits produced are consumed within the producing countries themselves. Some 5% is marketed as fresh fruit and the remaining 5% as processed products.