The fruits originating from Brazil protect the intestine and prevent diseases such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer
A land blessed with its natural riches, Brazil also has native fruits that bring numerous health benefits. A recent study published in September in Foods, for example, showed that native Brazilian fruits protect gut health. Furthermore, they prevent chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“Brazilian native fruits, coming from different biomes, are rich in bioactive compounds, and their processing allows not only fresh consumption, but also produces by-products rich in precious elements such as phenols, bringing substantial health benefits,” explains the nutritionist doctor Dr Marcella Garcez, director and professor of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN).
According to the doctor, including them in the diet improves the intake of antioxidant nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds. Many of which, in fact, are fundamental for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases. This is the case, for example, of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Prevention of chronic diseases and intestinal problems
It is worth underlining that the development of chronic non-communicable diseases is linked to lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, inactivity and tobacco use, and research increasingly highlights the relationship between non-communicable diseases and imbalances in the intestinal microbiota.
“Obesity induces chronic inflammation and cardiovascular threats; dyslipidemia interferes with lipid metabolism, increasing the risk of heart disease; and diabetes, characterized by ongoing hyperglycemia, damages endothelial cells. All of these conditions share links to imbalances of the microbiota, which not only influence the appearance of chronic non-communicable diseases, but also significantly influence intestinal health and general well-being”, warns Dr. Marcella.
The doctor also explains that changes in the microbiota can upset the balance of the intestine, leading to intestinal and systemic diseases. “Nutrition is essential in the treatment of non-communicable diseases, and probiotics and bioactive compounds found in foods can modulate the gut microbiota to promote health. Short-chain fatty acids in a healthy diet improve several physiological processes, supporting systemic health,” explains the specialist.
Native Brazilian fruits and health benefits
The authors analyzed several studies on native Brazilian fruits, rich in bioactive components. “These components can influence the gut microbiota, offering benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, improving insulin sensitivity and controlling dyslipidemia,” says Marcella.
Additionally, these fruits contain essential dietary fibers that aid in the absorption of lipids and carbohydrates, improve intestinal motility, and help reduce food intake. “Rich in phenolic compounds, these fruits have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and can stimulate beneficial bacteria in the intestine,” says the doctor.
Effects of Brazilian native fruits on the intestinal microbiota
The study focused on the characteristics of fruits originating from Brazil. Watch:
Acai
According to the study, açaí, native to the Amazon, contains anthocyanins that influence fermentation in the colon.
“The flavonoids called anthocyanins, responsible for their color, with great antioxidant power, are bioactive compounds that provide functionality to food. Their fermentation causes changes in some bacterial groups and produces organic acids. The phenolic compounds of açaí have antioxidant effects that protect DNA” , says the doctor.
Furthermore, an anthocyanin-rich açaí extract has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating obesity-related problems in rats. Clinical studies with overweight individuals consuming açaí have shown a reduction in indicators of oxidative stress. The doctor also points out that açaí pulp is rich in calcium and potassium, which are important for various metabolic functions.
Acerola
Acerola, a tropical fruit grown in Brazil, positively affects the growth of probiotics. Research shows that the acerola byproduct increases the growth of certain probiotics and leads to the body’s consumption of carbohydrates.
“This reduces the pH and increases the production of numerous organic acids. Fermentation of the acerola byproduct also changes the composition of the gut bacteria, promoting health-related metabolites,” says Dr. Marcella.
Additionally, the fruit contains dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, including myricetin, salicylic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, catechin, and rutin, which are beneficial to the gut microbiota.
Guava
Guava, a tropical fruit native to America, is an important product in Brazil. Guava byproducts can promote the growth of probiotics, producing health-promoting metabolites. Additionally, guava supplements have been shown to improve colon health, reduce fat absorption, and support metabolic activities in rats.
“The therapeutic qualities of guava, including polysaccharides and other compounds, have been explored for various health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and diarrhea, underscoring its potential to modulate the gut microbiota and confer health benefits.” , explains the nutritionist.
Jabuticaba
During the processing of Jabuticaba, a Brazilian fruit, a by-product is produced which, once fermented, positively influences intestinal microbes, enhancing beneficial strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The study also states that the byproduct also modifies phenolic compounds due to factors such as pH and enzymes.
“Adding jaboticaba bark and seeds to a high-fat diet for rats provided health benefits such as improved weight and glucose control. Bark extract helped rats suffering from colitis by promoting a healthy gut microbiome healthier. Furthermore, when added to yogurt, jaboticaba seed extract reduced inflammation and improved intestinal health in rats with colon cancer, demonstrating its cancer-fighting potential and antioxidant properties,” emphasizes Marcella.
Barù
Baru, from the Cerrado biome, has byproducts such as pulp and peel. In studies, Baru pulp has shown potential prebiotic effects, acting as a vital carbon source for some probiotic strains and modifying pH and organic acid production.
“In vitro fermentation has shown that baru pulp increases the abundance of beneficial intestinal bacteria. The pulp’s high fiber content, along with its phenolic compounds, may be responsible for these effects. Additionally, walnut oil of baru has health benefits, such as reducing blood clot formation in rats and increasing antioxidant activity in obese women,” says the nutritionist.
Buriti
Buriti pulp is a fruit recognized in some Brazilian regions. Its oil, especially when combined with fermented milk and specific bacterial strains, has been studied for its impact on the intestinal microbiota of young adults.
“The pulp contains dietary fiber and several phenolic compounds, which could be responsible for these effects. Furthermore, the oil from buriti pulp has properties that attenuate oxidative damage,” says the doctor.
Juçara
Juçara, native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, undergoes fermentation, increasing the relative abundance of certain beneficial bacteria. Phenolic compounds in its pulp can influence this microbial balance, and exposure to simulated gastrointestinal digestion alters the content of these compounds.
According to Dr. Marcella, research on juçara has linked its consumption to health benefits, such as reduced weight gain and improved glucose tolerance.
According to the review, a study conducted in obese adults showed that consumption of juçara pulp was associated with a notable increase in the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids in the stool.
Passion fruit
When added to fermented milk, passion fruit pulp improved bacterial cell counts and increased acetic and butyric acid levels. “The fruit’s soluble dietary fiber, when tested on rats with colitis, minimized weight loss, restored beneficial compounds, decreased inflammation, and promoted gut health,” says Dr. Marcella.
Passion fruit is also a source of vitamin C, which has an important antioxidant action and increases the body’s resistance since, as the doctor explains, it helps to increase the production of white blood cells, which are part of the immune system.
Finally, the doctor recommends including these foods in a balanced, varied and as natural diet as possible, to promote the benefits described and prevent diseases.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
