Sour, beautiful and nutritious: learn more about pitanga

Native to South America, pitanga is a tropical and tasty fruit. With an intense color and a slightly acidic flavor, it is appreciated both for its culinary use and for its health benefits.

So let’s find out more about these delicious fruits, which can be consumed in different ways.

Pitanga is a fruit rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, B and C, calcium, phosphorus and iron, which help fight premature aging, relieve the symptoms of arthritis and prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.

In addition, pitanga helps maintain healthy skin and good eyesight, as well as being very useful for losing weight, nourishing and reducing the accumulation of fluids and swelling in the body.

The season for this fruit in Brazil is between October and January and it can be found natural or in frozen pulp in supermarkets.

The polyphenols and vitamin C present in pitanga have an antioxidant action that helps reduce cell damage, maintaining healthy blood vessels.

It also improves the functioning of the arteries and thus helps protect against cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure and stroke.

Furthermore, the diuretic properties of pitanga also help control blood pressure, which is essential for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system.

The fruit also improves eye health as it contains vitamin A, which works to increase protection and prevent problems like dry eyes or night blindness.

Cherries contain vitamins C and A, antioxidants that help fight free radicals that cause skin aging. Vitamin C also works by increasing collagen production, which is important for fighting sagging, wrinkles and expression lines, improving the quality and appearance of the skin.

The fruit’s antioxidants, such as vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols, are linked to improvements in asthma and bronchitis, especially when the essential oil extracted from pitanga leaves is used for vaporization.

Some studies show that the essential oil of pitanga leaves has antimicrobial properties, being able to eliminate fungi, especially those of the skin, such as Candida.

Additionally, cherry leaf extract has antiviral action against the influenza virus, one of the causes of influenza.

The fruit also has diuretic properties, increasing elimination and reducing fluid retention, and can be used to help reduce swelling throughout the body.

Pitanga is low in calories: each unit of fruit provides approximately 2 calories, useful in slimming diets.

Its diuretic properties reduce body swelling by increasing the elimination of liquids.

Some laboratory studies using breast cancer cells show that pitangan polyphenols can help reduce the proliferation and increase the death of breast cancer cells.

However, human studies are still needed to prove this benefit. Peppermint also helps strengthen the immune system.

Versatile fruit, it can be consumed natural or in frozen pulp, finding use in desserts, jellies, ice creams, soft drinks, wine, yogurt, liqueurs and fermented drinks.

Once prepared, cherry jelly should be stored in a tightly closed container to prevent air from escaping or getting in. Another fruit that can be used in the production of jelly is the seriguela.

In short, pitanga is a tropical fruit appreciated not only for its unique flavor, but also for its nutritional benefits and potential health benefits. Its use in various recipes and its rich composition of vitamins and antioxidants make it a valuable component of a balanced and healthy diet.