What Is Cocona Oil and What Are Its Health Benefits?

Cocona, scientific name Solanum sessiliflorumIs a tropical shrub native to South America, within the Andes region, which incorporates countries equivalent to Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes.

In temperate climates, some grow it as an indoor ornamental plant; nonetheless, it’s valued mainly for the properties of the fruit, that are wealthy in antioxidants, dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. Want to know more about it? We will let you know about its health-promoting properties here.

What is cocona and what are its features?

cocoon(Solanum sessiliflorum) it is usually often known as “ubiu” (Brazil), “tupiro” or “topiro” (Venezuela), and “coconilla” or “lulo” (Colombia). It is a perennial herbaceous shrub that grows in South American soilespecially within the Andean region and the Amazon.

The plant can reach one or two meters in height. It has hairy stems and twigs with the identical characteristics. In addition, its oval leaves are smooth on top and veined on the underside; they vary in size from 25 to 45 centimeters in length and 20 to 39 centimeters in width.

It has odorous inflorescences, the sizes of which range from 3 to 10 centimeters in length. Its flowers are just like potato flowers, but larger.

They have a fruit that may be almost spherical or ovoid. Its color varies between yellow, orange and reddish. They may be 4 to 12 centimeters wide and three to six centimeters long. In addition, they weigh from 24 to 250 grams.

The fruit is essentially the most used a part of the entire plant for culinary and medicinal purposes. We suggest what nutrients it provides and what it’s used for.

Cocona Nutritional Information

Cocona fruit consists mainly of water (as much as 90%). In addition, it makes an interesting contribution of carbohydrates, dietary fiber and a few essential minerals equivalent to calcium and iron.

In the evaluation of 5 cocona ecotypes – revealed by MDP Encyclopedia– it has been estimated that every 100 grams of fruit provides between 3.12 and 4.24 grams of carbohydrates; and fiber, from 1.8 to 1.93 grams.

For minerals, the next values ​​have been observed:

• Potassium: between 570.83 and 2382.24 milligrams.
• Sodium: from 3.25 to six.87 milligrams.
• Calcium: between 17.85 and 70.07 milligrams.
• Iron: from 52 to 71 milligrams.

On the opposite hand, the physico-chemical evaluation published by Journal of food composition and evaluation estimates that the protein content of the cocoon is 0.88 grams ( bearing in mind the pulp with seeds and skin). Lipids ranged from 0.3 to 2.23%. The amount of fiber observed was 3.72 grams as the overall amount of fiber within the pulp and skin was estimated.

Other dietary values ​​discussed on this document include:

• Energy value: 29.18 kcal per 100 g of flesh and 29.24 kcal per 100 g of skin.
• Total carbohydrate content in pulp: 5.92 grams per 100 grams. Of this, 62.16% is fiber, 37.66% is total starch and 0.23% is sugar
• Fructose: 5.3mg/100g
• Saccharose: 1.4mg/100g
• Glucose: 7.4mg/100g
• ascorbicacid (vitamin C): 19.55mg/100g
• β-carotene: 5.1 μg/g
• Lycopene: 31 μg/g
• Iron: 4.78% of the day by day requirement

Other essential trace elements equivalent to copper, chromium and selenium were present in the pulp, but especially within the skin. Plus potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Publication provided by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) adds that cocona also comprises vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B5 (niacin).

Cocona is a source of antioxidants

The antioxidant content of the cocoon must be emphasized as this explains lots of its health advantages. Research shared by Limits in nutrition details that this fruit is wealthy in lycopene and it has the next level of beta-carotene in comparison with tomatoes.

Cocony Health Benefits

Due to its content of nutrients and bioactive compounds, cocona is related to several positive health effects. However, like other foods, its advantages are gained when included in a healthy weight loss program. Let’s see.

Supports the health of the digestive system

There are not any clinical studies linking cocona consumption to digestive health. Still, anecdotal evidence points to it is a food that improves digestion and prevents constipation. This is essentially explained by its water and fiber content, two key components of the digestive process.

Emma Slattery, clinical nutritionist at John Hopkins medicineexplains that fiber adds bulk to stool and helps improve bowel motility. In addition, it acts as a prebiotic that promotes the balance of healthy bacteria within the intestine.

helps lower cholesterol

In traditional medicine, coconut is taken into account a healthy cholesterol-lowering complement. In this regard, a study in mice described within the journal antioxidants it turned out the pulp of this fruit has the potential to bring the high level down bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.

These properties are attributed to the numerous contribution of antioxidants – including carotenoids, flavonoids and coumarins – which, when absorbed, help reduce lipid oxidation.

Scientists imagine that these findings open the door to the plant’s potential use within the treatment of diseases equivalent to hyperlipidemia. Larger human studies are still needed.

Improves energy levels

Cocona has small amounts B vitamins (niacin, thiamine and riboflavin), which contribute to energy metabolism. As explained within the publication within the journal Nutrientssome adequate supply of those vitamins is the important thing to optimal functioning of the energy production system. In other words, they’re key nutrients within the means of turning food into fuel for cells.

It has anti-cancer potential

Cocone has been studied for its anti-cancer potential. in vitro research published in Medicinal Food Journal reported that his extracts has cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on breast and colorectal cancer cell lines.

Behind this effect are bioactive compounds equivalent to caffeic and gallic acid, beta-carotene, catechin, quercetin and rutin. However, this area of ​​research is comparatively latest. Further clinical trials are needed to substantiate the properties.

Like other foods, cocona just isn’t a cure for cancer. It mustn’t replace treatments prescribed by a health care provider.

Helps eliminate free radicals

Cocona’s composition of carotenoids and phenolic compounds makes this fruit a big source of antioxidants. In the studies described in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistryextracts from these foods helped eliminate all tested reactive oxygen species.

Reactive oxygen species are unstable oxygen-containing molecules that react with other molecules within the cell. Their accumulation within the body can damage DNA and cause cell death.

Other possible advantages of cocona

In folk medicine, many other advantages are attributed to the cocona beyond those already discussed. However, no qualitative studies have been conducted to substantiate such effects.

Popular literature describes other advantages equivalent to:

• Weight loss. Its consumption within the context of a healthy and varied weight loss program can contribute to weight reduction. This just isn’t only because of the low calorific value. This also explains the content of dietary fiber, a compound that increases the sensation of satiety.
• Healthy bones. Due to its calcium content, eating coconut is taken into account healthy for bones. This mineral, together with vitamin D, is vital to maintaining bone density and prevention of osteoporosis.
• Anemia. The nutrients on this fruit, especially iron and B vitamins, help prevent anemia.
• Antibacterial potential. Cocona also seems to have the potential to fight certain strains of bacteria. In in vitro study provided by Cuban Journal of Family Medicine75% water-alcoholic extract from Solanum sessiliflorum helped fight Streptococcus mutans bacteria related to dental disease.

Cocona risks and contraindications

Cocona is taken into account protected for most individuals. However, excessive amounts could cause diarrhea, bloating and upset stomach.

If you’ve got diabetes, hypertension, bleeding disorders or other chronic diseases, it’s endorsed to seek the advice of your doctor before eating this food frequently. Especially should you take supplements derived from it. This is because of the indisputable fact that its compounds may interact with medications used to treat such conditions.

How is cocona eaten?

One of the benefits of this fruit is that it is extremely versatile and has many culinary uses. In fact, there are those that devour the ripe fruit without further preparation since it has a sour taste paying homage to citrus fruits.

In any case, peeled and fresh, it could be added to fruit salads or yogurt desserts. It can also be ideal for making smoothies, juices, preserves and jams. There are those that dare a bit more and add it to salads, cakes and preserves with meat and fish.

Solanum sessiliflorum supplements can present in capsule or powder form. They must be taken with caution and preferably under medical supervision. In addition, the manufacturer’s consumption recommendations have to be followed.

Things to recollect about cocoon

cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum) is a plant native to South America. It is distinguished by its characteristic fruits, which might have yellow, orange or red shades. It is valued for its contribution of nutrients and bioactive compounds that help promote well-being.

As a part of a varied and healthy weight loss program, it’s a food that gives energy, supports digestion, cares for the health of the circulatory system and prevents the negative impact of free radicals. the very best part? It is so versatile that it could be incorporated into many recipes, so make sure you try it out!

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