Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora): 11 benefits and how to consume it

La pitanga, capulí, ñangapiry or cherry from Cayena, whose scientific name is uniflora eugenicsit is a fruit that has many nutrients such as vitamins A, B and C, calcium, phosphorus and hierro, and phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and anthocyanins, as it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antihypertensive properties, which can help combat premature aging, symptoms of arthritis and gout, respiratory problems and the development of cardiovascular diseases, for example.

This fruit helps to keep the skin healthy and beautiful and a good vision, in addition to being very useful to help slimming, because it has few calories, is nutritious and has diuretic action, reducing the swelling of the body.

The pitanga can be consumed in its natural form or used in sweets, marmalade, ice cream and refreshments.

The main benefits of pitanga include:

1. Protects against cardiovascular diseases

The polyphenols and vitamin C present in the pitanga have an antioxidant action that helps to reduce damage to the cells, keeping blood vessels healthy and improving the functioning of the arteries, which is why they contribute to protection against cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure and stroke.

Likewise, the diuretic property of pitanga also favors the control of blood pressure, which is essential for the good functioning of the cardiovascular system.

2. Fight arthritis and gout

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, pitanga can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the joints, preventing or decreasing the symptoms of arthritis and gout such as swelling, inflammation, pain or stiffness in the joints.

3. Improve the health of the eyes

The pitanga improves eye health with vitamin A, which acts by increasing eye protection and preventing the appearance of problems such as dry eyes or night blindness.

4. Improve skin heat

The pitanga has vitamin C and A, which are antioxidants that help fight free radicals that cause skin aging. Vitamin C also acts by increasing collagen production, which is important to fight sagging, wrinkles and expression lines, improving the quality of skin and skin appearance.

In addition, vitamin A protects the skin from damage caused by solar rays that cause premature aging.

5. Combats respiratory problems

The pitanga antioxidants, such as vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols, are related to the improvement of asthma and bronchitis, mainly when the essential oil extracted from the pitanga seeds is used for vaporization.

6. Eliminates fungi and bacteria

Some studies have shown that the essential oil of las hojas de la pitanga has antimicrobial properties, being able to eliminate fungi, especially those from the skin, such as Candida sp., and bacteria such as:

• Escherichia coli, which causes urinary tract infection;
• Staphylococcus aureus, which causes lung, skin and bone infections;
• listeria monocytogenes, that can cause intestinal infections;
• Streptococcus, that cause throat infections, pneumonia and meningitis.

Apart from this, the extract from the pitanga seeds has antiviral action against the influenza virus that can cause the flu.

7. Reduce the hinchazón

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

8. Help slimming

The pitanga has few calories, each unit of the fruit has approximately 2 calories, which can help diets to lose weight. Asimism, its diuretic properties reduce the swelling of the body and increase the elimination of liquids.

9. Strengthens the immune system

The pitanga is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, B and C, which improve the response of defense cells essential to prevent and fight infections, which is why this fruit helps to strengthen the immune system.

10. Helps to fight cancer

Some laboratory studies using breast cancer cells have shown that pitanga polyphenols can help to reduce proliferation and increase the death of cells from this type of cancer. However, studies in humans are still needed to prove this benefit.

11. Fight diarrhea

Las hojas de la pitanga have astringent and digestive properties that favor the fight against diarrhea. In addition, the polyphenols of pitanga contribute to the balance of the gastrointestinal flora, which helps the good functioning of the digestive system.

Nutritional information table

The following table shows the nutritional composition in 100 g of fresh cherry.

It is important to note that to obtain all the benefits mentioned, the pitanga must form part of a balanced and healthy diet.

how to consume

The pitanga can be consumed raw, as well as later in the main foods or in the meriendas, and it can also be used to prepare yokes, smoothies, marmalades or pastries. Another option is to make pitanga using las hojas.

Next, some quick, easy-to-prepare and nutritious pitanga recipes are shown:

Té de pitanga

The pitanga té must prepare with the hojas to help fight diarrhea.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of fresh pitanga hojas;
• 1 liter of boiling water.

preparation method

Hervir water and erase the fire. Add las hojas de pitanga, cover and leave to rest for 10 minutes. Paste and drink up to 3 cups a day.

The consumption of pitanga tea should be guided by a doctor or phytotherapist, and it is not indicated for people who are under treatment for hypertension, as the active components of pitanga tea can interact with antihypertensive drugs, altering their effect.

pitanga yoke

The jugo de pitanga is an excellent option for those who want to lose weight, as they have fewer calories and have diuretic action.

Ingredients

• Medium bowl of fresh cherry;
• 100 ml of cold water;
• 1 cup of honey.

preparation method

In a container, wash the pitangas and remove the stalks, add them to the blender with the seed and the cold water. Licuar until the seedling detaches itself from the pulp. Paste, add milk and serve with hielo.

Mousse from pitanga

the receipt of Mousse de pitanga is an excellent option for a weekend after.

Ingredients

• 12 g unflavored octopus gelatin;
• 400 g of Greek yogurt;
• 200 g of frozen pitanga pulp;
• 3 egg whites;
• 2 spoonfuls of brown sugar.

preparation method

Add 5 spoonfuls of cold water to gelatin and take it to the fire in the Maria’s bath until it dissolves, reserve it. Licuar el yogur griego, la pulpa de pitanga, medium vase de agua and la gelatina disuelta. Apart from that, beat the egg whites with the sugar to double their volume, add the cherry cream and mix gently. put it Mousse in a bowl and refrigerate for about 4 hours or until it acquires a firm consistency.