The Properties and benefits of borojó Which have been scientifically proven are: rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, calcium, antioxidant, and others that I will comment below.
The borojó is the fruit that is extracted from the plant Borojoa patinoi, which Belongs to the family of the Rubiaceae. It grows in humid tropical forests at a relative humidity of 85%. The name comes from the emberá language that means Borojoa = Round, globose.
The plant from which the borojó is extracted comes from the tropical jungle of Colombia Ecuador and Panama. In traditional medicine the juice of this fruit is used to treat sexual impotence, bronchial affections, the desnutrition , Hypertension, cancer, infections and chronic fatigue.
Honoring its name, this fruit is round, has between 7 to 12 cm in diameter, is green to brown and weighs between 740 and 1 kg of which 88% is pulp.
The pulp has a relative humidity higher than 60%, indicating that it has a high water content in its composition. In dry weight most of the borojó are carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, calcium, phosphorus and iron.
Nutritional contribution of borojó
The following table summarizes all your nutrient intake.
Nutritional properties of borojó
1- Reduces fatigue after exercise
Because of its large number of carbohydrates, borojó is appropriate for people who have great physical activity, as it can provide the energy needed to recover from training.
The main carbohydrate of borojó is fructose , A carbohydrate that has been studied for its effects in sports.
Previous studies have indicated that fructose decreases fatigue in aerobic and anaerobic sports.
A study carried out by the School of Sports Science and Exercise at the University of Birmingham found that in cyclists fructose and glucose consumption decreased by 8% as cyclists finished the race, compared to the group that only Consumed glucose and 19% less than the group they took placebo with water.
Studies in laboratory rats have shown that consumption of fructose without physical activity triggers accumulation of fat in the liver. Virtually any carbohydrate will be stored as fat if it is not used.
2.- Provides a good portion of dietary fiber
The Dietary fiber Is a diverse set of substances, mainly polysaccharide carbohydrates, found in foods of plant origin.
Its main differential characteristic is that they are not digested in the small intestine and as a consequence they come unmodified to the large intestine.
Currently, dietary fiber is classified based on its solubility in water: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
The Soluble fiber Tends to form viscous solutions in the water, which causes delayed gastric emptying and digestion.
This type of fiber is fermented by colon bacteria, giving rise to short chain fatty acids that are beneficial on serum cholesterol and glucose concentrations.
Insoluble fiber has high water retention capacity. Its main effect is to increase the volume of feces by accelerating the rate of intestinal transit, preventing constipation, hemorrhoids And diverticula. It has been proposed that it can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
The amount of dietary fiber intake depends on the age and sex of the people. Males generally need more dietary fiber. In males aged 19-50, the values are 38g per day, while in females the same age are 25g per day.
The borojó contributes almost 9g of dietary fiber per 100g of the fruit. Being a large fruit (700-1000g) would practically contribute all the amount of recommended daily fiber. In addition this fiber would be of the two types, mostly insoluble type (helps to improve our intestinal health).
3.- Strengthens bones, teeth and gums
Calcium is a mineral that is involved in many biological functions essential for life, from its intervention in the process of muscle contraction to blood clotting. As ion, the Ca 2+ Is a cofactor of multiple enzymatic processes.
It is very important in mineralization and therefore, in strengthening bones, teeth and gums. In addition it favors the adequate coagulation of the blood, cardiovascular diseases .
This nutrient favors the regulation of heart rate and the transmission of nerve impulses.
The consumption of a fruit of borojó would be contributing approximately the half of calcium that is required to the day.
4- It is a source of phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral that makes up 1% of people's body mass. Followed by calcium, it is the most abundant mineral in the body.
It also contributes to the formation and development of bones and teeth; Secretion of breast milk; Cell division and metabolism or the formation of muscle tissues.
Phosphorus concentrations also vary with age, but overall, in adults over 19 years of age daily phosphorus intake should be 700 mg. The absorption of this mineral just like that of calcium is regulated by vitamin D.
Consumption of a piece of borozo may be making up a third of the amount of phosphorus recommended per day.
5- Improves oxygen transport
Iron is a mineral that is considered essential because it is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin , Which is involved in the renewal of blood cells (erythrocytes).
Erythrocytes enable the transport of oxygen from the lungs to different organs, such as the muscles, liver, heart, or brain.
The recommended daily amount varies with age and sex. Adult women aged 19 to 50 years are advised to consume 18 mg daily and to men of the same age 11 mg daily.
One borojó fruit could be contributing approximately one third in men and one sixth in women of the recommended daily amount of this mineral.
6- Improves the functioning of the heart, nervous system and digestive system
The Vitamin B1 Is found in many foods such as borojó. It plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates mainly to produce energy. It also participates in the metabolism of fats, proteins and nucleic acids (DNA, RNA).
It is essential for normal growth and development and helps maintain the functioning of the heart, nervous and digestive system.
The recommended daily intake of this vitamin varies with age and sex. In women aged 19-50 the intake should be 1.1 mg, whereas in men of the same age it is 1.2 mg. The use of B complex is widely recommended for people who suffer from tiredness.
7- It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
The vitamin C Or L-ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, essential in humans and other mammalian species. It is necessary for normal growth and development.
Vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. It is used to produce skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, heal wounds and form scar tissue. Additionally, it helps the absorption of iron.
All these roles are generated as it participates as an electron donor for eight distinct enzymes. For example, in the synthesis of Collagen Some amino acids such as lysine and proline are hydroxylated.
In these cases vitamin C is an electron donor of the enzyme prolylhydroxylase or lysylhydroxylase.
Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants, nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals.
In general terms the consumption of vitamin C varies with respect to age and sex. In adults aged 19 to 50 years it is 75 mg daily while in men it is 90 mg daily.
It is not recommended to exceed 2000 mg daily as it diarrhea And upset stomach.
8- It has an acidic pH
Borojó has an acid pH, so it would not be highly recommended for people with gastritis. Approximately its pH is of 3.08, similar to the one of orange juice that is of 3.
However, for a person without gastric complications there is no problem by their consumption.
9- Keeps you hydrated
Borojó can help you stay hydrated, since more than 80% of its composition is water.
However, no food should be a substitute for natural water, as it is very important to maintain our water balance to maintain health.
1o- It is a source of polyphenols
The University of La Sabana. Bogotá, Colombia studied the polyphenolic extracts of the borojó and found that this fruit has a content of Polyphenols With values between 600 and 800 mg / 100gr.
These polyphenols were also shown to have antimicrobial action against human pathogenic bacteria S. aureus Y E. coli .
This study left open the possibility of continuing the research on the potential use of borojó as a natural antioxidant for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Curiosities of borojó
- In Colombia, the borojó is known as the fruit of the passion that supposedly increases the sexual potency. They have even called it"natural viagra".
- The borojó tree measures between 5 and 7 meters.
- The coffee also belongs to the Rubiaceae family and also has energy properties.
- It is considered mature until it falls to the ground.
- Contains 90 to 600 seeds per fruit.
And what other benefits do you know?
References
- Araújo, C. R., Silva, T. de M., Lopes, M., Villela, P., Alcântara, A. F. de C., & Dessimoni-Pinto, N.A. V. (2013). Total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and mineral elements in the fruit peel of Myrciaria cauliflora. Brazilian Journal of Food Technology , 16 (4), 301-309.
- Center for Advanced Food Technology Rutgers University Polyphenolic Content of Borojo. (2008).
- Currell, K., & Jeukendrup, A. E. (2008). Superior endurance performance with ingestion of multiple transportable carbohydrates. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise , 40 (2), 275-281.
- Dahl, W.J., & Stewart, M.L. (2015). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics , 115 (11), 1861-1870.
- [Links] Physico-chemical And Rheological Characterization Of The Borojoa Pulp (Borojoa Patinoi Cuatrec.) And Derivative Foodstuffs Author .
- Sotelo, I., Casas, N., & Camelo, G. (2010). Borojó (Borojoa patinoi): Source of polyphenols with antimicrobial activity. Journal of The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , 17 (3), 329-336.
- Vitamin D and Calcium: A Systematic Review of Health Outcomes. (2007).