Escuchar
The size of an olive and vibrant yellow like a lemon; he Nanchealso nicknamed nance o nanchi, It is a tiny fruit characteristic of Central and South America. It has a sweet flavor, although it has some acidic touches and, depending on the degree of ripeness in which it is, it can develop a sour taste.
He Mexican Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service details that the fruit belongs to the species Byrsonima crassifolia and that its tree can reach a height of 9-20 meters. It also reveals that It begins to flower in April and can produce around 2 to 4 thousand fruits per harvest.
In the Central American region it is usually consumed naturally, however, you can also find various products made from nanche, such as ice creams, jams and las drinks like “Nancite liquor” or “Chicha”.
Both the tree and its fruit are mentioned in the Popol Vuh –book that treasures much of the wisdom and traditions of the Mayan culture. In one passage, reference is made to the mythological bird Wuqub’ Kaqix (Seven Macaw) that fed on this golden fruit until the twins Hunahpú and Xbalan, who were waiting for it hidden under the branches of the tree, managed to kill it.
As reported by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA for its acronym in English) The protein percentage of nanche reaches 3.6%, compared to 1.2% in a banana or the modest 0.7% of a strawberry, to name a few examples. Another of the components in which it abounds is fiber: the American institution highlights that a cup of nanche It contributes 8.4%, one of the highest values recorded for a fruit.
The protein percentage of nanche reaches 3.6%, compared to 1.2% in a bananaShutterstock
It contains a significant amount of vitamin Csurpassing fruits rich in this compound such as mandarin or guava. “So much vitamin C makes nanche a “Powerful antioxidant with direct impact on the skin and all cellular oxidation processes.”reveals Yael Hasbani, advisor in Dietetics and Natural Nutrition.
According to the United States National Library of Medicinevitamin C is essential for tissue growth and repair processes. At the same time, the institution highlights that substance is key to combat skin decline and strengthen the immune systemthus helping the body to resist viral and bacterial infections.
In addition, the large amount of antioxidants that nanche provides It helps neutralize free radicals, which are toxic compounds that can cause cell damage and are linked to premature aging and several chronic diseases. Hasbani points out that the latter is a consequence of being exposed to the sun, stress or tobacco smoke, which, ultimately, “have an impact on the cells,” he indicates.
“Nance fruit contains nutrients known to help reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke. Foods rich in fiber, like this case, can also lower cholesterol levels and blood pressurewhich reduces the risk of cardiovascular conditions,” highlights the specialized health site WebMD.
Thanks to its fiber content, it provides benefits for the digestive system: “It serves to treat stomach upset, constipation and enhance the intestinal microbiota since it acts by regulating the movement of these organs,” explains Hasbani.
Ultimately, the professional points out that It is not a fruit that is easily obtained nor is it marketed in Argentina, since it is abundant in countries with a tropical climate. like Central Americans and even Brazil and Paraguay. Yes, you can get it nationwide in online stores that sell it dehydrated or its juice or imported liquor.
How to incorporate Nanche into daily meals?
If you are looking for creative ways to include fruit in the eating plan you follow, you can choose to: consume the fresh fruit as a healthy snack or dessert; in smoothies or juices to enjoy a tropical flavor and obtain its nutritional properties; in salads combining nanche with spinach, avocado and other fresh vegetables; or in jams, sauces and jellies.
Thanks to its fiber content, nanche provides benefits for the digestive systemShutterstockAccording to the criteria of
