Jocote is a small, tangy fruit with a seed in the center. It is native to Central America and Mexico and is commonly eaten fresh or used in dishes such as salsa or guacamole. This fruit is packed with nutrients and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit overall health. In this article, we will explore the nutritional value of jocote, its anti-inflammatory benefits, bone health effects, and how it can be combined with other foods for maximum benefits.
What is Jocote?
Jocote is a small fruit that is similar in size to a cherry or a grape. It has a yellow, orange or red skin color, and a seed in the center. The fruit is typically eaten when it is ripe and has a sweet and tangy flavor.
Jocote is native to Central America and Mexico, and it is also known by other names such as mombin or hog plum. The fruit has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever.
Nutritional Value
Jocote is a nutrient-dense fruit that provides a range of vitamins and minerals. According to the US Nutritional Database, one cup of jocote contains:
- 47 calories
- 12 grams of carbohydrates
- 1 gram of protein
- 4 grams of fiber
- 60% of your daily requirement for Vitamin C
- 8% of your daily requirement for Vitamin A
- 7% of your daily requirement for Iron
The high Vitamin C content of jocote makes it a powerful food to boost the immune system. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Jocote is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural immune response that the body uses to protect against injury, but chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases like cancer, heart disease, cancer and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Jocote contains a type of antioxidants known as flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce chronic inflammation. Flavonoids are also found in other anti-inflammatory foods like berries, green tea and dark chocolate.
Bone Health Effects
Jocote is also beneficial for bone health because it contains high amount of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These minerals are vital for maintaining strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. Calcium is one of the key minerals required for healthy bones, and jocote provides approximately 40 milligrams per cup. The daily recommended intake for calcium is around 1000 milligrams.
Food Combining
Jocote can be easily incorporated into a wide range of dishes, and it also complements many other healthy foods. For instance, adding jocote to a smoothie can help boost its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some other foods you can combine with jocote for maximum health benefits include spinach, kale, berries, nuts and seeds.
To make an anti-inflammatory jocote smoothie, blend one cup of jocote with a cup of spinach, half a cup of berries, a tablespoon of chia seeds, and a cup of almond milk. This is a nutrient-packed drink that supports healthy inflammation, immune system and gut health.
Conclusion
Jocote is a nutritious superfood that provides a range of benefits for overall health. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds, immune-boosting nutrients, and bone-strengthening minerals. By incorporating jocote into your diet, you can support and protect your body against various diseases.
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, be sure to check out the rest of our fruits section here, or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.
Thank you for reading, and we hope to have been of help with our content.