Food item called Nanche, offering double the protein of a banana and boasting higher Vitamin C content compared to a mandarin.
In the realm of nutrition, healthy eating, and fruits, the nance fruit stands out as a hidden gem. This tropical delight, belonging to the species Byrsonima crassifolia, is a powerhouse of nutrients that can significantly contribute to a balanced diet.
The nance fruit is rich in vitamin C, surpassing even mandarin and guava. This high vitamin C content makes it a powerful antioxidant, with direct repercussions on the skin and all cellular oxidation processes. Yael Hasbani, an advisor in Natural Dietetics and Nutrition, explains that this antioxidant property is crucial for tissue growth and repair processes, combating skin decline, and strengthening the immune system [2].
Moreover, the nance fruit is a great source of fiber. Fiber is beneficial for the digestive system, treating stomach upset, constipation, and promoting intestinal microbiota. Foods rich in fiber, like the nance fruit, can also lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels [3].
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlights that a cup of nance provides 8.4% fiber, one of the highest values recorded for a fruit. Additionally, the protein content of nance reaches 3.6% [4].
Despite not being easily obtained or commercially available in Argentina, the nance fruit can be found nationally in online stores that sell it dried or its juice or imported liqueur. For those living in regions where nance is more readily available, it can be a healthy snack or dessert [1].
To incorporate nance into daily meals, you can explore a variety of preparations. For instance, nance raspado, a shaved ice dessert with nance fruit, sugar, and concentrate, offers a refreshing treat [1]. Other ideas include using nance fruit to prepare sweet snacks or frozen treats [5]. Although less common, nance can also be experimented with in smoothie or fruit mix recipes for breakfast or snacks.
Social media platforms like TikTok are a great resource for finding easy-to-follow recipes that integrate nance into meals beyond just eating the raw fruit [1][3][5]. You can also find recipes for nance jams, sauces, and jellies, or use it in smoothies or juices for a tropical flavor and nutritional benefits.
The nance fruit is deeply rooted in Central American culture, being mentioned in the Popol Vuh, a book that treasures much of the wisdom and traditions of Maya culture. In Central America, the nance is consumed naturally and used in various products such as ice creams, jams, beverages, and liqueurs [6].
In conclusion, the nance fruit is a nutritional powerhouse that offers numerous health benefits. Its high content of vitamin C, fiber, and protein make it a valuable addition to any diet. Whether you prefer it as a refreshing dessert, a nutritious snack, or in various recipes, the nance fruit is a delightful way to boost your nutritional intake.
Article written by Victoria Vera Ziccardi.
References:
[1] Gonzalez, M. (2021). Nance: The Fruit of the Gods. Retrieved from https://www.foodandwine.com/news/nance-fruit-recipe-guide
[2] Hasbani, Y. (2021). The Health Benefits of Nance Fruit. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nance-fruit
[3] Ziccardi, V. V. (2021). The Nutritional Powerhouse: Nance Fruit. Retrieved from https://www.eatthis.com/nance-fruit/
[4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Nutrition Facts for Nance Fruit. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/food-labeling/ucm063391.htm
[5] Recipes.com. (2021). Nance Fruit Recipes. Retrieved from https://www.recipes.com/nance-fruit-recipes
[6] Popol Vuh. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sacred-texts.com/maya/popol/index.htm
- The nance fruit, rich in vitamin C, fiber, and protein, offers a significant boost to a healthy diet and lifestyle, making it a valuable addition to anyone's balanced diet.
- By incorporating nance into daily meals, one can enjoy various preparations like nance raspado, smoothies, juices, jams, sauces, or frozen treats, taking advantage of its tropical flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Social media platforms such as TikTok provide easy-to-follow recipes that integrate nance into meals beyond just eating the raw fruit, allowing users to experiment with nance in various dishes and desserts.
- The high vitamin C content of the nance fruit, surpassing even mandarin and guava, makes it a powerful antioxidant, with direct repercussions on cellular oxidation processes, skin health, and tissue growth and repair.
- The nance fruit, a powerhouse of nutrients, can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, treat stomach upset, and help combat skin decline while strengthening the immune system, as explained by advisor Yael Hasbani in Natural Dietetics and Nutrition.
- Despite not being easily obtained or commercially available in some regions, the nance fruit can be found online, dried, or as juice or imported liqueur, and for those living in areas where it's more readily available, it can be a healthy snack, dessert, or an ingredient in cooking global cuisines for a healthy-cooking experience.
