The Quenepas fruit, also known as Spanish lime or Melicoccus bijugatus, is a tropical fruit native to the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America.
Quenepas, known by various names such as mamoncillo, quenepe, genip, or limoncillo, is a fruit-bearing tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family. The fruit is popular in many tropical regions and is cherished for its sweet and tangy flavor. Despite its popularity in local markets, Quenepas remains relatively unknown outside of its native regions.
The skin of Quenepas usually appears as a thin, green, leathery pod that encloses a juicy, translucent pulp, similar to that of lychee fruit (see our blog post of July 2024). The pulp is sweet with a slight tartness and surrounds a large seed. The fruit is typically consumed fresh, though it can also be used in beverages, desserts, and preserves.
A rather diminutive fruit, quenepas fruit is not of the fleshy type: there is very little pulp between the fruit’s skin and its seed. Quenepas could be considered more like a candy than material for a meal.
Even though one would not want to eat quenepas for satiety, the fruit’s botanical characteristics, nutritional value, cultural significance, and potential health benefits are numerous, however.
The analysis of the nutritional composition of quenepas has demonstrated potential health benefits due to its high levels of Vitamin C.
Addition potential health benefits associated with the consumption of Quenepas relate to the findings that it has beneficial effects
Quenepas are low in calories but rich in carbohydrates, primarily in the form of natural sugars. A 100-gram serving of Quenepas contains approximately 60-70 calories, 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, and a small amount of protein and fat.
Micronutrients
Quenepas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health. The fruit also contains significant amounts of vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Phytochemicals
Rich in phytochemicals, quenepas’s composition include phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. These compounds help to neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic heart disease and obesity.
Potential Health Benefits
Antioxidant Pro
The high content of antioxidants in Quenepas, particularly phenolic compounds and flavonoids, may contribute to the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.
Digestive Health
Quenepas are a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining healthy digestion. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. All such benefits contribute to the control of obesity and excess body fat.
The health benefits of Quenepas are numerous but rather unknown by the general public, as such benefits are mostly researched in health-conscious consumer segments.
References
– Agricultural Research Service (ARS). (n.d.). USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
– Morton, J. (1987). Fruits of Warm Climates. Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL.
– Pandey, M., Abidi, A. B., Singh, S., & Singh, R. P. (2006). Nutritional Evaluation of Some Under-Exploited Fruits. Journal of Science and Technology.
Bruce Lipton, PhD, world renowned Cell Biologist
and Author of The Biology of Belief
with Sri Regine Lherisson-Bey New York, NY _ Aug. 2024
Sri Regine Lherisson-Bey, Ph.D. and doctorate degree candidate in Natural Medicine, is a Mind-Body Therapist, Wellness Coach, and published Author voted Wellness Expert by peer consensus in 2005. Therapist Lherisson-Bey is the author of the Kindle bestseller HOW TO DETOXIFY YOUR LIFE NATURALLY as well as the weight management program GET SLIM EFFORTLESSLY. From an original CD, the publication has evolved into an instructional picture book, an eBook, and an effective weight management program. Therapist Lherisson-Bey’s works have been featured on TV, radio, and in several magazines in the past 33 years.
In my books GET SLIM EFFORTLESSLY and HOW TO DETOXIFY YOUR LIFE NATURALLY, I provide valuable information on sensible nutrition, preventative health, as well as awareness of natural and indigenous remedies for the wellness of body and mind.
GET SLIM EFFORTLESSLY, an advanced program for effective weight management the non-toxic way.
and
HOW TO DETOXIFY YOUR LIFE NATURALLY, a complete Guide to Self-Detoxification.
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