What is aguaje?

Aguaje is the fruit of the Mauritia flexuosa, a species belonging to the family of the Arecaceae also known as buriti, moriche, canangucha or miriti. This plant, very similar to a common palm tree, is widespread in Central and South America.

 

What are the nutritional properties of aguaje?

100 g of fruit contains 526 calories, 46% as carbohydrate, 38.6% from fat and 11% in the form of proteins.

Also 100 g of aguaje contain:

  • fibers (41.9%)
  • vitamin A
  • C vitamin
  • Vitamin E
  • 0.85 mg of riboflavin
  • 2.57 mg of niacin
  • 0.11 mg of thiamine
  • 91 micrograms of carotene
  • 415.4 mg of calcium
  • 69.9 mg of phosphorus
  • 12.9 mg of iron

 

The amount of vitamin A – present in the form of carotenoids – can be five times higher than those found in carrots. Moreover aguaje is a good source of phytoestrogens and oleic acid.

 

When should you not eat the aguaje?

No conditions exist in which the consumption of aguaje may interfere with medications or other substances.

 

Seasonality of aguaje

The fruits of aguaje grow from December to June .

 

Possible benefits and drawbacks of aguaje

The high content of carotenoids typical of aguaje makes this fruit a possible health ally of bones, teeth, soft tissue, skin and mucous membranes . The latter may also benefit from the large quantity of vitamin C and vitamin E, typical of this fruit. It also seems that the aguaje has a natural anti-inflammatory activity that might help soothe redness and skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema.

From the fruit it is possible to obtain an oil rich in oleic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E) and carotenoids (mainly beta carotene) widely used in cosmetics especially for products designed for skin care. The desired effect is a kind of moisturizer , especially to take care of the skin during the winter, and has anti-aging benefits amongst others. The oil extracted from the pulp has soothing properties and is used to treat burns .Finally, the aguaje oil seems to be able to filter and absorb the ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight, and could therefore help to prevent cancer.