Quenepas is widely known as Spanish lime but has other names like ginepa, chenet and mammon. It is a rare fruit that is native to south and central America. It belongs to the soapberry family. Quenepas are of two types; one is sweet while the other is sour. This fruit tastes like a mixture of lychee and lime. The fruit also serves as the main ingredient in various cuisines because it contains a pleasant aroma, unique flavor and of course countless health benefits. The creamy and soft pulp of Quenepas is packed with various minerals and vitamins that can be very beneficial for human health. Inside the fruit is a large seed, so most people eat this fruit by sucking on the pulp until only the seed is left. Another interesting fact about quenepas is that they are used to make Bili, which is a drink that ferments rum, preferably pitorro (Puerto Rican moonshine). Bili is indigenous to the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Both of these islands are located between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Here are some important things you should know about the plant:
Quenepas Benefit Kidneys and Boost Hormonal Function and Balance
Your body needs to maintain a balance of fluid and electrolytes to work properly. You need phosphorus to keep your bones strong and healthy, to help make energy, and to move your muscles. In addition, phosphorus helps to: build strong bones and teeth. Filter out waste in your kidneys. Quenepas contains a good amount of phosphorous, which can also benefit hormonal function and balance, resulting in effects all over the body, from growth and development to menstruation.
Quenepas Enhance Bone Strength
Bones play many roles in the body providing structure, protecting organs, anchoring muscles and storing calcium. While it’s important to build strong and healthy bones during childhood and adolescence, you can take steps during adulthood to protect bone health, too. As a moderately good source of calcium, quenepas can help to improve bone strength and durability as you age. Bone mineral density naturally decreases as we get older, so it is important to maintain a regular flow of calcium into the diet. This can help prevent osteoporosis and other age-related weakness, while also optimizing the intake of other nutrients in the gut, such as iron.
Quenepas Help In Blood Sugar Control And Diabetes Management
Diabetes has become a common health problem and is affecting youngsters and older people alike. Once it is diagnosed, you should opt for precautions to avoid further health damages. Nutritionists have revealed that various natural sources such as fruits, spices, and herbs have potential to treat diabetes. Early research has shown that quenepas can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels in the body, which is important for people suffering from diabetes, or those at high risk. By optimizing the insulin-glucose balance in the body, quenepas can prevent the peaks and plunges of blood sugar that can be so deadly for diabetic patients.
Quenepas Helps Prevents Anemia
Anaemia is a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells in your body. Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body using a particular protein called haemoglobin. Anaemia means that either the level of red blood cells or the level of haemoglobin is lower than normal. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells. It is also another amazing mineral that quenepas (Spanish lime) possesses. Hence, start consuming it to ensure proper production of red blood cells and protect your body from a hazardous health problem like anemia.
Quenepas Has Cardio-protective Effect
High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol also are linked. When the arteries become hardened and narrowed with cholesterol plaque and calcium (atherosclerosis), the heart has to strain much harder to pump blood through them. As a result, blood pressure becomes abnormally high. Hypertension can be effectively treated with lifestyle modifications, medications, and natural remedies. There are many phenolic compounds contained in quenepas, which have been directly linked to protecting cardiovascular health and reducing cholesterol levels. This can do wonders for your overall heart health, both by lowering your blood pressure, preventing blockage, and significantly reducing your risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Helps Maintain Good Eyesight
Good eye health starts with the food on your plate, Vitamin A helps protect the surface of the eye (cornea), it is essential for good vision. You can maintain your eyesight by incorporating quenepas into your daily diet as they are enriched with vitamin A, as a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to nyctalopia. In this condition, it becomes difficult for you to see in low light. Hence, enriching your body with vitamin A can keep you from this daunting condition. Instead of popping multivitamins, why not go for a more natural alternative?
Quenepas Promote Good Sleep
Sleep plays an important role in your physical health. For example, sleep is involved in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. After a tiring day, you still find it difficult to sleep, you need to add exotic quenepas to your diet. It is loaded with tryptophan, an amino acid that works as a relaxant providing you with a good night’s sleep, which you deserve. A proper sleep pattern is extremely important for a healthy mind and body.
Quenepas Aid Digestion and Boosts Metabolism
Your metabolism is influenced by your age, gender, muscle-to-fat ratio, the food you eat, physical activity and hormone function. Maintaining a healthy metabolism can provide a number of health benefits, including weight loss. Your body requires plenty of vitamin, minerals, and antioxidants to maintain a healthy metabolism. One of the most important components of quenepas is the high concentration of dietary fiber. As with many fruits and vegetables, the fiber found in quenepas is able to improve digestion by bulking up stool and stimulating peristaltic motion. This will not only ease symptoms of constipation, bloating and cramping, but will also improve the nutrient uptake efficiency in your stomach and supply of energy to your organs.
It Prevents Chronic Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of mental health problems, such as depression and grief, and may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, including irritability and lack of motivation. Sudden fatigue is daunting and it should be treated adequately and on time. According to experts, iron along with other nutrients can protect you from chronic fatigue because it is enriched with hemoglobin. This property is known to supply oxygen to the body parts to keep the body energetic and active. Being loaded with iron, you can keep your body safe from sudden fatigues simply by munching a handful of quenepas.
Side Effects of Quenepas
Excessive consumption of quenepas can lead to:
- Dehydration due to high fiber content
- Excessive antioxidants in the body system can target both cancer cells and healthy cells
- Increase risk of hypoglycemia
- Individuals allergic to quenepas should avoid the plant.
