Surinam cherry contains many nutrients, such as vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, phosphorous, and iron, that help combat premature aging, relieve symptoms of arthritis, and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Surinam cherry, also known as "pitanga" or "Brazilian cherry" helps maintain healthy skin and good vision, in addition to supporting weight loss, providing nourishment, and reducing fluid buildup and swelling in the body.
Surinam cherries can be eaten on their own or added to recipes for candies, jams, ice cream, or soft drinks. In the US, Surinam cherry plants are available at some greenhouses and nurseries.
Health benefits
The main benefits of Surinam cherry include:
1. Protecting against cardiovascular disease
The polyphenols and vitamin C found in Surinam cherries have antioxidant effects that help reduce cellular damage and maintain healthy blood vessels, improving arterial function and helping protect against cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
The diuretic properties of Surinam cherry also help control blood pressure, which is essential for good functioning of the cardiovascular system.
2. Combating arthritis and gout
Surinam cherry has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can reduce oxidative stress and joint inflammation, preventing or diminishing symptoms of arthritis and gout, such as swelling, inflammation, pain, or stiffness in the joints.
3. Protecting eye health
Surinam cherry contains vitamin A, which helps protect the eyes and prevent conditions like dry eye and night blindness.
4. Improving skin quality
Surinam cherry has vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that help combat free radicals that cause aging of the skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in collagen production, which is important in preventing sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines, helping to improve skin quality and appearance.
Vitamin A also protects the skin from sun damage that causes premature aging of the skin.
5. Treating respiratory conditions
The antioxidants found in Surinam cherry, such as vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols, have been associated with improvements in asthma and bronchitis, primarily when adding the essential oil to a vaporizer and inhaling the mist.
Check out other home remedies for bronchitis.
6. Eliminating fungi and bacteria
Some studies show that the essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Surinam cherry plant has antimicrobial properties that have the ability to eliminate fungi, particularly fungi of the skin, like Candida, and bacteria, including:
- Escherichia coli that causes UTIs (urinary tract infections);
- Staphylococcus aureus that causes infections of the lungs, skin, and bones;
- Listeria monocytogenes that can cause intestinal infections;
- Streptococcus that causes throat infections, pneumonia, and meningitis.
The extract from Surinam cherry leaves also has antiviral properties that can help fight viruses like influenza that causes the flu.
7. Reducing swelling
Surinam cherry has diuretic properties that increase the elimination of fluids and decrease fluid retention, and can be used to help reduce swelling in the body.
8. Supporting weight loss
Surinam cherries can help support weight loss because they are a low-calorie food, with only 2 calories per cherry. Their diuretic properties also reduce swelling in the body by eliminating excess fluids.
9. Strengthening the immune system
Surinam cherry is rich in nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C, which help strengthen the immune system by boosting the response of the body's defense cells to help prevent and combat infections.
10. Helping combat cancer
Some studies using breast cancer cells show that the polyphenols found in Surinam cherry may help decrease cell proliferation (multiplication) and increase cell death in these types of cancer cells. Further studies are needed using human subjects to confirm this potential benefit.
11. Improving symptoms of diarrhea
The leaves of the Surinam cherry plant have astringent and digestive properties that help improve symptoms of diarrhea. Additionally, the polyphenols in Surinam cherry help balance the gut flora, which is important for good functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) system.
Nutrition facts
The following table gives nutritional information for a 100 g serving of fresh Surinam cherries.
It is important to remember that Surinam cherry should be included as one part of a healthy, well-balanced diet in order to get all of the benefits listed above.
How to eat
Surinam cherries can be consumed raw as a dessert or for a snack, and can also be added to recipes for juices, smoothies, jellies, and cakes. Another option is to make a tea using the leaves of the Surinam cherry plant.
The following are recipes using Surinam cherry that are quick, healthy, and easy to prepare:
Surinam cherry leaf tea
This tea is prepared using the leaves of the Surinam cherry plant and can be used to help improve symptoms of diarrhea.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp fresh Surinam cherry leaves;
- 1 L boiling water.
Directions
Bring the water to a boil and remove from the heat. Add the Surinam cherry leaves to the pot. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink, up to 3 cups per day.
Surinam cherry leaf tea should be consumed under the guidance of a doctor or herbal medicine specialist. People being treated for hypertension (high blood pressure) should not drink this tea, as the active compounds in Surinam cherry leaves can interact with antihypertensive medications and alter their effects.
Surinam cherry juice
Surinam cherry juice is an excellent option for those who want to lose weight, as it is low in calories and has a diuretic effect.
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh Surinam cherries;
- 100 mL ice water;
- 1 tsp honey.
Directions
In a bowl, wash the cherries and remove the stems. Add the cherries (with seeds) and ice water to a blender. Blend until the seeds are released from the pulp. Strain, add honey, and serve cold.
Surinam cherry mousse
This recipe for Surinam cherry mousse is a great option for a weekend dessert.
Ingredients
- 12 g powdered gelatin (unflavored);
- 400 g Greek yogurt;
- 200 g frozen Surinam cherry puree;
- 3 egg whites;
- 2 Tbsp muscovado sugar.
Directions
Add 5 Tbsp cold water to the gelatin and heat in a double boiler until dissolved, then set aside. Place the Greek yogurt, Surinam cherry puree, ½ cup of water, and the dissolved gelatin in a blender and blend until smooth. Beat the egg whites in a mixer with the sugar until they have doubled in volume, then add to the Surinam cherry mixture, folding in gently. Put the mousse in a bowl and place in the refrigerator for about 4 hours or until firm.