Sugar is a condiment many of us can’t do without. Many of the foods we eat often need a dash of sweetness or they just wouldn’t taste that good. However, according to multiple studies, sugar – especially refined white sugar and those artificial sweeteners heavily used by the food industry – poses certain dangers to our health.
Eating too much added sugar not only causes diabetes and obesity, but it also has a serious impact on our heart health. A 2014 study by American researchers found that people who get 17 - 21% of their daily calories from added sugar are 38% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those with lower added sugar intake. [1]
Knowing this, you’re probably thinking that cutting back on foods high in added sugar, such as sodas and processed foods, is the most sensible way of avoiding these consequences. And while the American Heart Association agrees and urges people to consume no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) of added sugar a day, experts also warn us not to be overzealous in our attempts to cut back.
According to Dr. Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, overdoing it can backfire and make you reach for other equally unhealthy foods to satisfy your sweet cravings. These foods tend to be rich in saturated fat, sodium and refined carbs, all of which have a similar effect on our health as added sugar. [2]
Fortunately, there’s another way to avoid the dangers of sugar without sacrificing the taste you want. Natural sweeteners like organic lucuma powder are healthy sugar alternatives that can help you indulge your sweet tooth without compromising your health. Organic lucuma powder is made from the fruits of the lucuma tree, which offer plenty of health benefits. It has a low glycemic index (GI), meaning it can maintain healthy blood sugar levels that are already within the normal range. [3]
5 Benefits of organic lucuma powder, the all-natural superfood sweetener*
Lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) is a flowering tree native to the cool Andean valleys of Ecuador, Peru and Northern Chile, where it has grown for centuries. The tree is widely cultivated for its sweet fruit, whose taste resembles coffee, vanilla and butterscotch with a hint of maple syrup. Dubbed the “gold of the Incas,” the lucuma fruit is a well-known traditional remedy in many parts of South America. [4]
Organic lucuma’s dried pulp is often turned into a powder that can be used to sweeten drinks and baked goods. But lucuma powder is far from your typical run-of-the-mill sweetener. Made entirely from a superfruit that’s packed with essential nutrients and active phytochemicals, lucuma powder can be a wonderfully sweet addition to any type of diet.
Here are some of the health benefits of organic lucuma powder.*
- It is rich in antioxidants*
According to studies, organic lucuma contains a variety of antioxidant compounds called polyphenols and carotenoids. These naturally occurring chemicals help protect against harmful radicals that cause oxidative damage to our cells.
Some of the notable antioxidants in lucuma are xanthophylls, which are yellow plant pigments found in many fruits and vegetables, and vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports healthy immune function. [5]
- It is an excellent source of healthy carbohydrates*
Two types of carbohydrates are present in food: Simple carbs refer to sugars like sucrose and glucose, which abound in sugary drinks and foods with added sugar. Complex carbs, on the other hand, refer to polysaccharides like amylose and pectin, which are found in whole grains and legumes. [6]
Organic Lucuma powder contains plenty of complex carbs, which can supply the body with long-lasting energy. This is something simple carbs can’t do because they are easily (and quickly) digested inside the body. [7]
- It is packed with essential nutrients*
Besides powerful antioxidants, lucuma powder also contains plenty of essential vitamins, such as vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and C (ascorbic acid), and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. In fact, organic lucuma can provide as much calcium as cow’s milk, gram per gram. [8]
Other nutrients you can find in lucuma include protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full for longer. Organic Lucuma contains both insoluble and soluble fiber that supports normal bowel movement and promotes healthy digestive function, respectively.
- It supports heart health and normal blood sugar levels*
Compared to other sweeteners, organic lucuma contains fewer simple sugars and more complex carbohydrates, which are slowly digested by the body. This prevents lucuma powder from causing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
Aside from maintaining normal healthy blood sugar levels, polyphenols also support the healthy functions of your blood vessels. Studies show that a diet rich in polyphenols, which are found mainly in plant-based foods, can help you maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels already within the normal range. [9] [10]
- It is versatile and easy to add to recipes*
The taste of the lucuma fruit is often likened to foods with a pleasant taste, such as caramel, butterscotch and chocolate. But once in powder form, lucuma’s flavor is described as something like a blend of ripe apricots and goji berries.
Organic Lucuma powder has a very fine texture, almost like flour. It easily dissolves in liquids, so it’s great for sweetening beverages like coffee, tea, fresh juices and smoothies. It can also add a subtle sweetness to baked goods and desserts, and won’t leave an unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth.
Where to find organic lucuma powder
Because lucuma is not grown in the U.S., you’re not likely to find fresh lucuma fruits in your local grocery. But you can find organic lucuma powder or lucuma flour in many health food stores, such as The Health Ranger Store.
We have partnered with Groovy Bee to provide you with nothing but the best products while minimizing our impact on the environment. This is why you can be sure that Groovy Bee Organic Lucuma Powder is made from clean, sustainably grown lucuma fruit from Peru.
Groovy Bee premium organic lucuma powder is free of synthetic chemicals and is one of the most delicious, low-GI sugar alternatives you can find on the market today. Packed with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals plus potent antioxidants, Groovy Bee Organic Lucuma Powder is sure to not only sweeten your favorite drinks and recipes in a healthy way, but also give you a nutritional boost.
Groovy Bee Organic Lucuma Powder is vegan, China-free and non-GMO, and is certified organic and Kosher. It is also lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Avoid the dangers of sugar and switch to a healthy sweetener that’s made from a true superfood with organic lucuma powder!
Lucuma powder turns desserts into guilt-free pleasure
Here's a recipe for healthy toffee butter cups, just one of many treats where lucuma powder shines:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Rawmio Hazelnut - Beyond Gourmet Creamy Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
- 1/3 cup melted organic extra virgin coconut oil
- 2 Tablespoons organic manuka honey
- 2 Tablespoons organic lucuma powder
- 1/2 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup organic raw cacao nibs
- 1/4 cup chopped organic raw cashews
- 3 Tablespoons mulberries
- 2 Tablespoons organic goji berries
Directions:
Combine the hazelnut spread, coconut oil, manuka honey, lucuma powder and vanilla extract in a bowl. Once that's done, add the rest of the ingredients. Scoop the mixture into silicone cups and place in the freezer until they become firm. Transfer the butter cups to a resealable container and keep them refrigerated.
Know any benefits of lucuma we might’ve missed? Share them in the comments below!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama...
[2] https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar
[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lucuma-benefits
[4] http://rarefruitclub.org.au/Lucuma.htm
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/...
[6] https://atlasbiomed.com/blog/carbs-vs-sugar-what-is-the-difference/
[7] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325171
[8] https://www.livestrong.com/article/479259-benefits-of-lucuma-powder/
