Aguaje is an exotic fruit from the Peruvian Amazon, with a pleasant bittersweet taste; it was created by God to bless the woman, due to the high content of phytoestrogens, and vitamin E. It was named by Alexander Von Humboldt as the "tree of life" for being a nutritious fruit rich in vitamins A, E and C and minerals like calcium, and it is used as an effective vitamin supplement for kids.
The high phytoestrogen content of Aguaje has “supported” the belief that Amazonian women owe their curvaceous hips to this fruit. When phytoestrogens are ingested and they are in contact with the natural woman estrogen they are boosted and help define women fully formed hips. However, this does not apply to men because they have lower levels of estrogen.
The Aguaje plant is the palm (Mauritia flexuosa) which is native of the Amazon jungle; it is widely used from its roots to its leaves. The leaves are used for domestic and craft purposes, paper is obtained from its flesh, flour is obtained from the trunk marrow and a beverage similar to wine is made from the sap of the trunk. The root is used for hair growth.
It is consumed naturally in juices, jams,candy, ice cream, etc. When processed, it is used for making flour and oil.
Traditionally, there are three types of aguaje:
- Shambo (red orange fleshy and oily pulp).
- Blue shambo (when the fruits acquire a bluishcolor because they are soaked in hot water to cause its ripening).
Killoaguaje (bittersweet pulp and Bellow color)
In Peru,it is known as aguaje; it is called buriti in Braziland moriche in Colombia and Venezuela.
Aguaje is considered a very healthy and mystical fruit.
Properties
- It alleviates the annoying effects of the menopause due to the high phytoestrogen content.
- It prevents osteoporosis by its calcium content.
- It nourishes the skin due to the high beta-carotene content (Vit A)
- It is a powerful anti-aging agent because of its content of vitamin E.
- It strengthens the immune system and mucous membranes due to its ascorbic acid content.
Aguaje phytoestrogen benefits:
- Anticarcinogenic
Studies have shown that very high doses of phytoestrogens may have a protective effect against breast, colon and prostate tumors.
- It may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Many studies have also shown that consumption of foods rich in phytoestrogens modifies some of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease.
- Effect on menopausal disorders
Because of its estrogenic activity, it has spread its use to relieve symptoms of menopause. Studies show that natural consumption of phytoestrogens may result in a late menopause, and with less annoying menopause-related symptoms.
- Hormonal balance
There is evidence to suggest that phytoestrogens may help balance hormone levels. The effects could be shown in areas as diverse as the character at puberty or the appearance of acne.