The cocona, scientific name Solanum sessiliflorum, is a tropical shrub native to South America, within the Andean region, which incorporates countries akin to Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes, eggplants and potatoes.

In temperate climates, some grow it as an indoor ornamental plant; nevertheless, it is especially valued for the properties of its fruit, which is abundant in antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Need to know more about it? We inform you about its health advantages.

What’s cocona and what are its characteristics?

Cocona(Solanum sessiliflorum) can be referred to as ‘ubiu’ (Brazil), ‘tupiro’ or ‘topiro’ (Venezuela) and ‘coconilla’ or ‘lulo’ (Colombia). It’s a perennial herbaceous shrub that grows in soils of South America, especially within the Andean region and the Amazon.

The plant can reach one or two meters in height. It has pubescent stems and twigs with the identical characteristic. As well as, its oval leaves are smooth on top and veined underneath; they vary in size from 25 to 45 centimeters long and 20 to 39 centimeters wide.

It has extraxillary inflorescences whose sizes vary from 3 to 10 centimeters long. Its flowers are much like those of the potato, but are larger in size.

They’ve a fruit that may be almost spherical or ovoid. Its color varies between yellow, orange and reddish. They may be 4 to 12 centimeters wide and three to six centimeters long. Also, they weigh between 24 and 250 grams.

Of the entire plant, the fruits are probably the most used part for culinary and medicinal purposes. We inform you what nutrients it provides and what it’s used for.

Dietary information of the cocona

The fruits of the cocona are largely composed of water (as much as 90%). As well as, it makes interesting contributions of carbohydrates, dietary fiber and a few essential minerals, akin to calcium and iron.

In an evaluation of 5 ecotypes of cocona – disclosed through the MDP Encyclopedia– it was estimated that every 100 grams of the fruit provides 3.12 to 4.24 grams of carbohydrates; and of fiber, between 1.8 to 1.93 grams.

As for minerals, the next values were observed:

• Potassium: between 570.83 and 2382.24 milligrams.
• Sodium: between 3.25 and 6.87 milligrams.
• Calcium: between 17.85 and 70.07 milligrams.
• Iron: between 52 and 71 milligrams.

Then again, a physico-chemical evaluation published through the Journal of Food Composition and Evaluation estimates that the protein content of cocona is 0.88 grams ( considering the pulp with seeds and peel). Lipids ranged from 0.3 to 2.23 %. The quantity of fiber observed was 3.72 grams, for the reason that amount of total fiber within the pulp and peel was evaluated.

Other dietary values reviewed on this document were the next:

• Energy value: 29.18 kcal per 100 grams of pulp and 29.24 kcal per 100 grams of peel.
• Total carbohydrates within the pulp: 5.92 grams per 100 grams. Of those, 62.16% correspond to fiber, 37.66% to total starch and 0.23% to sugars.
• Fructose: 5.3 mg/100 g.
• Sucrose: 1.4 mg/100 g.
• Glucose: 7,4 mg/100 g.
• Ascorbicacid (vitamin C): 19.55 mg/100 g.
• β-carotene: 5.1 μg/g.
• Lycopene: 31 μg/g.
• Iron: 4.78 % of the day by day requirement.

Other essential trace elements, akin to copper, chromium and selenium, were present in the pulp, but especially within the peel. Also potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

A publication shared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) adds that cocona also comprises vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B5 (niacin).

Source of antioxidants

The antioxidant content of cocona ought to be emphasized, as these explain a lot of its health properties. A study shared through Frontiers in Nutrition details that this fruit is abundant in lycopene and has higher levels of beta-carotene in comparison with tomatoes.

Cocona health advantages

On account of its nutrient content and bioactive compounds, cocona is related to several positive health effects. Nevertheless, like other foods, its advantages are obtained when it’s included within the framework of a healthy food regimen. Let’s see.

Supports digestive health

There aren’t any clinical studies that associate cocona consumption with digestive health. Despite this, anecdotal evidence suggests that it is a food that improves digestion and prevents constipation. This is basically explained by its water and fiber content, two key elements for the digestive process.

Emma Slattery, a clinical dietitian at Johns Hopkins Medicineexplains that fiber increases stool volume and helps improve intestinal motility. As well as, it acts as a prebiotic, which promotes the balance of healthy bacteria within the intestine.

Helps lower cholesterol

In traditional medicine, coconut is taken into account a healthy complement to lower cholesterol. On this regard, a study in mice reported within the journal Antioxidants found that the pulp of this fruit has the potential to scale back high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.

These qualities are attributed to its significant contribution of antioxidants – carotenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, amongst others – which, when assimilated, help to scale back lipid oxidation.

The researchers consider that these findings open the door to the potential use of the plant within the management of diseases akin to hyperlipidemia. Still, larger, human studies are needed.

Increases

energy

level
Cocona has small amounts of B vitamins (niacin, thiamin and riboflavin) that contribute to energy metabolism. As explained by a publication within the journal Nutrientsmagazine, the adequate supply of those vitamins is vital to an optimal functioning of the energy production system. In other words, they’re key nutrients in the method that converts food into fuel for cells.

Has anti-tumor potential

Cocone has been studied for its anti-tumor potential. In vitro research shared in Journal of Medicinal Food reported that its extracts exhibited a cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect on breast and colorectal cancer cell lines.

Bioactive compounds, akin to caffeic and gallic acids, beta-carotene, catechin, quercetin and rutin, can be behind this effect. Nevertheless, this area of study is comparatively recent. More clinical trials are needed to corroborate the properties.

Like other foods, cocona will not be a cancer treatment. It mustn’t replace therapies prescribed by the doctor.

Helps eliminate free radicals

Cocona’s composition of carotenoids and phenolic compounds make this fruit a big source of antioxidants. In research reported within the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistryextracts of this food helped eliminate all reactive oxygen species tested.

Reactive oxygen species are unstable oxygen-containing molecules that react with other molecules within the cell. Their accumulation within the body can damage DNA and cause cell death.

Other possible advantages of cocona

In folk medicine, cocona is credited with many other advantages beyond those already discussed. Nevertheless, no quality studies have been conducted to corroborate such effects.

The favored literature describes other advantages, akin to the next:

• Weight reduction. Its consumption within the context of a healthy and varied food regimen can contribute to weight reduction. This will not be only as a consequence of its low calorie intake. It is usually explained by its dietary fiber content, a compound that increases the sensation of satiety.
• Bone health. Due to its calcium content, coconut consumption is taken into account healthy for bones. This mineral, along with vitamin D, is vital to maintaining bone density and stopping osteoporosis.
• Anemia. The nutrients on this fruit, especially iron and B-complex vitamins, help prevent anemia.
• Antibacterial potential. Cocona also appears to have potential to combat some strains of bacteria. In an in vitro study shared through the Cuban Journal of Family Medicinea 75% hydroalcoholic extract of Solanum sessiliflorum helped fight Streptococcus mutans bacteria, related to dental disease.

Risks and contraindications of cocona

Cocona is taken into account protected for most individuals to eat. Nevertheless, excessive amounts may cause diarrhea, bloating and stomach upset .

In case of diabetes, hypertension, coagulation disorders or any relevant chronic disease, it is suggested to seek the advice of a health care provider before regular intake of this food. Especially, if supplements derived from it are taken. That is as a consequence of the indisputable fact that its compounds could have interactions with medications used to treat such conditions.

How is cocona consumed?

One in every of some great benefits of this fruit is that it is extremely versatile and has a wide range of culinary uses. Actually, there are those that eat the ripe fruit without further preparation, because it has an acidic flavor that resembles that of citrus fruits.

In any case, peeled and fresh it might probably be added in fruit salads or desserts with yogurt. It is usually ideal for preparing smoothies, juices, compotes and jams. There are those that dare a bit of more and add it in salads, cakes and preparations with meat and fish.

Solanum sessiliflorum supplements can be found available in the market in capsule or powder form. These ought to be taken with caution and preferably under medical supervision. As well as, the consumption instructions given by the manufacturer ought to be followed.

What to recollect about cocona?

Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum) is a plant native to South America. It’s distinguished by its characteristic fruit, which might have yellow, orange or red hues. It’s valued for its contribution of nutrients and bioactive compounds that help promote well-being.

When included as a part of a varied and healthy food regimen, it’s a food that gives energy, promotes digestion, helps take care of cardiovascular health and prevents the negative effects of free radicals. The most effective part? It’s so versatile that it might probably be included in lots of recipes, so remember to try it!