Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) is an Andean superfruit rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and polyphenolic compounds that support cardiovascular and immune health. The fruit's antioxidant compounds work through scavenging free radicals and modulating inflammatory pathways.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Lucuma is a fruit from the Pouteria lucuma tree, native to the Andean valleys of Peru and Chile. It is harvested for its sweet, yellow flesh, which is often dried and powdered.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Lucuma is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, with studies suggesting potential benefits for blood sugar management and skin health. More research is needed to confirm these effects.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) per 100g of dried powder: Carbohydrates 87g (predominantly complex carbohydrates and natural sugars including sucrose ~34g, glucose ~12g, fructose ~8g), Dietary fiber 12-14g (mixed soluble and insoluble fractions, supporting slow glucose absorption and enhanced bioavailability of minerals), Protein 4-5g (containing essential amino acids including tryptophan, lysine, and methionine at modest levels), Fat 1.5-2.5g (primarily unsaturated fatty acids). Key micronutrients: Beta-carotene (provitamin A) approximately 0.43mg per 100g fresh pulp (1.3mg per 100g powder equivalent), supporting skin and immune function with fat-dependent bioavailability; Niacin (Vitamin B3) ~1.96mg per 100g fresh pulp, one of the highest concentrations among tropical fruits; Iron ~0.4mg per 100g fresh pulp; Zinc ~0.5mg per 100g; Calcium ~16mg per 100g fresh pulp; Phosphorus ~26mg per 100g; Potassium ~332mg per 100g fresh pulp. Bioactive compounds: Polyphenols including catechins and quercetin derivatives (~215mg GAE per 100g dry weight); xanthophylls including beta-cryptoxanthin contributing to antioxidant capacity (DPPH radical scavenging activity measured at 3.28 mmol Trolox equivalent per 100g dry powder); pectin present in pulp aiding gut microbiota. Bioavailability note: Carotenoid absorption is significantly enhanced when consumed with dietary fat; iron is non-heme type with absorption improved by co-consumption of vitamin C sources.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Lucuma's beta-carotene acts as a potent antioxidant by neutralizing reactive oxygen species and supporting vitamin A synthesis for immune function. The fruit's polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, modulate NF-κB inflammatory pathways and support nitric oxide production for cardiovascular health. Its fiber content promotes beneficial gut bacteria growth, enhancing overall immune response through the gut-immune axis.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Research on lucuma remains limited, with most evidence coming from in vitro studies and small animal trials rather than large-scale human clinical studies. Laboratory studies have demonstrated its antioxidant capacity (ORAC values of 14,000+ μmol TE/100g) and anti-inflammatory properties in cell cultures. A small pilot study with 30 participants showed modest improvements in lipid profiles after 8 weeks of lucuma powder supplementation. More robust human clinical trials are needed to establish definitive therapeutic benefits and optimal dosing protocols.
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