Introduction
Jabuticaba is a popular fruit eaten in South America, particularly Brazil, rich in antioxidants.1 Unfortunately, as they have a short shelf life, they begin to ferment 3 to 4 days after being picked, therefore they are unable to be exported around the world and thus are unknown to others. They are found on the tree trunk and can be harvested 6 to 8 years after planting. The key to healthy, glowing skin is to consume foods that protect the skin against UV damage and dehydration.2 These foods should also contain vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, zinc, copper, silicon, polyphenols, carotenoids, and omega-3s. Jabuticaba is seen to contain most of these and is beneficial for the elasticity of the skin. This article will explain in depth how Jabuticaba affects the skin directly.
Nutritional benefits
The benefits of Jabuticaba are versatile. For every 100g of the fruit, the following nutritional composition is being consumed3
- 87.1 g Water
- 0.11-0.32 g Protein
- 6.3-7.6 mg Calcium
- 9.2-34.6 mg Phosphorus
- 0.49-0.87 mg Iron
- 13.2 mg Potassium
- 0.04 mg Vitamin B1
- 0.09 mg Vitamin B2
- 0.08 mg Fibre
- 0.02 mg Riboflavin
- 1.0 mg Tryptophan
- 7.0 mg Lysine
- 17.7-238 mg Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- 58.1-315 mg Anthocyanins
- 460.9 mg Phenolics
- 0.32 mg Carotenoids
The above list shows Jabuticaba is packed with antioxidants such as potassium4, Vitamin B15, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin),6 fiber,7 tryptophan,8 Vitamin C,9 anthocyanins,10 phenolics11 and carotenoids.12 The skin continuously produces highly reactive molecules, called free radicals, which damage the skin, cause aging, and reduce the quality of the skin.13 The role of antioxidants is to prevent these free radicals from reacting and causing harm to the skin.
One of the most prominent antioxidants present is Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. This vitamin plays an important role in skin health and the amount present in 100g of Jabuticaba exceeds the recommended daily amount needed for men or women.14 Oranges, the most well-known source of Vitamin C, contain 59.1mg of this vitamin, indicating that Jabuticaba is more beneficial in comparison.15
Collagen production
Collagen is a protein present within our tissues, specifically in the skin, hair, nails, and bones.16 It works with components such as hyaluronic acid and elastin (a protein in the body) to provide the skin with elasticity, moisture, and volume.17 The body naturally produces collagen but factors such as sun damage, aging, alcohol, and smoking decrease collagen production. Collagen can be added to your every-day skincare routine, or it can be consumed from the following food18
- Beef bone broth
- Skin-on chicken
- Sardines
- Organ meats
- Berries
- Broccoli
- Aloe Vera
Within Jabuticaba, Vitamin C is the driving factor which promotes collagen. The consumption of this boosts hyaluronic acid levels which in turn produces collagen.19
Anti-inflammatory properties
Skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis, is the swelling or irritation of the skin.20 This produces symptoms such as
- Redness
- Itching
- Rashes
- Blisters
- Pain
There are a range of reasons this can occur which include
- Irritants- such as strong acids
- Allergens- this could be from food, medications, and cosmetics
- Autoimmune conditions- this is when the immune system identifies normal skin cells as foreign and attacks them
- Skin conditions such as
- Eczema
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Infections
- Insect bites
Skin conditions can directly impact an individual’s quality of life, as it causes discomfort and may lead to problems in confidence.
Jabuticaba contains anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce inflammation. Anthocyanins, a component in the fruit, are responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of Jabuticaba.21 This substance can control the copying of DNA, cell survival, and the cells in the immune system, which overall affect inflammation.
Hydration and skin moisture
Water is a vital part of the body and is needed for the regular functioning of the organs, including the skin. The skin is consistently exposed to toxins, and if a lack of water is consumed the skin can turn oily leading to skin that is more prone to pimples.22 Hydrated skin is thus important as it improves the skin's elasticity, reducing wrinkles, while dehydrated skin is prone to UV damage, which can also invoke the appearance of fine lines.
Foods that are high in water content can keep the skin hydrated. This includes Jabuticaba, a fruit that contains 87.1 g of water. In comparison to cucumber, the food with the highest water content with 95.9 g of water per 100g,23 Jabuticaba nearly matches the water content of this making it a good source of hydration.
Incorporating jabuticaba into a routine
This versatile fruit can be consumed in various ways, this can include
- Eating the fruit as it is- it is quite common to eat this fruit directly due to its sweet and acidic taste
- Smoothie- put these in your smoothies with other fruits and vegetables to enjoy its benefits
- Pancakes or waffles- these go great in any batter or even as a topping
- Jam- this is the most common way this fruit is enjoyed. Due to its short shelf-life the locals preserve it in the form of jams in order to increase its shelf-life and enjoy it for longer
- Yoghurt- this is a great option for a snack or breakfast on the go, simply use this fruit as a topping
- Mocktails- incorporate Jabuticaba into your drinks and serve with mint for a sweet, fresh taste
- Fruit salad- this is a great way to include a range of fruits in your diet, while also reaping the benefits of Jabuticaba
- Ice cubes- this fruit can be frozen in water and used in any drink as normal ice, a great way to cool down
- Cereal or porridge- this fruit can be used as a simple topping to start off the day
- Muffins- this is a great way to incorporate Jabuticaba into your daily treats
- Jelly- this is another common way the locals are able to consume this superfood and can be put in water, fruit salads and much more
Jabuticaba can be incorporated into your diet easily, but it can also be added into your skincare routine. Some products contain extracts of these which can also allow the skin to possess a glowing complexion.
Precautions and considerations
While this fruit is low risk, some individuals may suffer from an allergic reaction. This can cause a variety of symptoms such as24,25
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Pain around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Rashes
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick
- Swollen eyes, lips, mouth, or throat
There are also some other risks when consuming Jabuticaba such as
- It may interact with medications such as blood thinners and cause allergic reactions
- It may interact with supplements such as iron, causing vomiting or an upset stomach
- It can increase blood pressure
If you are concerned about any of these factors or experience them, please consult your doctor immediately.
Summary
In conclusion, Jabuticaba, a cherished South American fruit, found specifically in Brazil, holds many valuable properties, such as antioxidants crucial for skin vitality. Despite its limited global reach due to its short shelf-life, its nutritional composition makes it a treasure for skincare. Packed with hydration, vitamins, and antioxidants, Jabuticaba fosters collagen production, key for elasticity. Anthocyanins, present in the fruit, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, which fight against skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. With a high water content, Jabuticaba aids skin hydration, reducing the likelihood of oiliness and UV damage, thus reducing the risk of pimples. From jams to skin care products, Jabuticaba can integrate into your routine easily and in all aspects of life. While generally low-risk, potential allergies and medication interactions need to be observed. Jabuticaba is not only a sweet treat but also promotes radiant and healthy skin.
References
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- Mézes M, Erdélyi M. [Antioxidant effect of the fibre content of foods]. Orv Hetil. 2018 May;159(18):709–12.
- Xu K, Liu G, Fu C. The tryptophan pathway targeting antioxidant capacity in the placenta. Oxid Med Cell Longev [Internet]. 2018 Jul 22 [cited 2024 Jan 12];2018:1054797. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6081554/
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- Tena N, Martín J, Asuero AG. State of the art of anthocyanins: antioxidant activity, sources, bioavailability, and therapeutic effect in human health. Antioxidants (Basel) [Internet]. 2020 May 23 [cited 2024 Jan 12];9(5):451. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7278599/
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