Superfoods have been around for a very long time but we are only now really starting to explore just how “super” they are. In particular, we are starting to more consistently explore super fruits since they can be a sustainable source of nutrients and special health benefits. One particular super fruit that is starting to get more exposure is a small berry native to South America, known as the Inca Berry.
WHAT IS AN INCA BERRY?
Also found in Australia, China, Fiji, Hawaii, and South Africa, the Inca Berry is a mildly sweet, slightly tangy fruit that resembles the gooseberry. In fact, the Inca Berry is also known as the Cape Gooseberry, as well as:
- Peruvian Ground Cherry
- Golden Berry
The ExoFruits berry has a glossy, orange-yellow skin which is typically protected by papery, green leaves. It is most commonly consumed as a dried fruit, which has more of a bronze-orange color.
INCA BERRY NUTRITION FACTS
While the Inca berry certainly has a delightfully tart taste, people have been eating them for generations because of their immensely dense nutritional content. These berries have a significant amount of:
- Fatty Acids
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
More specifically a 100g serving of Inca Berry provides:
- 7.3g protein
- 0.5g saturated fat
- 41g sugar (49g total carbohydrates)
- 19g fiber
- 9.2mg Vitamin C
- 24mg Calcium
- 3.1mg Iron
- 1500mg Potassium
- 220mg Phosphorous
UNIQUE INCA BERRY HEALTH BENEFITS
These nutrients are really just the foundation of all the health benefits you can get from Inca Berries.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: This rich, natural source of fructose can actually help you to regulate blood sugar levels. This, of course, makes the Inca Berry an excellent snack and medical option for diabetes patients. Indeed, diabetes patients will find that the Inca Berry helps balance blood sugar throughout the day.
- Improve Vision: The high Vitamin A content in Inca Berries make it a smart option for those looking to improve eye health. Whether you suffer from vision loss or night blindness, a handful of Inca Berries on a regular basis could provide some relief.
- Prevent Lung Cancer: Lung Cancer is among the most common types of cancer and it is probably the hardest to detect. So to reduce your risk for lung cancer, simply enjoy the high polyphenol and carotenoid content of Inca Berries on a regular basis.