It is an exciting development that functional foods have generated a lot of attention among consumers nowadays. Scientifically known as Cassia grandis, Carao is one of the several species called pink shower tree found in Central America for centuries. This flowering plant, native to the neotropics in the family Fabaceae, grows up to 30 meters tall.
Tasting like chocolate and cherry, the carao fruit has been abundantly used as a sweetener and medicine in the Latin American region of Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Cuba.
Said to have originated in Nicaragua, the indigenous people used the carao fruit to make a medicine called ‘carao tea.’ It is still consumed today by many people within the region to treat various ailments and illnesses.
Seeds of the carao fruit are a potential commercial source of gums. Carao seed gum is often used as a binder in the pharmaceutical industry. Carao wood is brownish yellow, somewhat complicated, and heavy. Even the ashes of the carao tree wood are used in soap-making.
This red or yellow-colored fruit juice was first introduced to the United States in the early 1990s among health-conscious individuals. You can now find carao juice at many health stores and some supermarkets.
Top 6 Health Benefits of Carao Fruit
1. Boosts Energy Levels
The juice of the Carao fruit is a great source to boost our energy levels. The antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins found in carao increases the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) in the body. ATP is one of the primary sources of energy for our cells.
A study on carao fruit’s benefits found that it boosted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties when added to camel milk yogurt. It also improved physio-chemical properties. This clearly shows Carao’s potential to strengthen food items. It clearly shows its status as a nutritional powerhouse. [1]
2. Improves Digestion
The dietary fiber in carao keeps our digestive system healthy and working efficiently. Moreover, these fibers add bulk to our stools and prevent constipation. Carao juice aids in regulating blood sugar levels. It does so by slowing down the absorption of sugar into our bloodstream.
Camel milk yogurt, when enhanced with carao, leads to physico-chemical enhancements. It helps in reducing the severity of inflammatory symptoms. Its prebiotic effects are beneficial for digestion. The prebiotic effect of carao should be further explored primarily when combined with probiotics like L. plantarum or L. casei. [2]
3. Promotes Heart Health
The antioxidants and other compounds in carao juice also help promote heart health. The fruit’s coumarin, limonene, and vanillin help reduce cholesterol levels. It enables our arteries to stay clean. And the potassium in carao helps the system by regulating blood pressure. Only a little research has gone into it, and there is no scientific explanation of how carao juice helps. As of now, it is primarily used in traditional medicines only.
4. Reduces Inflammation & Improves Immune System
Carao juice is a good source of vitamin C. This is a vital nutrient for boosting the immune system. Eventually, Vitamin C aids in protecting the body against disease and infection. Various other compounds in carao juice help reduce pain, inflammation, redness, and swelling throughout the body. [2]
5. Fights Cancer & Protects Against Free Radical Damage
Compounds like coumarin, limonene, and vanillin found in carao have also been shown to fight cancer formation. These compounds help eliminate cancerous cells and prevent them from spreading further. Carao juice is primarily found to be effective against breast cancer, skin and colon cancer. And the antioxidants in carao help protect the body against free radical damage, which otherwise can destroy cells and lead to chronic diseases like cancer. The antioxidants found in carao help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from impairment.
In a study, Carao (Cassia grandis) was studied when added to yogurt. The study focused on its effects on in vitro intestinal barrier function. It used Caco-2 cells as a model. The addition of Carao in yogurt increased the flavonoid content. It increased the anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. [3]
6. Iron Deficiencies in Blood
Carao is traditionally used in Central America. It is well regarded for its nutritional alternative, particularly the benefits it brings to treat iron deficiencies in blood. The fruit has nutrients, minerals, and bioactive molecule content, showing that it can be used in advanced health foods. The seeds also have a high concentration of total phenolic compounds. The pulp of the fruit is rich in total carotenoids. The shell of the fruit is rich in iron, followed by manganese. [4]
There are many other health benefits associated with carao fruit. These include enhancing brain function, promoting healthy skin, improving appetite, preventing anemia, correcting kidney function, aiding weight loss, reducing muscle cramps, and supporting bone health.
The bioactive compounds of the carao fruit are noteworthy to consider regarding nutritional, pharmacological, and medicinal purposes. They have higher concentrations of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in the seeds. [1] Eventually, it exerts potential anticancer functions by inhibiting cell aging.
Moderation Is Key
Carao is a nutritious fruit with several health benefits. It can be a healthy addition to our diet. Nevertheless, you must consult the doctor before taking carao. Carao can also interact with certain medications if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. And carao is not ideal for children under 18 years of age.
References
- Faculty of Technological Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Agricultura, Road to Dulce Nombre de Culmí, Km 215, Barrio El Espino, Catacamas 16201, Honduras – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37513943/
- Faculty of Technological Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Agricultura, Road to Dulce Nombre de Culmí, Km 215, Barrio El Espino, Catacamas 16201, Honduras – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10383137/
- Department of Dairy and Food Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA – https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/9/6/566
- Fuentes, Jhunior Abrahan Marcía, et al. “Quantification of bioactive molecules, minerals and bromatological analysis in Carao (Cassia grandis).” Journal of Agricultural Science – https://scholar.google.com/
