Originally published June 6 2013
The Australian kakadu plum is rich in vitamin C and phytochemicals
by Michael Ravensthorpe
(NaturalNews) The kakadu plum, also called the gubinge or the billygoat plum, is a flowering plant native to Arnhem Land in northern Australia. Despite their name, the fruits of the kakadu plum plant - simply called kakadu plums - are more closely related to the almond than the plum, and they are unusual for fruits insofar as they remain on the plant after ripening. Australian Aborigines have treasured the plums for thousands of years due to their health benefits, although the fruits are not well-known outside of their native country. Let's take a close look at those benefits.
World's highest vitamin C concentration
Undoubtedly the kakadu plum's greatest claim to fame is that it contains the highest vitamin C concentration of any food on Earth. Indeed, a report by the Australian Government's Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation demonstrated that kakadu plums contain between 1,000-5,300 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams. This is approximately 100 times the vitamin C concentration of blueberries and oranges! Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that improves brain function and fortifies the immune system.
Phytochemical content
Kakadu plums contain phytochemicals such as ellagic and gallic acids. According to a study published in the March 2006 edition of Toxicological Sciences, gallic acid contains significant anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat inflammatory allergic diseases. Moreover, a study published in the January/February edition of Anticancer Research showed that ellagic acid can kill cancer-causing cells and lower estrogen's role in contributing to breast cancer.
Skin benefits
Despite their relative obscurity as a whole food, kakadu plums (or rather, their extracts) are starting to become more common in international cosmetic products. This is because the fruits contain a large amount of trace minerals and antioxidants that nourish and invigorate the skin, including vitamin E, zinc, iron, folate, lutein, and the aforementioned vitamin C. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E are especially important for skin health because they neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, thereby guarding us from the premature aging effects associated with such damage.
Rich in calcium and magnesium
Kakadu plums contain respectable amounts of calcium and magnesium. The importance of calcium for building bones and teeth is well-known, but most people don't realize that we also need magnesium to help us absorb that calcium. Since these fruits contain both, they are an excellent guard against osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
Natural laxative
Kakadu plums are rich in dietary fiber, a plant food that clears accumulated waste from the colon and induces intestinal peristalsis. This makes kakadu plums a superb natural cure for constipation. Also, since fiber absorbs water from the colon, it also contributes towards a feeling of fullness. This fact, coupled with kakadu plums' low calorie and fat content, makes them an effective weight loss food.
Sources for this article include:
http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/content/91/1/123.abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11299762
http://www.fda.gov
http://www.naturalnews.com/022150_fruits_fruit_food.html
About the author:
Michael Ravensthorpe is an independent writer whose research interests include nutrition, alternative medicine, and bushcraft. He is the creator of the website, Spiritfoods, through which he promotes the world's healthiest foods.
Michael Ravensthorpe is an independent writer whose research interests include nutrition, alternative medicine, and bushcraft. He is the creator of the website, Spiritfoods, through which he promotes the world's healthiest foods.
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