As the scientific name Theobroma grandifolium reveals, cupuaçu is a close relative of cocoa ( Theobroma cacao ), both typical species of the Amazon forest.
In the languages of the local peoples, the term "cupuaçu" means "fruit of the gods", precisely because it is considered a food and a special product.
The fruit is protected by a real brown and woody shell, inside which a white and creamy pulp is enclosed.
The cupuaçu, which can reach even a pound of weight, is praised as one of the tastiest tropical Amazonian fruits : the pleasantly creamy pulp has a unique flavor, which can vaguely recall that of pineapple, banana and cocoa together .
Given its organoleptic value and its numerous phytotherapeutic properties, it is universally recognized as one of the "super fruits" ; butter is an excellent ally for the health of the skin, deep moisturizing like cocoa butter or shea butter.
Properties of cupuaçu
Indeed the fact of counting it among the "superfrutti" is quite rightly: the cupuaçu contains important substances, such as teacrina (a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic); tannins and flavonoids, such as catechins (antioxidants and astringents), quercetin (antioxidant, anticancer, vitamin regulator), kaempferol (antiviral, antibacterial and effective against diabetes, leukemia and numerous cancers), and teograndine.
It is also a fruit rich in fiber, amino acids, fatty acids including omega-3, vitamins (A, B, C, E) and minerals, including iron.
A miracle for the skin
And it is to the skin that most interests the cupuaçu, beyond its valuable internal use. Miraculous effects are recorded in the cosmetic field, in fact it is an important ingredient in many skin and hair products, such as creams, lotions, balms, soap, make-up or massage products.
These beneficial effects are due to the presence of fatty acids, including oleic acid (Omega 9), which regulates tissue growth and has a remarkable antioxidant action.
There is also linoleic acid (Omega 6), an excellent nutrient and moisturizer for dry skin, and stearic and palmitic acids, which have a high antiaging action. Not enough: vitamins include: viramina A, B1, B2, B3, C, fundamental for the formation of collagen fibers. To finish, let us remember the presence of polysaccharides and proteins in butter.
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How to make butter and how to use it
From the cupuaçu it is obtained both oil and butter for external use ; the butter is obtained from the seeds with a cold method. It is used for its properties that are attributed to butter are: toning, elasticizing, nourishing, soothing, antiaging, refreshing, emollient, protective .
It has a very low melting point, at 30 degrees it melts, therefore the contact with the skin causes a deep hydration, which does not leave an oily effect, but of deep absorption.
Ideal for those with mature, dry, but not only skin types, for those who have scars to polish or impure skin. Purchased in purity - it is difficult to find in herbal medicine, but is found online and 100 grams cost around 15 euros - it is left to dissolve gently with light massages, slightly moistening the skin, even better if done in the evening before going to sleep .
Be careful not to leave it within the reach of dogs and cats: some secondary metabolites contained in the pulp of the fruit are slightly toxic to humans, while it has a rather important intoxicating action in domestic animals, given their difficulty in metabolizing these molecules.
