Conde fruit or pine cone: know the benefits

The fruit of the conde, also known as pinecone, is a very common fruit in Brazil, mainly in the states of Pará, Piauí, Maranhão, Goiás and Ceará. Rich in nutrients, it protects against cancer, improves intestinal flora and regulates cholesterol levels.

Its scientific name is Annona squamosa and is related to soursop and atemoya. Many people end up confusing and thinking that they are all the same fruit. But they differ, above all, in flavor and benefits.

The pinecone is sweet and, therefore, easy to be included in the routine, and can be consumed fresh, at breakfast or snacks, or even in the form of healthy juices and desserts. In this text, we are going to discuss the advantages that this fruit brings to the body and teach some recipes with it.

Main benefits of the Count’s fruit

It’s anti-cancer.

According to nutritionist Larissa Mendes, the presence of alkaloids in the composition of the fruit are relevant when it comes to fighting cancer. “The alkaloids were tested for anti-cancer activities in several cell lines and the result shows that the use of the plant in folk medicine is viable”, he explains.

She emphasizes, however, that to obtain this benefit, the consumption of the fruit must be periodic, through the ingestion of the fruit in its natural state or natural recipes that use parts of the fruit.

Protect the liver.

Another confirmed benefit is the use of the fruit against the negative effects of alcohol on the liver. “The pinecone has a protective effect against liver damage resulting from the wear and tear of the mucosa, due to the acidity of the alcoholic beverage. This is mainly due to the antioxidant agents present in the fruit”, explained Larissa.

Prevents constipation.

Because it has a large amount of fiber, the fruit also helps in the intestinal regulation of those who suffer from constipation. The nutritionist emphasizes that to enjoy this benefit, it is essential to combine fruit consumption with daily water intake.

Helps fight free radicals.

The nutrition specialist also reported that the fruit, being abundant in antioxidants, helps fight diseases and helps improve the immune system.

Antioxidants act as the body’s defense against free radicals, molecules that attack the health of cells and increase the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, Parkinsonism, among others. And that arise in several ways: poor diet, stress, sedentary lifestyle or exposure to toxic elements such as smoke, cigarettes and alcohol.

Furthermore, these molecules are responsible for causing premature aging, damaging the appearance of the skin and hair. Thus, when consuming the pinecone, you will also be preventing the unsightly effects of cell degradation, leaving you looking healthy for longer.

It’s an energetic fruit.

Carbohydrates present in the Count’s fruit, when metabolized, are transformed into energy. It is this fuel that enables the individual to walk, run, work. “Since it is energetic, this fruit can be combined with the pre-training of those who practice physical activities, favoring their performance”, highlighted Larissa.

Prevents bone disease.

Compared to other fruits, the pinecone or earl fruit has considerable amounts of magnesium, being relevant for people who have a tendency to suffer from arthritis and rheumatism. “Magnesium is a mineral that helps in the regulation of fluids in the body, preventing the formation of acids in the joints”, he explains.

Helps in recovery from fatigue.

Do you know when fatigue comes, for “n” reasons” and the body becomes heavy and tired? The Count’s fruit can be a great ally in this case, especially in case of fatigue caused by illnesses that make the patient unwell.

The nutritionist explains that, as it has an excellent amount of B vitamins, the fruit helps in the recovery of cells and reduces fatigue.

Nutritional table

* Daily reference values ​​based on a 2000kcal or 8400kj diet. Your daily values ​​can be higher or lower depending on your energy needs. Data taken from TACO, revised and expanded edition.

Recipes with the Earl’s Fruit

Ice cream

This fruit may seem strange and unappetizing to many people, especially children. A different way to obtain the benefits of the fruit is through homemade ice cream made with its pulp. Check out the recipe step by step:

Ingredients

• Two pinecone pulp (without the pits)
• 1 cup of washed strawberries without stalks
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 100 ml of coconut milk.

How to prepare

First, freeze the Count’s strawberries and fruit pulp. Then place in a blender or processor with the remaining ingredients. Beat until everything is smooth. Finish with crushed nuts or peanuts.

Juice

Ingredients

• 4 ripe counts fruits (200 g of pulp)
• 1 apple
• 2 cups of water
• 2 ice cubes.

How to prepare

Peel the apple, remove the seeds and cut into pieces. Put it in a blender together with the Count’s fruit pulp and the water. Serve with ice cubes to be more refreshing. You don’t need to sweeten it because the Count’s fruit already has natural sugar.

Contraindications

The fruit has no specific contraindications. No official information about negative effects was found during the production of this article.

Diabetic people should consume the fruit without exaggeration. Larissa explains that “because it contains a large amount of carbohydrates, too much fruit can increase blood glucose”.