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super food guide
Urucum: the complete guide
30
Jun
Jun
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The urucum, from its sweet botanical name Bixa orellana, is also called coot or coot. This shrub growing in the tropical regions of America (and in particular in Brazil, Nicaragua and Bolivia), has a fruit whose benefits might interest you.
The urucum, from its sweet botanical name Bixa orellana, is also called coot or coot. This shrub growing in the tropical regions of America (and in particular in Brazil, Nicaragua and Bolivia), has a fruit whose benefits might interest you.
Quick Navigation
• The benefits of urucum
• Origins of urucum
• Experts’ opinion
• Side effects
• Dosage
• Shopping tips
The benefits of urucum
Actions related to the sun
Urucum has more than one trick up its sleeve when it comes to the sun.
Our summer ally stimulates melanin production and prepares the skin for tanning. Thanks to its high beta-carotene content, it ensures a natural, golden, quick and long-lasting tan! It is an essential for light skin or skin that has difficulty tanning. Its good-mineral effect and its self-tanning properties will seduce more than one (I see you coming!).
In addition, this superfood is also used in sunscreen oil or incorporated into creams (sunscreens or skincare). It serves in these cases to activate the natural defenses during exposure and to accelerate the tanning.
The urucum also helps to limit the danger of UVA, ultraviolet harmful to the skin (causing wrinkles, skin spots, cancers, etc.)
Nevertheless, keep in mind that its index 4 protection is not enough in case of exposure to strong hours of sunshine. Protect yourself with a sunscreen product with an adequate protection factor.
A winning composition!
Urucum seeds have an EXCEPTIONAL amount of beta-carotene (and I promise, no exaggeration!). The proof: our superfood contains 100x more than carrots. So… impressed? Wait and see what happens next.
Urucum is a mine of bixin (molecule that is similar to beta carotene) which gives it a most interesting antioxidant power. All the conditions are met to protect the body and fight against free radicals that cause skin aging.
Urucum seeds are not only made up of beta-carotene, but contain many trace elements, some of which you may like: zinc, magnesium, calcium, copper and selenium. Well, I guess from here it doesn’t really speak to you, so let me tell you a little more.
- Zinc supports acne treatments
- Magnesium has an antioxidant power that reduces skin sensitivity and contributes to its hydration.
- Selenium, also a major antioxidant, would reduce the toxic effects of alcohol and smoking. Moreover, it would protect the cell from the toxic effects of heavy metals, would participate in maintaining the elasticity of the skin, would clean the lungs and would help the body to overcome oxidative stress (combined with zinc and magnesium, this trace element works miracles!) When we are overexposed to the sun, alcohol, tobacco, pollution or stress, the body tries to eliminate the excess toxins. Thanks to its detoxifying and antioxidant action, selenium helps fight free radicals.
This trace element would also act in the prevention of certain cancers (lungs, prostate …).
As you have understood, the properties of the urucum do not stop at the preparation of the tan. This superfood is an ally to regulate our immune system as well as to detoxify and defend the body against bacteria. Beta-carotene, transformed into provitamin A by our liver, also contributes to the health of the eyes, the skin and the intestinal mucosa.
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Anti-aging
Urucum has an incredible antioxidant effect. You know just like me that who says antioxidant effect, says anti-aging action! These antioxidants help in fact to fight against free radicals, responsible for skin aging. As specified just above, this winning combo of components makes this superfood an anti-aging of choice. In addition to protecting the skin (and the body!), it helps to maintain its elasticity and promotes healing in the event of a burn or injury. If you are a fan of superfood mixtures, do not hesitate to combine urucum and chlorella to promote cell renewal and skin purification (a little tip just for you!).
Cosmetic
Thanks to its magnificent brick-red color, it is possible to use the urucum for purely aesthetic purposes. In fact, some cosmetic products such as massage creams, shampoos, body lotions (etc.) contain urucum oil.
A desire for urucum oil? It’s child’s play: macerate the powder in a vegetable oil and apply it every morning to the body and face. You have a natural makeup to protect your skin from the sun and intensify your tan.
Urucum powder can also be used as an eye shadow or as a “sun-kissed earth” to protect the skin and illuminate the complexion with coppery touches.
Anti-insects
If urucum has many beneficial properties, we certainly did not expect this one! Who would have thought that urucum would keep insects away, including our dear and tender friends the mosquitoes. We told you that urucum was THE star of the summer!
The origins of the urucum
This shrub from the Amazon has been cultivated since pre-Inca times. Its nuts bearing small spines contain red seeds. If the fruit is inedible, the brick-red seeds are extracted and then ground to obtain a powder.
The Indians of Brazil used this famous urucum powder as a food supplement, to color their food, to protect themselves from the sun and mosquitoes as well as to create their traditional paintings which earned them the name of “red skins”.
Nowadays, urucum is widely used as a natural coloring agent in the food industry and in natural cosmetics. It is even highly probable that you have already eaten it without knowing it (what a secretive urucum!). Where do you think cheddar and mimolette get their beautiful orange color? But that’s not all: this superfood is not only present in many cheeses but also in certain drinks, cold cuts and even to color haddock fillets.
Expert opinions
According to clinical research, it would seem that the components of urucum oil have antioxidant properties and would be effective in protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays (only those of the UVA type). Surely you have already heard about these famous ultraviolet rays: they are partly responsible for premature aging of the skin and play a role in the appearance of certain cancers.
Do not forget to apply appropriate sun protection when you expose yourself to the sun (even if it is hidden by the clouds!).
Side effects
There are no contraindications or side effects concerning the intake of urucum over a long period of time. The best thing to do is not to be too greedy and/or impatient (we are beginning to know you!) and not to exceed the recommended daily dose (between 3g and 6g).
However, rare cases of allergies have been observed with regard to the external use of urucum (tanning oil).
Dosage
For internal use, it is possible to consume urucum in tablets (tablets) or in powder.
Prevention
It is recommended to take urucum at least 15 days before exposure to the sun, during exposure but also about 15 days after to keep the tan as long as possible. Prevention does not only concern preparation for the sun, it is possible to take urucum in regular cures or as a preventive intake of antioxidants.
Take 3 tablets (chewable or swallowed) in the morning before breakfast with a full glass of water.
If you have urucum powder, pour a teaspoon of it into your juices or sprinkle it on your dishes (rice, pasta, etc.)
In treatment
The treatment is intended for particular problems, whether dermatological or other. It is also possible to follow a urucum treatment for a supply of antioxidants.
The dosage is relatively simple: whether for powder or tablets, it is enough to double the doses (either 6 tablets or 2 teaspoon of powder depending on the form you prefer).
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Shopping tips
Where to buy it?
You can find urucum in organic stores or for sale on the internet. As with all superfoods, prefer organic, without additives or preservatives so that it retains all its remarkable benefits!
How to use urucum?
There are many ways to use the urucum: internal or external use, everything goes there!
Internal use
Apart from consumption in tablets, it is possible to do a multitude of things with urucum powder. It is very much used in cooking to color the preparations and thus obtain a beautiful orange-red hue. It is also used to flavour dishes thanks to its taste similar to saffron. To integrate in drinks, smoothies, spicy dishes, rice, pasta or other culinary preparations: it is you the chef!
We talk a lot about the seeds of the urucum but the leaves of the plant are not to be left out. These have astringent and antibacterial properties and are often used in herbal tea. They strengthen the digestive system as well as kidney function and quickly relieve heartburn due to indigestion of spicy foods.
External use
There are also several ways to use the urucum for external use. You can choose between buying urucum solar oil or making your own by mixing the powder with vegetable oil. Apply it to your body and face before, during and after swimming. Renew as much as necessary.
Keep in mind that this use remains limited and is not suitable for a large exposure to the sun and especially at the most intense hours of sunshine.
Last card of the urucum: make-up! Its intense color makes it possible to use it as an eyeshadow or powder for the complexion. There are countless recipes on the subject so don’t hesitate to take a look and treat yourself!
Probably the best organic organic chlorella
Certified AB and Ecocert France
100% pure organic chlorella
Cultivated in spring water
Don't know which products to eat to reach your health goals?
Find out in less than a minute by making your personalized diagnosis.
