Zumaque: Learn about the great benefits it brings to your health
If you like oriental food, you may have already met or heard of sumac, this interesting plant is very well used in the kitchen. But it turns out that it is a whole box of surprises, because in addition to providing good taste, it is very useful for health.
In some countries, the sumac is taken as a simple and insignificant shrub, but for those who know its potential, it is quite lucky to come across it. It has a high load of nutrients, and many seek it for its contribution to dealing with diseases such as diabetes.
The truth is that there is a great variety of sumac, and so that you learn to identify them and enjoy their benefits, do not look away and find out everything about them.
What is Sumac and what makes it so beneficial?
Scientifically, it is known as Rhus coriaria, and is generally used more in the kitchen than in naturopathic medicine. About 200 different types of this plant can be counted around the world, but the most common is known as Syrian sumac.
For the most part, its appearance is that of an ordinary bush, with small hairy clusters of a reddish color. These clusters are where its properties are concentrated, and at the same time what give it its striking appearance when processed.
It is a plant that grows wild, in places with a temperate climate. However, there are also those who grow it in their garden as an ornamental plant, often unaware of its properties and risks.
nutritional benefits
Few plants have such a comprehensive contribution as this one, since it manages to benefit the body from many angles, and you can consume it directly by integrating it into food. So let's learn more about how you can help us.
As impressive as it may seem, sumac has the following nutrients:
Vitamin A and C
Magnet.
Zinc.
Calcium.
Potassium.
But in addition to all this, it is a source of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. In a few words, it is an energy injection for your body.
There are different applications for its consumption, as there is a wide variety of dishes that you can prepare using its essence. It pairs nicely with some meats and vegetables, and can even be made into a lemonade-style drink.
However, if you are looking for its nutritional contribution to be much easier and more direct, you can choose to buy it in capsules. These are available in this presentation, although mostly for dietary purposes.
medicinal applications
Sumac continues to be studied to fully validate its medicinal contributions, but there are already some studies that confirm its positive contribution to health. Some of the medical benefits that we can highlight are the following:
Fights high cholesterol
One of the most positive impacts of sumac on the body is its contributions to cardiovascular function, and one of the most notable is its ability to lower cholesterol.
In its chemical composition it has lipid-lowering agents, which generates valuable regulation.
Triglycerides are also leveled thanks to the composition of sumac, which makes it an excellent natural heart protector.
It is antioxidant
A high load of polyphenols makes it a shield against free radicals, which are the cause of oxidative stress.
The protection it provides to cells strengthens our body against diseases caused by stress, and prevents premature aging.
According to studies carried out, sumac is worldwide, among the best foods that can be consumed, in order to obtain antioxidant properties.
Has astringent properties
In simple terms, it causes tissue retraction, which is very helpful in aiding healing. It also makes a positive contribution to inflammation and hemorrhage control.
Your application can be useful internally and externally as needed.
Level diabetes
Eating sumac is very useful for diabetic patients, since it manages to reduce blood glucose levels, due to its antioxidant properties.
It has also been discovered that people who consume it assimilate insulin much better.
As an extra point, its consumption helps to lose weight and fight obesity; which is another problem that often affects diabetics.
protect the brain
Sumac is considered neuroprotective, thanks to the fact that it contains gallic acid, which helps fight radicals that attack the brain.
This element in its chemical composition, generates a great contribution in the prevention of neuronal diseases.
Sumac Hazards
As we mentioned at the beginning, we must learn to identify them, since some species of sumac are toxic. They are known as Toxicodendron vernix and can cause irritation, rash, itching, burning and other symptoms.
The appearance of this type of sumac is quite common, its leaves are simple and smooth, they grow in pairs along the branches unlike other toxic plants, such as ivy. Its fruit are white or gray berries, which differentiates it from consumer sumac.
The best recommendation is to buy the sumac in a botanical store, if you want to own a plant. And if you want the product already processed, ready for consumption in meals or tea, visit a gastronomic or health food store.
Advice for consumption
Before you start taking sumac, whether in food, tea, or capsules, discuss your intake with your doctor. Sumac, like any other botanical medicine, can interfere with some other medication that is being taken into the body.
Do not abuse its consumption, despite the different presentations in which you find it. Choose a specific way to ingest it, always trying to get a dose that is prudent to help your body.
Stay informed of its study, because, although many of its benefits are proven, as we mentioned before, its potential and effectiveness are still being evaluated. So it is advisable to periodically review the progress that they show.