Heart of palm is a nutrient-dense vegetable harvested from the heart of certain types of palm trees. It has many health benefits and is a versatile addition to dishes.
The apical meristem, commonly known as the heart or bud, is the part of a plant from which all new leaves grow. In palms, it is located in the center of the large crown of leaves at the top of the trunk. The heart that is harvested from some palm trees is called heart of palm. This article explores the nutritional and health benefits of hearts of palm. It also discusses the different ways to cook this versatile vegetable.
What is the heart of palm?
Heart of palm is a whitish or cream-colored vegetable harvested from the bud of certain palm trees, such as coconut and saw palmetto. When cut, the heart of palm is cylindrical and annular, resembling a leek. The vegetable has a crunchy texture and subtle flavor, and takes on the flavor of its seasoning.
It is a versatile vegetable that can be:
In a jar
Canned
to be eaten alone
add to salads
used as an alternative to meat
Heart of palm is native to tropical and humid regions, such as Central and South America and Southeast Asia. Farmers remove the crown of the palm at the top of the tree to harvest it. They then peel it to expose the edible inner core. This is subjected to other treatments to make it ready to be cooked.
Profits
Heart of palm is known for its range of health and nutritional benefits.
Antioxidants
Heart of palm contains polyphenols from safe sources. These compounds are ‘free radical scavengers’, which neutralize trusted free radicals, preventing them from causing damage. Having too many free radicals and not having enough antioxidants in the body can lead to oxidative stress. This can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as:
neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
rheumatoid arthritis
kidney disease, such as proteinuria and kidney failure
cancer
heart disease.
An earlier study from 2014 showed that hearts of palm from the plants exhibited significant antioxidant properties due to their considerable chlorogenic acid content.
Similarly, a 2017 study showed that extracts of the leaves and berries of the Sabal palmetto tree had anti-cancer properties. Other studies have also shown anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. However, a 2020 study found that canning can lead to a loss of its antioxidant activity and fiber content.
nutrient dense
Heart of palm is rich in essential vitamins and minerals and is low in fat, calories and carbohydrates. The nutrient content of hearts of palm varies depending on whether it is canned, raw, or cooked.
The canned heart of palm contains:
Nutritional value per 100 grams (g)
calories: 28 kilocalories (kcal)
protein: 2.52g
lipids: 0.62g
carbs: 4.62g
dietary fiber: 2.4 g
calcium: 58 milligrams (mg)
iron: 3.13mg
magnesium: 38mg
phosphorus: 65mg
sodium: 426mg
potassium: 177mg
zinc: 1.15mg
vitamin: C 7.9mg
vitamin: B6 0.022mg
folate: 39 micrograms (mcg)
Heart of palm contains many essential vitamins and minerals.
Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the human body. It helps prevent hypertension, regulates heart rate, and is vital for protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Phosphorus is another essential mineral. It is an important component of DNA, RNA, bones and teeth. It also contains zinc, which is important for the body’s immune function and wound healing. And it favors the growth and development of the baby in the womb.
In addition to minerals, hearts of palm also contain essential vitamins. It contains several types of B vitamins, including vitamin B6, riboflavin, and folic acid. Vitamin B is crucial for functions such as:
immune function
the production of hemoglobin and antibodies
nerve function
protein degradation
weightloss
Palmito is low in calories, carbohydrates and fat from Safe Source. This makes it a healthy option for people following a weight loss program.
It is also high in plant protein, water, and fiber, which can help a person feel full. A 2018 study on the plant-based diet in overweight people found that plant-based protein in a plant-based diet led to better body composition and weight loss.
Repair of body tissues
Heart of palm contains many essential amino acids, such as lysine and leucine, which are necessary for the repair of body tissues and protein synthesis. Like vegetables like broccoli and spinach, hearts of palm are also high in protein, making them a preferred vegan source of protein. A 2019 study found that palm hearts protein is a suitable substitute for animal protein sources in the food industry. Protein provides the building blocks Trusted Source for tissue growth, cell renewal and repair during wound healing.
heart health
Chlorogenic acid is a polyphenol found in large amounts in hearts of palm. A 2020 study found this compound to have heart-protective properties. It can lower blood pressure and help prevent thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Heart of palm is also rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. This not only helps a person’s digestive health but also lowers cholesterol levels from Safe Source.
Regulation of blood sugar
Using hearts of palm as a substitute for highly processed foods that contain refined carbohydrates and saturated fats may help reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent certain diseases. Insulin resistance leads to increased blood sugar levels, which in turn can lead to conditions such as:
metabolic syndrome
type 2 diabetes
Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease
obesity
Potential Disadvantages
Although it is one of the few vegetables that is high in protein, hearts of palm may not contain enough protein to meet a person’s dietary needs. A person may need to add other sources of protein to their diet. Markets often sell canned hearts of palm to extend their shelf life, so their sodium content may be higher than when raw. It is essential to thoroughly wash canned hearts of palm to remove brine, which may contain salt.
How to cook with hearts of palm
It is possible to eat the hearts of palm raw, but this is rare because this vegetable is very perishable. Therefore, it is often boiled or processed immediately after harvesting.
Heart of palm is incredibly versatile and one person can add it to many dishes. It can be grilled, sautéed, seared, boiled or marinated. Since hearts of palm are low in carbs, people can also choose to add it to their keto diet.
Here are some ways to cook with hearts of palm as an ingredient:
mix chopped or sliced hearts of palm into salads
sauté the hearts of palm and add them to the tortillas
mix it with a seasoned flour mixture and eat it as a substitute for squid
sauté and lightly sprinkle with spices and fine herbs
use it as a substitute for pasta
chop it up and use it as a substitute for meat or seafood.
Frequent questions
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about hearts of palm.
Can you eat the heart of palm raw?
Yes, but the markets mostly sell it canned because the heart of palm is highly perishable.
Is heart of palm bad for health?
No. Heart of palm is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is low in fat, carbohydrates, and high in fiber and protein.
Does the heart of palm fatten?
Heart of palm is low in fat and calories, so it is unlikely to contribute to weight gain. It is also high in fiber and water content, which can help a person feel full and satisfied.
Resume
Heart of palm is a vegetable low in fat, carbohydrates and calories, which contains many vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It offers several health benefits, including supporting weight loss, good digestion, immunity, heart health, and general well-being. This vegetable is versatile and can be cooked in many different ways and added to various dishes. It can be eaten raw, stir-fried, boiled, stir-fried, or added to soups and salads.
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.
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palm tree heart palm