CURATIVE PROPERTIES: help with metabolism, cardio-protective – improving the cardiovascular system, antihypertensive, preventive
USE IN TRADITIONAL PERUVIAN MEDICINE:
High level of cholesterol
Cleansing the walls of veins
Cellulite reduction
Prevents diabetes, lowering the level of sugar in blood
Burning fats, lowering the body mass
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT AND ITS PRESENCE
Caigua, or Caigui is an ancient, known already in the culture of Mocha, Peruvian vine plant that grows in the warm and humid climate. The branchy vine climbs thanks to long tendrils, which can be up to 5 meters high. Its small yellow flowers in the form of a cup give birth to slightly flattened fruit which are 20 cm long. They resemble pepper or cucumber, the color ranges from dark green to almost white, the surface is rough and covered with delicate thorns. In Peru, Caigua is commonly regarded as low caloric food of superb health properties. Peru is the leader of growing this precious vine, but currently, because of the growing popularity that is thanks to its qualities, Caigua is often grown in many parts of South and Central America.
MORE INFORMATION
All parts of Caigua are beneficial for the health. The ground seeds, eaten on empty stomach, are used to terminate the parasites. The brew is used for pressure reduction.
The raw juice is used for ear inflammation as the outer compress.
Also the fruit and the leaves have the anti-inflammatory properties, and are used, after mashing, as a compress for infected or impure skin.
The ripe fruit of Caigua is rich in mineral salts, pectins, alimentary fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and fatty substances.
It also includes galacturonic acid, dihydroxytryptamine, resin, mineral substances (phosphor), vitamins – mainly B and C, lipoproteins, steroid substances: beta-sitosterol and its 3-beta-D-glucoside.
Caigua got famous mainly thanks to the “specialist” when it comes to cholesterol, because the bioactive substances that it includes have positive influence on the metabolism of lipids. They lower the level of “bad” cholesterol LDL, which is responsible for sclerosis changes in blood vessels. At the same time, they increase the level of “good” cholesterol HDL. Thanks to these properties Caigua is used in prophylaxis of sclerosis of arteries and blood vessels, as it cleans them off deposit, and therefore prevents heart and blood circulation diseases. It also supports the treatment of hypertension and diabetes, it cleanses blood, prevents varicose veins, lowers and balances the blood pressure. Raw or cooked fruit is used in treating diabetes or blood circulation disorders.
It is also used as a painkiller and anti-inflammation diseases of respiratory system, and also joint problems. The young sprigs and leaves can be used as a valuable vegetable, and the roots are used for brushing teeth.
Caigua can be eaten both raw or cooked. The inside of the fruit, empty of seeds can be stuffed with meat, fish, or cheese and then baked. It can also be marinated just like cucumbers or used in the form of powder.
The ingredients present in Caigua are great regulator of carbohydrates and fats metabolism. They lower their level, by forcing the body to burn its reserves. They help with losing weight for the obese without damaging the proper balance, they help soothing the loads caused by unhealthy eating habits, and they help to neutralize cellulite.
The beneficial influence of that plant has been confirmed in a number of tests and researches.
They are carried out mostly in Peru, and thanks to them the plant is getting more and more recognition and the status of functional food.
For example: the research carried out and recorded in 1995 by Gustavo F. Gonzales and his team at the university Universidad Cayetano Heredia, (UPCH) in Lima, after 12 weeks of administering six capsules (200mg each) daily showed:
- Reduction of LDL- cholesterol by 23%, and rise of HDL-cholesterol by 42%.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO MENTION THAT IN PERU CAIGUA, ALONG WITH THE HERB OF HERCAMPURI AND SACHA INCHI, IS USED AS “DOWN-AGEING MEDICINE”, AND ALSO FOR REDUCTION OF CELLULITE.
USE AND MOST COMMON DOSAGE
Capsules: take 4-6 capsules a day. The dose can be taken one time – in the morning on an empty stomach, or divided into two doses.
Powder: 1-3 flat tea spoons a day, mix with water, juice, yoghurt, best before meal. People with sensitive digestive system are advised to cook this dose 2-3 minutes, and drink after cooling down.
Not to be given to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
COMMENTS
Do not exceed the daily dose.
According to dieticians Caigua is a very healthy diet – it is often called a way to slim figure and health without any risk. It is recommended to use it for three months, then you should take three weeks break, and if necessary repeat the cure for the next three months.
