The Amazon rainforest is home to countless natural wonders, but few plants hold as much promise as aguaje (scientific name Mauritia flexuosa). This remarkable fruit, also known as the Moriche Palm Fruit, grows on towering palm trees with large leaves in the tropical wet areas of South America, especially in the Loreto region of Peru. It can also be found in Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Bolivia. Aguaje has earned the nickname the “tree of life” due to its impact on health and well-being.

Whether you’re looking to balance hormones, improve your skin, or explore its famous role in enhancing curves, Aguaje is a valuable asset to your diet and wellness routine. Here’s everything you need to know about this superfruit, from its health benefits and traditional uses to practical ways to include it in your lifestyle.

Health benefits of Aguaje

Rich in vitamins and minerals

One of the standout features of Aguaje is its impressive nutritional value. The fruit’s yellow flesh is a powerhouse of essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining overall health:

• Vitamin A (Beta Carotene): Essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Aguaje has one of the highest concentrations of beta carotene among fruits, making it a natural choice for proactive health care.
• Vitamin C: This antioxidant boosts the immune system and helps keep your skin radiant and resilient.
• Vitamin E: Known for its anti-ageing properties, vitamin E nourishes the skin and supports heart health.

If you’re already a fan of fruits like Camu Camu, you’ll find Aguaje equally potent in its benefits.

Supports hormonal balance

Aguaje is uniquely beneficial for women as it contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that imitate oestrogen in the body. These natural active ingredients make Aguaje particularly helpful for women going through menopause or perimenopause, as it may help with balancing hormones and alleviating symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Additionally, some women turn to Aguaje as part of a natural approach to enhancing their curves due to its link with hormonal health.

Promotes healthy skin

The rich concentration of beta carotene, oleic acid, and other nutrients make Aguaje a natural skin supplement. Beta carotene and oleic acid help to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and prevent premature ageing caused by UV rays. Plus, vitamin E promotes skin elasticity, making it a go-to choice for anyone seeking a glowing, youthful complexion. Women who are experiencing dry skin due to hormonal changes quickly notice the difference in the softness and elasticity of their skin when they add Aguaje to their diets.

Boosts immune system

With its abundance of Vitamin C and other antioxidants, Aguaje strenghthens the immune system. It works to neutralise free radicals, reducing cellular damage and inflammation, which can both weaken immunity. By incorporating Aguaje into your diet, you provide your body with the tools to fight infections and maintain optimal health.

Aids in digestion

A high dietary fibre content means Aguaje plays a beneficial role in aiding digestion. The fibre helps regulate bowel movements, supports gut health, and can even play a role in managing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). People in tropical South America have used Aguaje as a natural remedy for digestive issues for generations.

Traditional uses of Aguaje

Aguaje holds profound cultural and practical significance in the Amazon rainforest, particularly in the Loreto region of Peru. Indigenous communities have integrated the different varieties of Aguaje into their daily lives for centuries, not just as a dietary staple but also as a cornerstone of traditional medicine. It is traditionally used to enhance fertility, regulate menstrual cycles, and alleviate symptoms of menopause. Additionally, its high antioxidant content has been employed to treat skin disorders, promote wound healing, and combat inflammation. Aguaje oil, extracted from the pulp, is applied topically to improve skin elasticity and treat burns.

Beyond its medicinal applications, aguaje is also used to strengthen bones due to its calcium content, making it an important resource for populations with limited access to dairy products. Moreover, it plays a role in the treatment of respiratory ailments, fevers, and digestive issues, often consumed raw, as a juice, or mixed into medicinal concoctions. Its versatility and health benefits have ensured its continued relevance in traditional remedies, reflecting a deep understanding of its nutritional and healing properties by the Indigenous peoples of Peru. These uses are supported by studies highlighting the fruit’s bioactive compounds and their potential in addressing a range of health concerns.

How to use Aguaje to enhance your curves

For women hoping to enhance their curves naturally, Aguaje has garnered attention worldwide. Its phytoestrogen content may promote fat distribution in a way that accentuates typical feminine curves. While scientific evidence is still evolving, many women swear by Aguaje supplements, Aguaje fruit powder, or eating fresh Aguaje for this purpose.

Aguaje for skin care

Aguaje oil

Extracted from the fruit’s yellow flesh, Aguaje oil is a nutrient-rich oil packed with oleic acid, beta carotene, and essential vitamins like A and E. These powerful components make it an excellent choice for nourishing and revitalizing the skin. Known for its hydrating properties, Aguaje oil is perfect for dry or flaky skin, helping to lock in moisture and improve elasticity over time. Its lightweight texture absorbs easily, leaving the skin soft and glowing without feeling greasy. Use it as a face or body oil to reap its full benefits or incorporate it into your skincare routine for a natural boost of hydration and protection.

Don’t forget that taking Aguaje orally also improves skin texture, softness and elasticity from the inside.

How to incorporate Aguaje into your diet

Aguaje smoothies and juices

Start your day with a refreshing Aguaje smoothie! Blend Aguaje powder with unsweetened almond milk, banana, and a handful of frozen berries for a delicious and vitamin-rich treat. You can also mix it into fresh juices or even prepare ice cream with it—a popular dessert in Peru.

Aguaje supplements

Fresh aguaje fruit isn’t available outside South America, but luckily, consumers abroad, including those in the United Kingdom, can still enjoy its benefits through supplements. Aguaje capsules and powder provide a convenient way to access the fruit’s nutrients without the need for preparation.

Aguaje fruit powder vs Aguaje extract

Aguaje powder is a natural option, traditionally used in Latin America for its full range of nutrients. It’s ideal for culinary uses like smoothies or recipes, preserving the plant’s natural balance of compounds. Aguaje extracts, often sourced from India, may lack thorough testing of the fruit’s potency. While anecdotal benefits for curves are linked to fresh fruit and powders with a complete nutritional profile, the key is choosing a high-quality product—whether you opt for powder or extract—to ensure the best results.

How much Aguaje should you take?

Research on aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa) is limited, and specific dosages tested in clinical studies are still emerging. Some studies have explored the nutritional benefits of aguaje due to its high phytoestrogen, vitamin A, and antioxidant content. However, precise dosages for therapeutic effects in humans are lacking.

For general supplementation, doses of aguaje powder typically range from 1 to 5 grams daily (approximately 1–2 teaspoons), based on traditional use and nutritional recommendations. For capsule formulations, manufacturers commonly suggest 1–2 capsules daily, but these amounts are not tied to robust clinical trials.

If considering aguaje for specific health concerns such as hormonal balance, skin health, or antioxidant support, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, as evidence-based dosing guidelines have not yet been firmly established in peer-reviewed research.

Potential side effects and precautions

While Aguaje offers various health benefits, consuming it in excess may lead to side effects such as digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea due to its high fiber content. Some individuals may also experience hormonal imbalances if taken in large amounts over time, as it contains phytoestrogens. Additionally, allergic reactions, though rare, could occur in sensitive individuals. To minimize risks, always purchase Aguaje products from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.

Is Aguaje right for you?

Whether you’re seeking to improve your skin’s radiance, balance hormones during menopause, or try something new to enhance your health, Aguaje is a versatile and nutrient-rich superfruit that’s worth trying. Not only does it offer incredible health perks, but it’s also a delicious cultural treasure from the Amazon forest.

With Aguaje’s impressive nutritional value, rich content of beta carotene, and ties to skincare and feminine health, it’s clear the “tree of life” lives up to its name. If you’re excited to invite this valuable asset into your wellness routine, begin today with a dose of Aguaje fruit powder, supplements, or even a DIY beauty recipe.

Start small and discover the potential Aguaje might hold for your health, beauty, and beyond.