Bacaba-de-leque (Oenocarpus distichus): A new wet tropics nutritional source

The present study aims to determine the nutritional composition of soluble and insoluble fibers, vitamins and minerals in the fruit of bacaba-de-leque (Oenocarpus distichus Mart.) a native Central Amazonian tropical fruit. Results show the fiber contents to be 3.95 g 100 g-1, 100% of which shows to be insoluble fibers. Potassium stood out among the minerals, with 173.85 mg 100 g-1. High vitamin E concentration (6.65 mg 100 g-1) was observed as well. Considering the fruit’s nutritional potential, we suggest its incorporation into the Amazonian population diet as an essential nutrient and health improving compounds source, to be more frequent.   Key words: Fiber, vitamins, minerals, nutrition.