The Healing Power of Juluchuca: How Local Women Are Cultivating Wellness Through Regenerative Agriculture

The Juluchuca Women’s Cooperative is a space of growth, community and regeneration. This cooperative is run by local women who are cultivating expertise in organic agriculture, permaculture, and regenerative practices that honor the land. As part of their production, they offer several nutrient-dense products that help meet the demand for sought-after organic treasures such as coconut oil, turmeric, moringa, and other ingredients known for their healing properties—deeply valued in ancestral medicine and holistic wellness. 

These gifts of nature are shared with Playa Viva guests during mealtime and are available to purchase in the boutique, bringing the essence of regenerative practices to those seeking balance, nourishment, and renewal. Beyond their role in our permaculture production, these natural products provide a wealth of bioactive compounds that contribute to human health. 

Food nourishes our bodies from the molecular level to the cellular level, embodying the wisdom of Aristotle’s famous quote: “Let food be thy medicine.” This principle is rooted in the bioactive compounds and molecules that make up these products.

We asked our former team member, Ilhui Hernandez who is now a biologist with an MSc in Biomaterials Engineering, specializing in the interaction between food molecules and the human body to share with you the composition of these foods and their special healing compounds. 

Moringa

Moringa is a remarkable plant that has been treasured in traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years,  Its incredible health benefits stem from its rich profile of over 90 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, among others. You can find it in our cooperative in a convenient powder form.

One the standout benefits is its ability to combat the stress caused by UV exposure. The powerful antioxidants in moringa leaves help protect the skin against this oxidative stress, which, when prolonged, can lead to premature aging and even skin cancer. Moringa’s benefits go far beyond skincare; It also contains quercetin and myricetin molecules that support healthy blood pressure regulation. Also, some recent studies suggest that moringa can help to lower blood sugar levels, making it an excellent ally for metabolic health. 

Moringa can also play a key role in thyroid regulation and may help ease hormonal imbalances, including the symptoms associated with menopause.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus, also known as Jamaica in Mexico, with its vibrant red or pink hue, has been used for centuries as a holistic remedy to support overall health. It is traditionally known for its ability to help regulate high blood pressure, balance cholesterol levels, soothe sore throats, aid digestion, and combat inflammation. 

Additionally, it has been studied for its potential benefits in supporting heart and nerve health and even  cancer prevention.

Hibiscus is rich in fiber, calcium, iron, plant-based protein, and powerful antioxidants. It is  also a natural antidepressant that contains flavonoids such as anthocyanin and quercetin, which have been linked to antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, promoting emotional well-being.

Turmeric

At Playa Viva we have an abundance of Turmeric, we carefully dry them and turn them into a powder with super healthy properties. Curcumin is turmeric’s powerhouse compound, this molecule is one of the most fascinating  antiinflamatory natural molecules available for health and longevity. 

It fights inflammation, boosts brain function, and supports heart health, some studies even suggest that can  prevent Alzheimer’s and  arthritis. 

It also mimics caloric restriction to promote longevity and cellular vitality.  If it was not enough it enhances gut health,  mitochondrial energy, and cancer defense. For this molecule to be bioavailable or better digested it is recommended to pair it with black pepper,  some conoconut or olive oil or even in its fermented form.

Cacao

Cacao has been widely used for centuries as a sacred medicine in Mesoamerica where its origin comes from. It was believed to be a gift from the god Quetzalcoatl for spiritual awaking.  When we dive into the science, theobromine a compound in cacao, has a mild stimulant effect that increases blood flow and enhances focus, making it ideal for meditation and spiritual connection. 

Cacao contains up to 300 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, theobromine, phenylethylamine, anandamide, and polyphenols. That is an incredible amount of antioxidants that help to combat oxidative stress, support heart health, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function.

No doubt why cacao is a true superfood and it is celebrated both for its cultural significance and its powerful health benefits.

Chaya

Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) often referred to as the Mayan miracle plant, has been revered as a superfood by locals for hundreds of years. 

According to the Institute of Nutrition in Mexico City, Chaya offers a wide range of health benefits, including:  improving blood circulation, supporting digestion, enhancing vision, and providing anti-inflammatory effects  (especially for veins and hemorrhoids). It also lowers cholesterol,  increaseas calcium absorption for stronger bones, decongests and disinfects the lungs.

Chaya is also called the  “super spinach”; spinach contains 5.70 % iron whereas chaya boasts an impressive 11.61% of iron composition. Beyond its nutritional power, chaya has been linked to improving brain function, reducing arthritis symptoms, and helping to manage diabetes. However, it’s important to note that chaya must be cooked before consumption, and it should not be prepared in aluminum containers, as this can cause a reaction that may lead to diarrhea.

Hoja Santa

Hoja Santa,  (piper auritum)  also known as “tlanepaquelite” in pre-Hispanic Mexico, is classified as a “quelite,” a Náhuatl term meaning an edible plant with healing properties. 

This heart-shaped plant is native to Mesoamerican lands and is known for its medicinal benefits, including reducing fever and kidney inflammation, soothing stomach pains,  preventing indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. It also contain sedative properties that can alleviate nervousness and insomnia.

Thanks to its saponin content,  Hoja Santa possesses antidiabetic properties, particularly hypoglycemic effects, and has been studied for its role in diabetes management. Saponins help to regulate blood glucose by stimulating pancreatic beta cells to produce insulin, thereby reducing blood sugar levels.  Saponins also have demonstrated to  help with obesity and chronic inflammation conditions often linked to type 2 diabetes. 

Given Hoja Santa’s traditional use and saponin content, it may serve as a natural therapeutic option for diabetes management, reinforcing the value of herbal medicine in metabolic health. 

Yuca

Yuca (Cassava) has been cultivated in Latin America and Africa for centuries. It is highly resistant to droughts, which is a testament to its powerful health benefits. 

This root is rich in choline, an essential nutrient that supports nerve and brain function, as well as DNA health. Also , potassium plays also an important role in yuca and It helps with heart and kidney function. 

Yuca’s  pigment comes from beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant, that along with saponins can help to combat free radicals and protect cells from damage. 

This root  is also beneficial for digestive health, as it contains resistant starch, which functions similarly to soluble dietary fiber and it helps to stabilize the digestive system while supporting a healthy gut microbiome. 

Yuka must be cooked properly to remove toxins (cyanogenic glycosides like linamarin) that come in the skin.  It has to be boiled or soak it in water for at least 30-45 minutes, as heat and water help break down harmful compounds.

We hope that you enjoyed learning about some of the healing effects of the ingredients we use in our food and beverages at Playa Viva. Remember that you can find most of these powerful and nutrient-dense elements in the form of powders, medicinal teas and tinctures that are processed by our cooperative available to purchase in our boutique. By purchasing these products you are not only supporting your own health but also, supporting the advancement of permaculture methods in our local watershed and enabling us to provide dignified work and development opportunities at the Women’s Cooperative, strengthening our local community.

About the Author, Ilhui Hernandez is a biologist with an MSc in Biomaterials Engineering, specializing in the interaction between food molecules and the human body. She is the founder of Longevity for All, a platform dedicated to promoting longevity and preventive health through science-based education.