Integrating herbal medicine, superfoods, and PANCs into our daily diet goes beyond basic nourishment—it reflects the principles of Toronto area functional medicine by supporting whole-body health while helping sustain the ecosystems that support our well-being.
PANCs is the acronym for Plantas Alimentícias Não Convencionais; they’re commonly referred to as unconventional edible plants (UEPs) in the English language. These edible species are not normally found in modern commercial agriculture, but utilized in traditional Amazonian indigenous diets. “These are plants that have one or more edible parts, such as leaves, roots, fruits, and flowers, whether spontaneous or cultivated, native or exotic, which are not part of the “traditional” diet of consumers…,” confirms a Food Research International piece.
Globally, there are over 30,000 known edible plant species, yet large-scale agricultural industries focus on farming fewer than 200 species. In Brazil – which is a vital reservoir for known and yet-discovered PANCs – there are over 10,000 PANCs species, though scientists suspect this number could be far higher. Much of this plant life is located in the Amazon rainforest, which covers about 60% of Brazil’s territory.
As these plants are often rich in nutrients and compounds, they’re considered a resource for food as medicine. Scientists have even confirmed that consuming PANCs could potentially “…improve nutrition and solve problems related to malnutrition in certain countries,” confirms an International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation article.
PANCs are rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, proteins, amino acids, and antioxidants. These nutrient-dense qualities position them as true superfoods, making them valuable for supporting preventive health and as an adjunct in reducing the risk of chronic disease within a functional medicine protocol. In this article, we introduce PANCs by exploring their potential health benefits, examples of plant varieties, and their role in supporting both human health and environmental sustainability.
Key health benefits
PANCs can be successfully cultivated with less water and chemicals. This means their nutrient levels are preserved, helping to nourish your body with a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Here are some advantages to consuming PANCs:
- Many PANCs are high in fibre, making them beneficial for digestive health. They may also help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy microbiome.
- PANCs are jam-packed with bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. These compounds can help modulate excessive inflammation, one of the key drivers in the formation of chronic disease.
- These plants contain key vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E and K. PANCs have “…nutritional value [that] is similar – or even higher – as compared to traditional vegetables and can be consumed in various forms, including fresh, dried, frozen, or canned,” says a MOJ Food Processing & Technology paper.
Furthermore, incorporating these plants into personal wellness practices supports environmental sustainability and helps preserve natural habitats, including regions such as the Amazon rainforest. Environmental changes, including deforestation, have been associated with disruptions to Indigenous communities and their traditional ways of life. These plant foods may also play a role in supporting the continuity of traditional culinary and botanical knowledge that has been passed down through generations.
Examples of PANCs
Below we list a few examples of PANCs and why traditional populations might select them:
- Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata): A climbing cactus with leaves that contain proteins and iron.
- Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium): A tropical flowering plant added to soups and sautéed dishes. It contains vitamin C, iron, calcium, and potassium.
- Jambu (Acmella oleracea): Known for its unique tingling effect, this herb is added to regional stews and infusions, acting as an analgesic and anesthetic.
- Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina): A velvety leaf that resembles fish when it’s fried. It contains antiseptic properties suitable for treating skin infections.
- Beldroega (Purslane): A leafy green bursting with omega-3s and antioxidants. It may be beneficial for managing bone health, as it holds impressive amounts of calcium and magnesium.
The role of PANCs in planetary care
Many types of PANCs do not require fertilizers or pesticides to thrive; they actually have the ability to grow in degraded soils. Thus, the growth of PANCs for dietary needs is compatible with reforestation strategies and regenerative food systems. Embracing these plants is a nutritional decision and an act of biodiversity conservation. Here’s how:
- Recognizing PANCS upholds genetic diversity in food and medicinal plant supplies.
- Consuming them supports climate resilience, as many of these plants are resistant to pesticides.
- PANCs aid in the revival of traditional farming, helping to reduce deforestation pressures.
For us as people, PANCs are like forgotten superfoods that can help us reduce chronic health risks. For our environment, cultivating these plants helps mend sustainability, lessen carbon footprints, and improve food security. Culturally speaking, though, PANCs connect us to ancestral traditions, culinary creativity, and food sovereignty. This awareness for PANCs is like a full circle moment, in which our world feeds us and we give back by helping to feed our planet with care and preservation.
The traditional use of botanicals often aligns with modern lab studies, reinforcing roles in functional medicine therapies. How can botanical remedies – such as PANCs – impact your wellness? Learn about our services below and you’ll find our contact details at the bottom of this page.
Suggested reading: Maca Root for Stress and Libido: A Functional Medicine Toronto Fact Sheet
Reap the benefits of a personalized wellness plan
If you want to learn about food as a first-line therapy, our Toronto integrative & functional medicine clinic is that resource! Our functional naturopathic doctor has extensive experience working with food as medicine, having hands-on experience with pharmacognosy and agricultural engineering. Due to this proficiency, our clinic can intertwine herbal medicine and other botanicals – such as PANCs – into a personalized medicine plan. This unique plan may integrate treatments related to allopathic/western medicine, holistic nutrition, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medicine), naturopathic medicine, hormone optimization programs, and nutritional IV therapy.
To tailor therapies for biological needs, we offer functional laboratory testing to our patients. Some of these lab tests cannot be accessed by conventional medicine clinics and they can disclose microscopic insights into your gut health status, hormonal balance, deficiencies, and more. We offer DUTCH testing, various stool analyses, hair mineral tests, IgG food antibody tests, among others.
We are proud to emphasize a patient-centered approach to wellness. You have the opportunity to collaborate with our healthcare practitioners as your treatment plan is being drafted. When patients understand the essentials of their health conditions, including formation and treatment outcomes, there’s a chance of adhering to lifestyle modifications. Our aim is for you to be comfortable and confident with your wellness enhancements!
PANCs are nutrient-rich superfoods that may support gut health, energy levels, and overall wellness. Learn how a personalized functional and holistic medicine approach at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre can help you integrate them into your lifestyle. simply contact us to request your initial session.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media.
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Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.
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