The Difference Between Murumuru Fruit and Butter
It is a common point of confusion: if the fruit is edible, why can't the butter be eaten? The key lies in understanding what murumuru butter is and how it is processed. The murumuru palm (Astrocaryum murumuru), native to the Amazon, produces fruits that are an important part of the local diet. However, the butter used in cosmetics is not derived from the fruit's pulp but is a concentrated extract from the seed kernels.
This seed butter, with its distinct properties, is chemically and functionally different from the fruit it comes from. While the fruit is a source of nutrition, the butter is an isolated fat prized for its moisturizing qualities in skin and hair care. Reputable safety data sheets confirm its intended use is as a raw material for cosmetics and personal care, not as a foodstuff.
Why Murumuru Butter is Not Safe for Consumption
Murumuru butter is a non-toxic substance, and a tiny, incidental taste is unlikely to cause immediate harm. However, regular or large-scale consumption is another matter entirely due to its unique fatty acid composition, as detailed in scientific studies. A 2023 article citing these studies mentions that murumuru butter contains a very high atherogenicity index (AI) and thrombogenicity index (TI).
The Dangers of High Atherogenicity
The atherogenicity index is a measure of a fat's potential to cause atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries. A high AI value, such as the one reported for murumuru butter, indicates a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The fatty acid profile, which includes a high percentage of lauric acid and myristic acid, is linked to this elevated risk.
Cosmetic Grade vs. Food Grade
Products intended for human consumption must meet stringent food-grade safety standards. Murumuru butter, as sold for cosmetic applications, does not need to meet these standards. It may be processed in facilities not designed for food safety and may contain impurities or additives not suitable for ingestion. Choosing to eat a cosmetic-grade product risks exposure to these non-food-safe substances.
Murumuru Butter vs. Other Common Butters
To illustrate why murumuru butter is different, here is a comparison with well-known edible butters. Unlike these fats, murumuru is not recommended for culinary use.
| Feature | Murumuru Butter | Cocoa Butter | Shea Butter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Seeds of Amazonian palm | Seeds of cacao tree | Nuts of African shea tree |
| Edibility | No, cosmetic use only | Yes, common food ingredient | Yes, common food ingredient |
| Atherogenicity | High index value | Low index value | Low index value |
| Fatty Acid Profile | High in lauric, myristic acids | High in stearic, palmitic acids | High in oleic, stearic acids |
| Texture | Firm at room temp, melts on skin | Hard, brittle at room temp | Softer than murumuru, melts on skin |
| Primary Use | Cosmetics, skin/hair care | Food, confectionery, cosmetics | Food, cosmetics |
The Proper Use and Benefits of Murumuru Butter
Despite its unsuitability for eating, murumuru butter has a wealth of benefits when used as intended: externally on the hair and skin. Its unique non-greasy texture and emollient properties have made it a popular ingredient in high-quality body butters, lotions, lip balms, and hair treatments.
For Skin:
- Deep Hydration: The rich fatty acids, particularly lauric and myristic acids, help to restore the skin's moisture barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and sealing in hydration.
- Less Comedogenic: Compared to other moisturizing butters, like coconut oil, murumuru is less likely to clog pores, making it suitable for a wider range of skin types.
- Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory: The presence of omega fatty acids and antioxidants helps calm sensitive, irritated, or compromised skin conditions like eczema.
For Hair:
- Reduces Frizz and Enhances Shine: Its fatty acid composition allows murumuru butter to penetrate the hair shaft, sealing the cuticle and leading to softer, more hydrated hair with a natural shine.
- Strengthens and Protects: It forms a protective barrier on the hair strands, defending against environmental damage and moisture loss, which helps prevent breakage and split ends.
For more information on the cosmetic applications, a number of online retailers provide details on how to incorporate murumuru butter into homemade beauty products.
Conclusion: Murumuru is for Cosmetics, Not the Kitchen
While the murumuru palm's fruit is part of a traditional diet, the concentrated seed butter is strictly a cosmetic-grade ingredient. Its high atherogenicity index presents a clear health risk for regular consumption, differentiating it significantly from common edible fats like cocoa and shea butter. The primary and safe use of murumuru butter is topical, where its powerful moisturizing and protective properties benefit skin and hair. Therefore, it is essential to keep this ingredient in your cosmetic cabinet and out of your pantry.
References
- Astrocaryum murumuru - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrocaryum_murumuru
- What Does Murumuru Butter Do for Skin and Hair, and Is It... - MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_does_murumuru_butter_do_for_skin_and_hair/article.htm
- Material safety data sheet MURUMURU BUTTER - Ellemental SRL. https://www.ellementalpro.com/download/M-1370_MSDS_S.pdf
- Murumuru butter - ELLEMENTAL. https://www.ellemental.com/murumuru-butter
- Murumuru Butter: The Godfather of Skin Hydration, Moisture... - Purplle. https://www.purplle.com/magazine/article/murumuru-butter-the-godfather-of-skin-hydration-moisture-and-nourishment
