The health-beneficial properties of butiá from the perspective of key members of the Butia Palm Groves Network

Abstract

The study aimed to describe the knowledge of the members of the Butia Palm Groves Network about the properties of butiá that are beneficial to health. It was a qualitative research, with a descriptive approach, with data collection in March and April of 2020. Semi-structured interviews were applied to 20 key members of the Rota dos Butiazais. The interviews were applied in person to nine people (recorded and transcribed by the researcher) and via e-mail to 11 participants (due to the social distance, imposed by the pandemic of Covid-19). Thematic content analysis by Laurence Bardin and the theoretical framework of the Theory of Social Representations by Serge Moscovici were used. Participants reported on the antioxidant compounds, fibers, carotenes, vitamins and potassium present in the butiá pulp, stating that these compounds bring benefits for health. They also mentioned that butiá has a nutritional value, is rich in vitamin C, and that there may be properties that have not been studied. Each interviewee has a distinct personal and family history, but they converge on several points related to the knowledge related to the properties of butiá. The participants’ reports demonstrate the social representations based on the butiá.