Russians are already accustomed to the fact that almost any fruit and berries are constantly available. Of course, the nutritional value of strawberries or raspberries brought to us at the height of frost is far from the value of domestic seasonal goods. However, even among exotic fruits there are those that deserve the closest attention. One of these products is feijoa.
Source: depositphotos.com
These green “berries” appear on our shelves in late autumn. They are not always imported: in Russia, feijoas are grown in the Krasnodar Territory and subtropical regions of the Caucasus. The pulp of the fruit tastes like strawberries, kiwi and pineapple at the same time. The thick green skin is not so appetizing, but very aromatic and healthy.
Today we will talk about the health benefits of feijoa.
Helps boost immunity
Feijoa peel contains a large amount of essential oils and vitamin C. This complex successfully activates the body's defenses. Eating fruits helps cope with the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and also reduces the likelihood of infection.
Contains a lot of iodine
Feijoa is the only fruit that contains more iodine than seafood. Moreover, the iodine compounds in its composition are water-soluble and are perfectly absorbed by the body.
Regular consumption of feijoa is necessary for diseases caused by iodine deficiency in food. The product normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system and metabolism, promotes the activation of mental activity.
Is a source of antioxidants
The main source of antioxidants is feijoa skin. It is rich in catechin and leucoanthocyanin, which have powerful antifungal and antibacterial effects. There is evidence of the ability of these substances to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Helps with digestive disorders
Thanks to the unique combination of essential oils, tannins, antiseptics and other beneficial compounds, feijoa has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The fruits relieve the unpleasant symptoms of gastritis and help with chronic constipation. It is recommended to consume feijoa for pathologies of the stomach, intestines, liver and pancreas.
Improves the condition of the cardiovascular system
Feijoa contains no less catechins than green tea. These substances maintain the tone of the vascular wall and serve as a prophylactic against a high risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies.
Treats kidney diseases
Feijoa fruits have a disinfectant and mild diuretic effect. They are recommended for use for inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract (pyelonephritis, cystitis, etc.).
Has an antiseptic effect
Feijoa peel is a natural antiseptic. Its decoction, which suppresses the activity of pathogenic microflora, is used as a rinse for stomatitis and periodontal disease, for external treatment of wounds, and also as a disinfectant and astringent for diarrhea.
Feijoa has a number of contraindications. Thus, it is forbidden to give it to children under the age of one year: their digestive system does not yet produce the enzymes necessary for digestion. Pregnant women should eat feijoa with caution so as not to get excess iodine. In case of diabetes mellitus, the inclusion of fruits in the diet must be agreed with a doctor, since feijoa pulp contains quite a lot of sugars.
Unripe fruits should not be used as food: this can lead to poisoning. When eating feijoa for the first time, you should be prepared for an allergic reaction, so you should start with one or two fruits.
Feijoa is eaten fresh and made into jam and jam. The peel is dried and added to tea leaves. This is a seasonal fruit, but you can extend the period of its use by preparing a vitamin mixture from a kilogram of ripe feijoa (do not remove the peel!), ground with 600-800 g of sugar. The preparation is stored for a long time in the refrigerator. By taking one or two tablespoons of the mixture daily, you can strengthen the immune system, provide the body with iodine, improve the condition of the digestive tract and blood vessels, increase efficiency and mood, and protect yourself from colds throughout the long winter.
Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:
Fruits are a storehouse of vitamins, they are simply necessary for every person and feijoa is no exception, its beneficial properties not known to many. Unlike oranges, bananas and other popular products that are abundant on our shelves, feijoa is still considered exotic. Some people don't even know that such a product exists. It has an unusual taste, reminiscent of banana, strawberry and even pineapple. This plant grows in the Brazilian subtropics, and was brought to Europe at the beginning of the last century. Although it is low in calories, it has its contraindications, because a high concentration of iodine can lead to side effects.
Useful qualities of an overseas product
Feijoa has a green or emerald color, and its shape can be compared to a lemon. It owes its popularity to the optimal concentration of vitamins and other substances in the fruit.
For what diseases is feijoa used?
- Colds. The product contains essential oils that effectively fight germs and viruses, as well as vitamin C, which serves as a prophylactic during a flu epidemic.
- In stressful situations, depression or chronic arterial diseases, the benefits of feijoa are stored in its seeds.
- Oncology. For the health of men and women, especially pregnant women, the antioxidants contained in the peel of the plant are very important. Although it tastes unpleasant, it is used as a cancer prevention agent.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to the fact that the product helps digest food, it cleanses the body of men and women of toxins in a short time.
- Feijoa has no contraindications for diseases of the cardiovascular system; its regular consumption with honey reduces cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Feijoa, the benefits and harms of which are known, is recommended for use by people with high blood pressure, but it is advisable to exclude it from the diet if you have diabetes.
- Proper functioning of the thyroid gland can be ensured by iodine contained in the body. Feijoa is great for replenishing it.
Harm from feijoa
Despite the beneficial properties of the fruit, in some cases it should be consumed with extreme caution.
- Before purchasing, you should carefully inspect the fruit for damage during transportation, and of course pay attention to contraindications.
- The peel of the fruit consists of vitamins and microelements, but in its raw form it is inedible. Feijoa does not lose its valuable qualities when cooked, so it can be added to compote, salad or sauce.
- The plant is a strong allergen, therefore, first you need to try a small part of it, and only then increase the dose. An allergic reaction as a contraindication manifests itself in the form of skin rashes and redness, although there are cases of burning or itching in the mouth. Pregnant women especially need to be careful.
- Unripe feijoa, hard to the touch, can cause stomach upset and even serious food poisoning. The fact is that ripe fruits are very easily damaged, so berries for export are always picked unripe and come to us in this form. Unripe berries can ripen perfectly at home for two to three days at room temperature.
- A person will suffer from indigestion if he decides to eat feijoa with honey and dairy products. The fruit is rich in pectins, and they do not combine well with milk.
- Diabetes mellitus. With such a disease, it is not advisable to eat fruit that contains sugar in large doses. The fetus can cause an attack of hyperglycemia (excess glucose in the blood), so it is recommended to protect yourself from unnecessary problems with diabetes.
- Those who suffer from hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, when hormones are produced in large quantities, should limit the consumption of feijoa.
- Obesity. Despite the fact that feijoa is not very high in calories, it is still not worth eating in large quantities for those who have overweight. Because the fruit contains a lot of malic acid, which stimulates the production of gastric juice and increases appetite.
- For chronic constipation, it is better to minimize the use of this product, because it has a strengthening property.
Interesting! Shrub flower petals exotic fruit have an apple flavor and can also be eaten. If you deep-fry them, you will get sweet chips.
How to choose feijoa
Unfortunately, only a few know how to eat berries or can prepare a tasty and healthy dish. When choosing a product, you should pay attention to its contraindications. If they are not available, then choose a ripe, soft fruit with juicy and translucent pulp. Got caught in the middle brown? The fruit has already spoiled, and if it is white, it is not yet ripe. The pulp has a strong odor and sweet taste that is reminiscent of pineapple or strawberry. The peel is dense and edible, and has a certain astringency. If the berry is damaged or damaged, there is a chance of poisoning from bacterial waste products. This also applies to rotten feijoa. Some eat the whole fruit, after cutting off the tail, while others prefer to scoop out the pulp with a teaspoon, combining it with honey.
Chemical composition of feijoa
The chemical composition will tell you why feijoa is useful and what advantages it has. Berries have a unique ability to store many water-soluble iodine compounds, which are easily absorbed by the body. The fruit also consists of phenolic compounds such as tannin, catechin, leukoanthocyanin, etc. In addition to quickly digestible substances, the plant contains vitamin C, the concentration of which increases as it ripens. For pregnant women, this is a whole storehouse of fiber, protein, asparagine, alanine, tyrosine, glutamine.
In addition to vitamin C, the fruits contain all B vitamins, sucrose, folic and malic acid, and microelements. 100 g of product contains 0.74 ash, 86 ml of water, 0.8 g of fat and 10 g of carbohydrates. Also, 100 g of the plant contains 17 mg of calcium, 9 mg of magnesium, 155 mg of potassium, 70 mcg of iodine, 40 mcg of zinc, 3 mg of sodium, 80 mcg of iron. The exotic berry has a high water content, because per 100 g there is about 80% water, 10% sugar and 10% carbohydrates.
How to eat feijoa correctly
It is not recommended to abuse the fruit, because its positive properties and contraindications are associated with a high iodine content. In case of an overdose, anxiety and nervousness increase, the heart rate increases and body temperature increases are noticeable. If your performance has decreased, your memory has deteriorated, and this condition continues for a long time, then you should be examined by an endocrinologist. The product is gradually introduced into the diet for children in small portions, after all, it is an exotic fruit. To ensure that your child likes the taste of the berry, it can be prepared with honey. This also applies to pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Important! Ripe fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than seven days.
How to boost immunity with feijoa
To strengthen the immune system, ground fruits with sugar are used. During cooking, all the beneficial properties of feijoa are preserved. It does not need to be cooked during cooking. The plant (1.5 kg) should be washed well, cutting off all the tails. Then the product is cut into small cubes without removing the peel and twisted using a meat grinder. The fruits contain iron, which can cause them to turn yellow. With constant stirring, granulated sugar (1 kg) is added to the resulting mixture. As soon as the sugar melts, add the crushed walnuts(200 g).
Regular consumption of this jam with honey is an excellent preventive measure during a flu epidemic, which is necessary, first of all, for pregnant women. Let the homemade medicine sit in the kitchen for about an hour, and then pour it into sterilized jars. Feijoa is stored in the refrigerator.
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
Feijoa is a plant of the tropics and subtropics. Compared to the background of many exotic fruits that are familiar to us, its fruits look rather inconspicuous, and people often pass by them, but in vain, because they have a number of useful properties; it is not for nothing that they are grown on plantations in many countries of the world. Let's take a closer look at what this tropical guest is, what its benefits and harms are, and how it can be used.
Feijoa has a low calorie content: 100 g of raw product contains only 55 kcal.
The composition of the fruit is represented (per 100 g) by the following substances:
- water - 84.94 g;
- carbohydrates - 12.9 g;
- dietary fiber - 6.4 g;
- proteins - 1.0 g;
- fats - 0.6 g;
- ash - 0.56 g.
Vitamins:
- C - 32.9 mg;
- PP - 0.295 mg;
- B5 - 0.233 mg;
- B6 - 0.067 mg;
- E (alpha tocopherol) - 0.16 mg;
- E (gamma tocopherol) - 0.03 mg;
- lutein and zeaxanthin - 0.027 mg;
- B9 - 0.023 mg;
- B2 - 0.018 mg;
- B1 - 0.006 mg;
- lycopene - 0.005 mg;
- K - 0.0035 mg;
- beta-cryptoxanthin - 0.003 mg;
- beta-carotene - 0.002 mg.
Minerals:
- potassium - 172 mg;
- phosphorus - 19 mg;
- calcium - 17 mg;
- magnesium - 9 mg;
- iodine - 8.0 mg;
- sodium - 3 mg;
- iron - 0.14 mg;
- manganese - 0.084 mg;
- zinc - 0.06 mg;
- copper - 0.036 mg.
This exotic fruit also contains 10 essential amino acids and 8 non-essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6). This berry is also rich in fruit acids and pectins and contains essential oils.
Did you know? Feijoa is native to the subtropics of Latin America. To the territory of Europe (to France)the fruit was introduced in 1890. This evergreen shrub (tree) received its name from the Portuguese João da Silva Feijo, the naturalist who first told the world about this plant.
Thanks to the above rich composition, this fruit has a number of beneficial properties for the human body:
- 100 g contains a 53-day dose of iodine. Even seafood does not contain such amounts of this microelement, which is important for the functioning of the thyroid gland. This iodine content, together with other substances, helps normalize metabolism;
- improves immunity as it contains a lot of vitamin C;
- It is recommended to use it for vitamin deficiency, as it contains a wide variety of vitamins;
- many substances contained in this fruit have antioxidant properties;
- has a preventive effect against cancer;
- useful for atherosclerosis, hypertension;
- improves blood counts (lowers cholesterol, increases hemoglobin);
- has a beneficial effect on digestion:
- has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- stimulates mental activity.
These fruits bring the following benefits to the female body:
- have a rejuvenating effect on the body thanks to antioxidants;
- help to lose extra pounds, as they contain few calories, normalize metabolism and stimulate digestion;
- improve hormonal levels, therefore have a beneficial effect on libido and the reproductive system;
- are an excellent cosmetic product in face masks (rejuvenation, whitening).
Feijoa can be eaten by pregnant women. Iodine, group of B vitamins, iron and other substances contained in the berry have a positive effect on the formation of the fetus. At the twelfth week of development, the thyroid gland begins to form, and eating feijoa will be most beneficial. But you shouldn’t overuse it - everything is good in moderation.
It will also be useful for nursing mothers, but it is better to refrain from using it for the first three months after birth in order to avoid allergies in the baby. You should first include it in the diet in small portions and observe the baby’s reactions. If there are no allergic manifestations, then you can increase the dose to half a fruit per day, no more.
Benefits for men
Feijoa will also be useful for men due to the following properties:
- increases libido;
- improves the functioning of the reproductive system;
- is the prevention of prostatitis, and its oncoprotective properties will be useful in the presence of prostate adenoma.
In order to get the necessary benefits from these exotic fruits, you should consider the following::
- They are usually transported to other countries unripe, but they can be ripened at home;
- choose fruits without rot, damage or suspicious spots;
- berries good quality have a rich green: if they are darkened, yellowed or covered with brown specks or spots, then it is better to refrain from purchasing;
- Squeeze the fruit a little in your hand - it should be evenly elastic and have no dents, a slight softness of the entire fruit is acceptable;
- if possible, cut the berry and see what color it is inside: fruits with a white interior should ripen, feijoas with transparent pulp can already be eaten, but it is recommended to avoid eating fruits with a brownish tone.
Important! When feijoas ripen in an apartment, they do not lose their beneficial properties. If you bought hard fruits, you should give them time to ripen in a dark place and become soft. This fruit will become tastier and more aromatic, looking like jelly inside.
The taste and smell of feijoa fruits are similar to strawberries, pineapple and kiwi. As an independent dish, the fruit is cut in half and the pulp is scooped out with a spoon. Only the pulp is used to make puddings and ice cream.
But a lot of useful substances are concentrated in the tart skin, so it is more advisable to add this fruit to a salad, cutting it into cubes along with the skin, or making some kind of vitamin cocktail or puree with it.
A healthy dessert that provides you with vitamins and minerals for a long time is feijoa ground with sugar and stored in the refrigerator. This is how many people prepare raspberries.
If there is any cut or scraped skin left after feijoa, it can be thrown into compote or added to tea.
Contraindications and harm
In some cases, these berries should not be consumed:
- with an excess of iodine in the body;
- for diabetes: before consuming these fruits, you should consult a doctor;
- for allergies: individual intolerance to feijoa is quite rare, but it should be taken into account that these fruits are unusual for residents of our latitudes;
- children under one year old;
- These berries do not go well with milk and can cause stomach upset.
You should also not eat too much of this product. It will be useful in moderate doses.
Eating feijoa will be beneficial for the following ailments:
- hypothyroidism, Graves' disease;
- weak immune system;
- anemia;
- high cholesterol;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- constipation;
- rheumatism;
- pain during menstruation;
- avitaminosis;
- colds, flu, bronchitis;
- acne, pimples;
- iodine deficiency.
Important! Iodine deficiency diseases are, according to WHO, the most common among diseases that are not caused by infection. They are especially dangerous for the mental development of the child (including in the womb). The risk group includes residents of mountains and areas far from the sea, smokers and alcoholics, people who have suffered radiation exposure, and pregnant women. In 2011, research revealed iodine deficiency in 70% of English people.
Health Recipes
With the help of these berries you can improve your health. The leaves and flowers of the plant are also used for medicinal purposes.
For the heart
To strengthen the heart muscle and improve cardiovascular activity, it is recommended to take fresh juice from the fruits of this plant. To do this, dissolve 1 tbsp in ¼ glass of water. l. berry juice. The prepared medicine is taken once a day.
For joints
For inflammatory processes in the joints, feijoa jam with orange is recommended. To do this, 0.5 kg of feijoa fruits (the peel is not cut off) is crushed using a blender. Then the resulting mass is transferred to a saucepan, 1 kg of sugar is added.
Then simmer over low heat for 10 minutes from the moment it boils. After this, add freshly squeezed orange juice from one large fruit and bring to a boil. Pour into sterile containers for storage. This jam can be stored for a year even at room conditions.
Jam has not only healthy, but also excellent taste. This product is very helpful for atherosclerosis, vitamin deficiency and low immunity.
For the thyroid gland
The amount of iodine in these exotic fruits is no less than in seafood. Therefore, they are excellent for thyroid diseases caused by iodine deficiency. For this purpose, puree is made from the berries. To prepare it, take 300 g of fruit, wash it and, without peeling the skin, grind it through a meat grinder or chop it in a blender. It is recommended to consume this mass one tablespoon on an empty stomach.
When treating goiter, it is useful to take tea from the leaves of this plant. For this purpose, 1 tbsp. l. fresh leaves are crushed, pour 250 g of boiling water and let it brew for half an hour. Take one glass twice a day, you can add honey.
Normalization of pressure
This mixture is taken 2 times a day (morning and evening) 30 g.
For hepatitis A
For nephritis and jaundice
Tea made from the flowers and leaves of this exotic plant helps with jade and jaundice. For this, 1 tsp. raw materials are poured with boiling water and left for 20 minutes. You can add honey for taste. This tea is taken throughout the day.
To boost immunity
To generally strengthen the body and immunity for the whole family, you can use the following recipe.
Take 1 kg of feijoa, wash and grind using a blender or meat grinder. Then add 1 kg of sugar, mix well and place in clean jars, seal with lids. Take this remedy one teaspoon per meal.
Feijoa is widely used in cooking. It is used to prepare salads, sauces, jellies, preserves, jams, etc. This berry goes well with meat or fish. Feijoa juice or cocktail is considered beneficial. The berries can be added to compotes and teas.
Any dishes prepared from feijoa not only have unusual taste, but are also a source of vitamins and beneficial elements.
Feijoa vitamin puree
Feijoa vitamin puree is very tasty and healthy.
- 0.5 kg feijoa;
- 0.25 kg of liquid honey or 0.3 kg of sugar;
- 1 lime;
- mint - several sprigs.
The cooking method is as follows:
- Wash feijoa, lime and mint well and then dry.
- Grind all ingredients in a meat grinder or grind with a blender.
- Thoroughly grind the resulting mixture with honey (sugar) and transfer it to a pre-sterilized jar.
This jam is a storehouse of vitamins, especially vitamin C. To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to take one teaspoon of it every morning for breakfast.
This product can be stored on the refrigerator shelf for no more than 3-4 weeks.
Jam from whole feijoa fruits
A tasty and healthy jam made from whole feijoa fruit with lemon.
Video: how to make feijoa jam
To prepare it you will need the following ingredients:
- 0.5 kg feijoa;
- 1 tbsp. Sahara;
- 0.5 l of water;
- 1 tsp. cognac
To prepare this jam, follow these steps:
- Wash the feijoa, peel it and add water (put the peelings aside).
- Heat and melt 1/2 of all sugar in a frying pan until brown.
- Remove the pan with sugar from the heat and after half a minute add 0.5 liters of boiling water. Mix well, add peelings, bring to a boil and cook for 7 minutes.
- Drain the syrup and add the remaining sugar and peeled berries. Cook for 35 minutes at a gentle simmer, stirring.
- At the end add cognac.
- Place in pre-sterilized jars, roll up the lids and place in a cool place.
This jam is stored, like any other, in dry cool place within a year. A cellar or pantry is perfect, but you can also store it in a kitchen cabinet.
Did you know? In 1900, feijoas were introduced and began to be grown in Crimea and Abkhazia. Now they are also grown in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, France and all Mediterranean countries. The fruit has also become widespread on the Pacific coast of the United States, New Zealand and Australia. Can tolerate temperatures as low as −11 °C.
Feijoa cocktail
A very large amount of vitamins is found in feijoa cocktail.
To prepare it you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pcs. feijoa;
- 2 pcs. kiwi;
- 150 ml low-fat kefir or yogurt;
- 1 tsp. honey
Cooking method:
- Wash the fruits, peel them and cut them into slices.
- Transfer to a blender and add kefir or yogurt, add honey.
- Grind with a blender and pour into glasses.
You should drink this cocktail for breakfast to stock up on vitamins for the whole day.
Feijoa jam
Making jam from feijoa fruits occurs without cooking. Thanks to this, it contains a large amount of vitamins.
To prepare it you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 kg feijoa;
- 1 kg sugar.
To prepare this dish, you should take only ripe fruits.
Cooking method:
- Wash the feijoa well and dry it with a towel.
- Finely chop with a knife and sprinkle with sugar.
- Grind this mixture thoroughly using a wooden spatula.
- Place in clean jars and close with a lid.
Storage is carried out in the refrigerator for 3-5 months. Sugar can be replaced with honey, then this jam will become even healthier.
Feijoa masks are very beneficial for facial skin due to the content of the following beneficial substances:
- Vitamins C and B perfectly nourish the skin, improve its color, and also protect it from pollution and negative influence environment;
- sucrose helps moisturize and nourish the skin;
- pectins relieve inflammatory processes, regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- fiber activates the production of elastin and collagen, which promotes skin rejuvenation;
- essential oil prevents redness and dryness of the skin;
- malic acid fights oil well;
- Iodine helps strengthen the skin, making it smoother and more elastic.
Feijoa masks are very useful for all skin types. They are applied to previously cleansed skin and kept for no more than 20 minutes.
Rejuvenating mask
A rejuvenating feijoa mask will help smooth out wrinkles and increase skin elasticity.
- 2 tbsp. l. feijoa pulp;
- 1 tsp. honey;
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil(preferably olive, but sunflower is also possible).
Method for preparing the mask:
- Mix all ingredients.
- Distribute the resulting mass evenly over the face, neck and décolleté.
- After 10-15 minutes, remove any remaining mask paper napkin and rinse with warm water.
Did you know? You should know that the amount of iodine in feijoa fruits is related to the conditions of the area where they grow. If there is a lack of iodine in the soil or grown at home, the berries will not contain large amounts of this trace element. The largest amount of iodine is in fruits grown on the sea coast.
Mask for dry skin
For dry skin, a nourishing feijoa mask can help.
To prepare it you need the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. l. feijoa pulp;
- 1 tsp. castor oil;
- 1 tsp. heavy cream.
Method for preparing the mask:
- Mix all ingredients until pureed.
- Distribute the resulting mass evenly over the face and neck.
- After 10-15 minutes, remove the mask with warm water.
Mask for oily skin
A mask helps against oily shine and acne. oily skin from feijoa.
To prepare it you need the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. l. feijoa pulp;
- 1 tsp. camphor alcohol;
- 1 tsp. lemon juice.
Method for preparing the mask:
- Mix all ingredients until a puree mixture is obtained.
- Distribute the resulting mixture evenly over the face.
- After 15-20 minutes, remove the mask by rinsing with warm water.
Universal mask
A universal mask that improves complexion, tightens and nourishes the skin is well suited for all skin types.
To prepare it you need the following ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp. l. feijoa pulp;
- 1 chicken egg;
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil (preferably olive oil).
Method for preparing the mask:
- Mix all ingredients until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
- Distribute the resulting mixture evenly over the skin.
- After 20 minutes, remove the mask by rinsing with warm water.
Feijoa is a valuable product for the prevention of iodine deficiency. The concentration of iodine in it is so high that even eating a small amount of these fruits will help avoid many problems. Eating berries and using infusions of leaves and flowers will help in the treatment of many diseases. In addition, from this berry you can prepare delicious and healthy dishes. Therefore, do not pass by this useful fruit!
Feijoa was first discovered in Brazil, and since then the exotic fruit has gained popularity all over the world. Currently, the berry can be found throughout the vastness of our homeland; the product mainly grows in the southern regions. Feijoa has a rich chemical composition, which contains essential microelements for the human body.
Choosing the right feijoa
- To choose worthy fruits, you need to pay attention to the integrity of the shell. The peel should not have any damage or dents. A ripe berry is smooth, dense and elastic to the touch.
- If you cut an exotic fruit, the flesh should be transparent and fleshy. In this case, the taste of feijoa will be fully revealed.
- When choosing a product at the market, ask the seller to cut the berry, this way you can ensure its integrity and ripeness.
- If the flesh is white, the fruit can be considered unripe. Don't despair, place the fruits at home in warm room. In a few days, the feijoa will gain proper maturity and can be consumed.
- Exotic fruits are picked unripe; the berries ripen during transportation. Feijoa also tends to spoil quickly. If, when cutting the fruit, you see dark-colored pulp, refrain from purchasing.
Benefits and composition of feijoa
- When studying feijoa, it turned out that the fruit contains a high level of iodine. The enzyme is easily absorbed by the body because it is in a water-soluble form. It has been scientifically proven that berries are an order of magnitude superior to red fish and seafood in terms of iodine content.
- If you eat just a few fruits a day, you will replenish the daily requirement of iodine in the body. It is highly recommended to consume exotic berries for people who have problems with the thyroid gland. It is also worth including feijoa in the diet of children and the elderly.
- It is highly recommended to consume the fruits if you live in big cities. Feijoa contains ascorbic acid, which actively prevents colds. Thiamine is involved in the normalization of metabolic processes, maintaining the functioning of the heart muscle and brain activity.
- The presence of riboflavin in berries is responsible for stabilizing the level of hormones in the body. In addition, the enzyme is involved in the synthesis of red blood cells, the breakdown of fats and the renewal of fibers and tissues. Nicotinic acid normalizes the functioning of the pancreas and the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. The enzyme reduces blood pressure and prevents the development of cancer cells.
- Thanks to the content of pantothenic acid in feijoa, the functioning of metabolic processes in the body is restored. The enzyme actively suppresses a number of ailments and is able to cope with pancreatitis, allergies, liver diseases, tuberculosis and bronchitis.
- Pyridoxine helps build enzymes that are necessary for the functioning of all muscles of the human body. The chemical effectively affects muscles during cramps, spasms and numbness of the limbs. At the same time, pyridoxine slows down tissue aging at the cellular level.
- Feijoa is rich in niacin, an enzyme that is an integral part of the central nervous system. The substance actively participates in protein metabolism and has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Thanks to the easily digestible fats and proteins that feijoa is rich in, it can be classified as a dietary product.
- The peel of exotic berries contains leukoanthocin and kakhetin; chemical enzymes are recognized as powerful antioxidants. The substances resist the harmful effects of the environment. In addition, kakhetin and leukoanthocin prevent the formation of cancer cells and pathologies.
- Pediatricians strongly recommend introducing feijoa into your baby’s daily diet with extreme caution. Otherwise, you risk causing your child intolerance even after just 1 berry.
- If complementary feeding goes without harmful consequences, feijoa will only bring the child invaluable benefits. Due to the high iodine content in the product, the baby will not feel tired. The berries will also have a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Feijoa has proven itself to be an effective product in strengthening the immune system. Thus, with regular use, the body's resistance increases. The child is not at risk of various diseases viral infections and fungi. It is highly recommended to consume the fruits during the off-season.
- You should also be careful if your child is at risk of developing excess weight or diabetes. You can eat berries, but you should limit their daily amount and constantly monitor the body’s reaction.
Benefits of feijoa for pregnant women
- Girls who are pregnant need to treat nutrition with special responsibility. The main criteria remain that products must be balanced, healthy and varied. During pregnancy, the formation of the fetus and its organs occurs.
- Try not to give in to various temptations in terms of unhealthy foods; it is during pregnancy that you want something useless. Experts recommend using it for pregnant girls. various vegetables and fruits that grow in your climate. During the cold season, things are more complicated.
- It has been scientifically proven that feijoa, despite its exotic nature, is excellent for the fairer sex during pregnancy. In addition to the above microelements, ascorbic acid and niacin are of particular benefit. Enzymes are easily absorbed by the body.
- Tropical berries also contain high levels of iodine and iron. Minerals are easily absorbed by the blood and form the fetus without signs of damage. It is also worth considering the fact that if your doctor has prescribed iodine-containing vitamins to you, you should limit your consumption of feijoa. An excess of a microelement is just as harmful as its deficiency.
- It has been scientifically proven that feijoa has a disinfectant and antiseptic effect. With the help of various infusions, decoctions of fruits and leaves, you can heal skin abrasions. The products are excellent for bleeding gums and toothache.
- To make a nourishing face mask, just combine the grated fruit with the yolk of an egg. As a result, the skin will receive a charge of useful microelements, microcracks and creases will be smoothed out. The dermis will also gain an even tone, smoothness and velvety feel.
Contraindications and possible harm of feijoa
- The product is so unique that it has virtually no contraindications, except for individual intolerance.
- Individuals who may have allergies or hypersensitivity to iodine should be wary of the fruit. As practice shows, such phenomena occur in rare cases.
- Therefore, if you are allergic, carefully monitor your health. If there are any deviations, immediately stop eating exotic berries.
Rules for eating feijoa
- To ensure that feijoa does not leave you indifferent and brings maximum benefits to the body, you need to eat only ripe fruits. There can only be a snag if the berries have not had time to ripen. As described earlier, feijoas are harvested unripe.
- If you purchased the fruits in this form, do not despair, the product can be kept in a warm room for several days, after which you can enjoy the pulp of its unique taste. During the process of ripening, feijoa will acquire a filling similar to jelly, and the peel will noticeably become thinner.
- The method of eating feijoa is very similar to kiwi. You can remove the peel from the berries and chop them into pieces. Also cut from the fruit top part and eat with a dessert spoon, removing the pulp from the cavity. Do not forget that if feijoa is fully ripe, it can be consumed whole. As you know, it is in the peel that almost all the benefits are concentrated.
If you suffer from chronic fatigue, obesity, vitamin deficiency or loss of strength, experts strongly recommend including about 6 feijoa berries in your daily diet. After a few days you will feel better. In addition, the fruits are rich essential oils, which are involved in strengthening the human protective shell.
Video: benefits and harms of feijoa