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 in the midst of frost is far from the value of domestic seasonal goods. However, among the exotic fruits there are those that deserve the closest attention. One such product is feijoa.
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These green "berries" appear on our shelves in late autumn. They are not always imported: in Russia, feijoa is grown in the Krasnodar Territory and the subtropical regions of the Caucasus. The pulp of the fruit tastes like strawberries, kiwi and pineapple at the same time. Dense green skin is not so appetizing, but very fragrant 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 to cope with the symptoms of SARS, 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 use of feijoa is necessary for diseases caused by iodine deficiency in food. The product normalizes the work 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 properties. There is evidence of the ability of these substances to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Helps with digestive disorders
Due 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. Fruits relieve the unpleasant symptoms of gastritis, help with chronic constipation. Eating feijoa is advised 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 agent at a high risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies.
Treats kidney disease
Feijoa fruits have a disinfectant and mild diuretic effect. They are recommended for use in 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. So, 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 care so as not to get too much iodine. In case of diabetes, the inclusion of fruits in the diet must be agreed with the doctor, since feijoa pulp contains quite a lot of sugars.
Do not use unripe fruits for food: this is fraught with poisoning. When using 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, jam and jam are made from it. 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!), Frayed with 600-800 g of sugar. The workpiece is stored in the refrigerator for a long time. Taking daily one or two tablespoons of the mixture, 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, protect yourself from colds for the whole 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 are not known to many. Unlike oranges, bananas and other popular products that are in short supply on our shelves, feijoa is still considered exotic. Some people are not even aware of the existence of such a product. It has an unusual taste, reminiscent of a banana, strawberries 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 own 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.
What diseases is feijoa used for?
- Colds. The product contains essential oils that effectively fight microbes and viruses, as well as vitamin C, which serves as a prophylactic during an influenza epidemic.
- In stressful situations, depression or chronic arterial disease, the benefits of feijoa are stored in its seeds.
- Oncology. For the health of men, 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.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to the fact that the product helps to 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 use with honey reduces blood cholesterol levels.
- Feijoa, the benefits and harms of which are known, are recommended for people with high blood pressure, but it is advisable to exclude them from the diet for diabetes.
- The iodine contained in the body can guarantee the correct functioning of the thyroid gland. 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 buying, 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 trace elements, but in its raw form it is inedible. Feijoa does not lose its valuable qualities during heat treatment, 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 rashes on the skin and redness, although there are cases with burning or itching in the oral cavity. In particular, pregnant women need to be careful.
- Unripe feijoa, hard to the touch, can cause indigestion and even serious food poisoning. The fact is that ripe fruits are very easily damaged, so berries for export are always harvested unripe and already in this form they get to us. An unripe berry can ripen perfectly at home for two to three days at room temperature.
- A person will suffer from indigestion if he decides to use feijoa with honey and dairy products. The fruit is rich in pectins, and they do not mix well with milk.
- Diabetes. With such a disease, it is not advisable to eat a fruit that contains sugar in large doses. The fetus can cause an attack of hyperglycemia (an excess of glucose in the blood), so it is recommended to protect yourself from unnecessary problems with diabetes.
- Limit the use of feijoa should be those who suffer from hyperthyroidism, when hormones are produced in large quantities.
- Obesity. Despite the fact that feijoa is not very high in calories, it is still not worth eating in large quantities for those who are overweight. Because the fruit contains a lot of malic acid, which stimulates the production of gastric juice and increases appetite.
- In chronic constipation, it is better to minimize the use of such a product, because it has a fixing property.
Interesting! The exotic fruit shrub flower petals have an apple flavor and can also be eaten. If you deep-fry them, you get sweet chips.
How to choose feijoa
Unfortunately, only a few know how to eat berries or can cook 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 a brown center? The fruit has already deteriorated, and if it is white, it has not yet ripened. The pulp has a strong odor and a sweet taste that is reminiscent of pineapple or strawberries. The peel is dense and edible, has a certain astringency. If the berry is damaged or knocked out, there is a chance of poisoning with the waste products of bacteria. 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.
The chemical composition of feijoa
The chemical composition will tell you how useful feijoa is and what advantages it has. Berries have the unique ability to store a variety of water-soluble iodine compounds that are easily absorbed by the body. Also, the fruit consists of phenolic compounds such as tannin, catechin, leucoanthocyanin, 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 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 trace elements. 100 g of the 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 includes 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. An exotic berry is distinguished by a high water content, because 100 g contains about 80% water, 10% sugar and 10% carbohydrates.
How to use feijoa
It is not recommended to abuse the fruits, because its positive properties and contraindications are associated with a high iodine content. With an overdose, anxiety and nervousness increase, the heartbeat quickens and jumps in body temperature are noticeable. If working capacity has decreased, memory has worsened and this condition continues for a long time, then it is worth being examined by an endocrinologist. The product is gradually introduced into the diet for children in small portions, because after all it is an exotic fruit. To make the child like the taste of the berry, it can be cooked with honey. This also applies to pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Important! Ripe fruit is stored in the refrigerator for no more than seven days.
How to boost immunity with feijoa
To strengthen the immune system, grated fruits with sugar are used. During cooking, all the beneficial properties of feijoa are preserved. During the cooking process, it does not need to be heat treated. The plant (1.5 kg) should be washed well, cutting off all the tails. Then the product is cut into small cubes, without peeling, and twisted with 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 has melted, add chopped walnuts (200 g).
Regular use of such jam with honey is an excellent prophylactic during an influenza epidemic, which is necessary, first of all, for pregnant women. Let the homemade medicine stand in the kitchen for about an hour, and then it needs to be poured into sterilized jars. Feijoa is stored in the refrigerator.
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Feijoa is a plant of the tropics and subtropics. Against the background of many exotic fruits 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 without reason that they are grown on plantations in many countries of the world. Let us consider in more detail what this tropical guest is, what are its benefits and harms, and also 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 (in 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, contains essential oils.
Did you know? Feijoa is native to the subtropics of Latin America. to Europe (To France)the fruit was introduced in 1890. This evergreen shrub (tree) was named after the Portuguese Juan da Silva Feijo, a naturalist who was the first to tell the world about this plant.
Due to the above saturated composition, this fruit has a number of useful properties for the human body:
- 100 g contains a 53-day dose of iodine. Even seafood does not contain such an amount of this trace element, which is important for the functioning of the thyroid gland. This iodine content, together with other substances, contributes to the normalization of metabolism;
- increases immunity, as it contains a lot of vitamin C;
- it is recommended to use it for beriberi, as it contains a wide variety of vitamins;
- many substances contained in this fruit have antioxidant properties;
- has a preventive effect against cancer;
- useful in atherosclerosis, hypertension;
- improves blood counts (reduces 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 due 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, a 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 in him, and the use of feijoa will be most beneficial. But do not abuse - everything is good in moderation.
It will also be useful for nursing mothers, but for the first three months after childbirth, it is better to refrain from using it in order to avoid allergies in the baby. Include in the diet should first be in small portions and observe the reactions of the baby. If there are no allergic manifestations, then you can increase the dose to half the fetus per day, no more.
Benefits for men
For men, feijoa will also be useful 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, the following should be considered.:
- they are usually transported to other countries unripe, but they can ripen at home;
- choose fruits without rot, damage and suspicious spots;
- good quality berries have a rich green color: if they have darkened, turned yellow or are covered with brown specks or spots, then it is better to refrain from buying;
- squeeze the fruit a little in your hand - it should be evenly elastic and not have dents, a slight softness of the whole fruit is acceptable;
- if possible, cut the berry and see what color it is inside: fruits with a white inside should ripen, feijoa with transparent pulp can already be eaten, and it is recommended to refuse to eat a fruit with a brownish tone.
Important! Feijoa, when ripening in an apartment, do not lose their beneficial properties. If you bought hard fruits, then you should give them time to ripen in a dark place and become soft. Such a fruit will become tastier and more aromatic, inside it will look like jelly.
The taste and smell of feijoa fruits are found similar to strawberries, pineapple and kiwi. As an independent dish, the fruit is cut in half and the pulp is scraped 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 expedient to add this fruit to a salad by 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 will be feijoa grated with sugar, stored in the refrigerator. So many harvest raspberries.
If a cut or scraped skin remains after feijoa, then 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;
- with diabetes: before using these fruits, you should consult a doctor;
- with allergies: individual intolerance to feijoa is quite rare, but it should be borne in mind that these fruits are unusual for residents of our latitudes;
- children up to a year;
- these berries are not compatible with milk and can cause stomach upset.
You should also not eat too much of this product. It will be useful in moderate doses.
The use of feijoa will benefit from such 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! According to WHO, iodine deficiency diseases are 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 remote from the sea, smokers and alcoholics, people who have undergone radiation exposure, and pregnant women. In 2011, research revealed iodine deficiency in 70% of the British.
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 heart
To strengthen the muscles of the heart and improve cardiovascular activity, it is recommended to eat 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
In inflammatory processes in the joints, feijoa jam with orange is recommended. To do this, 0.5 kg of feijoa fruit (the peel is not cut off) is crushed with a blender. Then the resulting mass is transferred to a saucepan, 1 kg of sugar is added.
Then boil over low heat for 10 minutes from the moment of boiling. After that, freshly squeezed orange juice from one large fruit is added and brought to a boil. Pour into sterile storage containers. Such jam can be stored for a year even at room conditions.
Jam has not only useful, but also excellent taste. This product is very helpful in atherosclerosis, beriberi and low immunity.
For the thyroid gland
The amount of iodine in these exotic fruits is no less than in seafood. Therefore, they are perfect for thyroid diseases caused by iodine deficiency. For this purpose, puree is made from berries. To prepare it, they take 300 g of fruit, wash it and, without peeling off the skin, grind it through a meat grinder or grind it with a blender. This mass is recommended to use one tablespoon on an empty stomach.
In the treatment of 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) for 30 g.
For hepatitis A
For nephritis and jaundice
With jade and jaundice, tea from the flowers, as well as the leaves of this exotic plant, helps. For this, 1 tsp. raw materials are poured with boiling water and infused for 20 minutes. You can add honey for taste. This tea is taken throughout the day.
To improve immunity
For general strengthening of the body and immunity for the whole family, you can use the following recipe.
Take 1 kg of feijoa, wash and chop with a blender or meat grinder. Then add 1 kg of sugar, mix well and place in clean jars, cork with lids. Take this remedy one teaspoon with meals.
Feijoa is widely used in cooking. It is used to make salads, sauces, jellies, preserves, jams, etc. This berry goes well with meat or fish. Feijoa juice or cocktail is considered useful. Berry can be added to compotes, teas.
Any dishes prepared from feijoa have not only unusual taste, but are also a source of vitamins and useful 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 - a few branches.
The cooking method is as follows:
- Wash the feijoa, lime and mint well and then dry.
- Twist all the ingredients in a meat grinder or chop with a blender.
- Thoroughly grind the resulting mixture with honey (sugar) and transfer to a pre-sterilized jar.
This jam is a storehouse of vitamins, especially vitamin C. To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to use it every morning for breakfast, one teaspoon.
This product is stored on the shelf of the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 weeks.
Feijoa jam
Tasty and healthy whole feijoa jam with lemon.
Video: how to make feijoa jam
To prepare it, you will need the following ingredients:
- 0.5 kg feijoa;
- 1 st. Sahara;
- 0.5 l of water;
- 1 tsp cognac.
To make this jam, follow these steps:
- Wash the feijoa, peel it and fill it with water (set the cleaning aside).
- Ignite and melt 1/2 of all sugar in a 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 cleaning, 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 boil, stirring occasionally.
- At the end, add cognac.
- Arrange in pre-sterilized jars, roll up the lids and put in a cool place.
This jam is stored, like any other, in a cool, dry place for a year. A cellar or pantry is perfect, but can also be stored in a kitchen cabinet.
Did you know? In 1900, feijoa were introduced and began to be grown in the Crimea and Abkhazia. Now they are also grown in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, France and all Mediterranean countries. The fruit has also been distributed on the Pacific coast of the United States, in New Zealand and Australia. Can tolerate temperatures as low as -11°C.
feijoa cocktail
A very large amount of vitamins is found in a 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 fruits, peel and cut into slices.
- Move to a blender and add kefir or yogurt, put honey.
- Grind with a blender and pour into glasses.
Such a cocktail should be drunk for breakfast to stock up on vitamins for the whole day.
Feijoa jam
Feijoa fruit jam is made without cooking. Because of this, it contains a large amount of vitamins.
To prepare it, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 kg feijoa;
- 1 kg of sugar.
For the preparation of this dish, you should take only ripe fruits.
Cooking method:
- Wash the feijoa well and dry with a towel.
- Finely chop with a knife and sprinkle with sugar.
- Thoroughly grind this mixture with a wooden spatula.
- Place in clean jars, close the 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 the negative effects of the environment;
- sucrose helps to moisturize and nourish the skin;
- pectins relieve inflammation, regulate the sebaceous glands;
- fiber activates the production of elastin and collagen, which contributes to skin rejuvenation;
- essential oil prevents redness and dryness of the skin;
- malic acid fights well with oily sheen;
- iodine helps to strengthen the skin, it becomes 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 you can also sunflower).
How to prepare the mask:
- Mix all ingredients.
- Distribute the resulting mass evenly over the face, neck and décolleté.
- After 10-15 minutes, remove the remnants of the mask with a paper towel 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 their growing area. With a lack of iodine in the soil or growing at home, the berries will not contain a large amount of this trace element. The largest amount of iodine 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 st. l. feijoa pulp;
- 1 tsp castor oil;
- 1 tsp fat cream.
How to prepare the mask:
- Mix all ingredients until puree.
- Spread the resulting mass evenly over the face and neck.
- After 10-15 minutes, remove the mask with warm water.
Mask for oily skin
Against greasy shine and acne, a mask for oily skin from feijoa helps well.
To prepare it, you need the following ingredients:
- 1 st. l. feijoa pulp;
- 1 tsp camphor alcohol;
- 1 tsp lemon juice.
How to prepare the mask:
- Mix all ingredients until a puree mixture is obtained.
- Spread the resulting mixture evenly over the face.
- After 15-20 minutes, remove the mask by rinsing with warm water.
Universal mask
For all skin types, a universal mask is well suited, which improves complexion, tightens and nourishes the skin.
To prepare it, you need the following ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp. l. feijoa pulp;
- 1 chicken egg;
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (preferably olive oil).
How to prepare the mask:
- Mix all ingredients until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
- Spread 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 to avoid many problems. The use of berries and the use of infusions from leaves and flowers will help in the treatment of many diseases. In addition, from this berry you can cook delicious and healthy dishes. Therefore, do not pass by this useful fruit!
Feijoa was first discovered in Brazil, since then the exotic fruit has gained popularity all over the world. Currently, the berry can be found in the vastness of our country, mainly the product grows in the southern regions. Feijoa has a rich chemical composition, which contains the necessary trace elements 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 damage and dents. Ripe berries are smooth, firm and firm 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 on the market, ask the seller to cut the berry, so you can make sure it is whole and ripe.
- If the flesh is white, the fruit can be considered immature. Do not despair, place the fruits at home in a warm room. After a few days, the feijoa will acquire the proper maturity, it can be consumed.
- Exotic fruits are harvested unripe, the berries ripen during transportation. Feijoa also tends to spoil quickly. If, when cutting the fruit, you saw the pulp of a dark color, refrain from buying.
The benefits and composition of feijoa
- When studying feijoa, it turned out that the fruits contain a high rate 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 only a few fruits a day, in this way you will replenish the daily intake of iodine in the body. It is strongly recommended to use 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 fruits if you live in metropolitan areas. Feijoa contains ascorbic acid, which actively prevents colds. Thiamine is involved in the normalization of metabolic processes, maintaining the work of the heart muscle and brain activity.
- The presence of riboflavin in the composition of 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 work of the pancreas and the activity of the digestive tract. The enzyme reduces pressure and prevents the development of cancer cells.
- Due to the content of pantothenic acid in feijoa, the work 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 to build enzymes that are necessary for the work of all the muscles of the human body. The chemical substance effectively affects the muscles with 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 is actively involved in protein metabolism and has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Due 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 kahetin, chemical enzymes are recognized as the most powerful antioxidants. Substances resist the harmful effects of the environment. In addition, kahetin and leukoanthocin prevent the formation of cancer cells and pathologies.
- Pediatricians strongly recommend introducing feijoa into the baby's daily diet with extreme caution. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing intolerance in the child even after 1 berry.
- If complementary foods have passed without harmful consequences, feijoa will bring only invaluable benefits to the child. Due to the high content of iodine in the product, the baby will not feel tired. Also, berries will have a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Feijoa has proven itself as an effective product in strengthening the immune system. Thus, with regular use, the body's resistance increases. The child is not threatened with various diseases of viral infections and fungi. It is strongly recommended to consume fruits in the off-season.
- You should also be careful if the child is at risk of developing overweight or diabetes. Berries can be consumed, but it is worth limiting their daily amount and constantly monitoring the body's reaction.
Feijoa benefits for pregnant women
- Girls who are in position need to take nutrition with special responsibility. The main criteria remains that the products must be balanced, healthy and varied. During pregnancy, the formation of the fetus and its organs occurs.
- Try not to succumb to various temptations in terms of harmful dishes, it is during pregnancy that you want something useless. Experts recommend that girls in position consume various vegetables and fruits that grow in your climate. In the cold season, things are more complicated.
- It has been scientifically proven that feijoa, despite its exoticism, is excellent for the fairer sex during gestation. In addition to the above trace elements, ascorbic acid and niacin are of particular benefit. Enzymes are easily absorbed by the body.
- Also, tropical berries include a high content of iodine and iron. Minerals are easily absorbed by the blood and form the fetus without signs of disturbance. It is also worth considering the fact that if your doctor has prescribed iodine-containing vitamins for you, you should limit the use of feijoa. An excess of a trace element 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, abrasions on the skin can be healed. Remedies are great for bleeding gums and toothache.
- To make a nourishing face mask, it is enough to 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. Also, the dermis will acquire an even tone, smoothness and velvety.
Contraindications and possible harm to feijoa
- The product is so unique that it has practically no contraindications, except for individual intolerance.
- It is necessary to be careful with the fruits of individuals who may have allergies and hypersensitivity to iodine. As practice shows, such phenomena occur in rare cases.
- Therefore, if you are allergic, carefully monitor your health. In case of any deviations, immediately stop eating exotic berries.
Rules for the use of feijoa
- In order for feijoa not to leave you indifferent and bring maximum benefits to the body, you need to eat only ripe fruits. The snag can only be in the event that the berries did not have time to ripen. As described earlier, feijoas are harvested unripe.
- If you purchased 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 a unique taste. In the process of ripening, feijoa will acquire a jelly-like filling, and the peel will noticeably thinner.
- The method of eating feijoa is very similar to kiwi. You can remove the peel from the berries and chop into pieces. Also, the upper part is cut off from the fruit and eaten with a dessert spoon, taking the pulp out of the cavity. Do not forget that if the 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, beriberi or a breakdown, 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 in essential oils, which are involved in strengthening the human protective shell.
Video: the benefits and harms of feijoa