Do you know the great benefits of this small fruit? Let's talk about Feijoa!

Have you heard of a fruit called 'Feijoa'? Perhaps 'Pineapple Guava' sounds a bit familiar. Although this is not very common in our country, it is a very popular fruit all over the world, with amazing properties. Although it looks like an ordinary fruit at first glance, it has many properties that are beneficial to our health. So today, let's talk about the big health secrets of this small fruit.

What is this Feijoa?

Simply put, feijoa is a small fruit native to South American countries like Brazil and Paraguay. However, it is now cultivated in countries like New Zealand, Italy, Spain, and some states in the United States.

Imagine, a fruit that is a bit like our guava, shaped like a small egg, with a green skin. It grows to about one to two and a half inches long. When it is ripe, it is very fragrant. The pulp inside is white, and it is slightly translucent towards the middle. Although there are about 20-40 very small seeds, you don't feel them when you eat them. It's like a kiwi fruit. There are several varieties of this fruit, but they mainly differ in the shape of the fruit and the size of the tree.

What are the nutritional values ​​of feijoa?

You'll be amazed at the nutritional value of this little fruit. It's a real powerhouse of nutrients, rich in vitamin C , potassium , and dietary fiber. Let's take a look at what's in a typical cup (about 205 grams) of chopped feijoa.

What are the health benefits of eating feijoa?

Okay, so let's see what benefits this nutrient brings to our body.

Antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties

Feijoa is a fruit that is full of antioxidants . Antioxidants are, simply put, superpowers that protect us from harmful substances called 'free radicals' that damage our body's cells. Research has found that the rind of the feijoa contains more antioxidants than the pulp.

Not only that, but feijoa peel oil has also been found to have the ability to kill certain bacteria and fungi, such as Staphylococcus aureus, which causes ringworm .

Could it have anti-cancer properties?

This is very important. Lab studies have found that feijoa extract may have the ability to control the growth of some types of cancer cells, such as stomach cancer cells .

Relief from intestinal inflammation

Some people have a chronic inflammation of the intestines. This is called `(Inflammatory Bowel Disease - IBD )`. Treating this condition can sometimes be difficult. However, compounds called `polyphenols` found in feijoa can reduce such inflammatory conditions. Therefore, adding feijoa to the diet can provide some relief in managing the `IBD` condition.

Rich in Potassium

Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of our muscles, nervous system , and heart rate . Feijoa is a fruit rich in potassium. Eating a diet rich in potassium can help control your blood pressure and reduce the risk of diseases like stroke . Remember, it is not a good idea to take potassium pills without talking to your doctor. It is best to get it from foods like feijoa.

Helps maintain a healthy weight

Feijoa is rich in dietary fiber. Fiber not only prevents constipation, but also provides many other benefits.

• Maintains good intestinal health.
• Reduces the risk of death from heart disease and cancer.
• Helps control blood sugar levels.

When we eat foods that are high in fiber, we feel full. This also controls overeating. Therefore, this is a good help in maintaining a healthy weight.

A fruit full of folate, valuable for pregnant mothers

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9. Folate is essential for pregnant women and those who are expecting a baby. It helps prevent birth defects such as spina bifida, which is a birth defect in the baby's brain and spinal cord. Folate may also help reduce the risk of some cancers, heart disease, and depression. Feijoa is a fruit rich in folate, making it a very valuable fruit for pregnant women.

How do feijoas taste? How do you eat them?

It is said to taste like a combination of pineapple and guava . It has a slightly sour taste and a slightly gritty texture. It is usually eaten with the peel removed, but there is nothing wrong with eating the peel.

The easiest way to eat it is to cut a ripe fruit in half and scoop out the pulp with a spoon, just like eating a kiwi.

Keep in mind that feijoas turn brown (oxidize) quickly after being cut. To prevent this, you can store them in a little salt water or water with a little lemon juice. Ripe fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.

Other things you can make with feijoa

Besides eating it fresh, you can make many other delicious things with feijoa.

• Jams and jellies
• Sauces and chutneys
• Pies, tarts and puddings
• As a flavoring for ice cream
• Juice and some alcoholic beverages
• Fritters and Dumplings

Imagine, you can even eat the petals of the feijoa tree. They also have a slightly spicy flavor.