How is feijoa useful and for what diseases? Feijoa fruit: beneficial properties, contraindications, photos and recipes. Feijoa jam: beneficial properties
Feijoa is an exotic fruit that relatively recently appeared on the shelves of our stores. Many people know that it is tasty (due to which it is widely used in), however, some people wonder whether feijoa is healthy.
So, What are the benefits of feijoa:
First of all, it is worth saying that it contains a huge amount of vitamin C, as well as fiber and pectin. These components make this fruit very useful for the gastrointestinal tract, because... These substances contribute to better absorption of food. Feijoa will be an excellent addition to the diet for those losing weight, especially considering that it contains;
Vitamins and microelements included in chemical composition feijoa, have a beneficial effect on the immune system;
Due to the presence of a huge amount of vitamin C in the fruit, it has a tremendous preventive effect against colds;
The fruit contains a lot of iodine, which, moreover, is well accepted by the human body due to the fact that it is water soluble. This is why the fruit is so beneficial for the thyroid gland;
The fruit is good for of cardio-vascular system;
The vitamins and microelements contained in feijoa can have a preventive effect against cancer. Great amount Feijoa peel also contains antioxidants;
The fruit normalizes blood pressure and is therefore a suitable medicine for people suffering from hypertension;
It helps cleanse the blood of toxins, various harmful substances;
The berry has the effect of lowering cholesterol in the blood, thereby normalizing heart function;
Feijoa rarely causes allergies;
The fruit has anti-aging properties, which is why it is used in cosmetology;
It is also worth remembering that the peel of feijoa is no less useful than the pulp of the fruit - it contains almost more vitamins than the most delicious part of the fruit. Use the peel in fresh It’s not worth it, but it can be added to compotes, jam, and tea.
Although beneficial features and the benefits of feijoa for human health are obvious, there are still contraindications to the use of feijoa.
How to use feijoa correctly:
When consuming fruit, especially for the first time, you need to pay attention to your body’s reaction to it. It may cause allergies. As a rule, it manifests itself in redness of the skin, rash, and possibly itching. Sometimes irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth is felt;
Correct usage Feijoa for food also depends on how much. Unripe or, conversely, overripe, it can cause food poisoning due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria in it;
It should not be consumed in combination with milk;
People suffering from diabetes should limit the amount of fruit consumed. The reason is obvious - the sugars contained in feijoa can cause complications of the disease. The possibility of consuming feijoa and its quantity in the presence of a disease should be discussed with a doctor;
The fact that feijoa is good for the thyroid gland is a fact recognized by scientists. However, with hyperfunction of this gland, the amount of food consumed should also be agreed with your doctor;
It is not recommended to consume large amounts of feijoa if you are obese;
People on a diet should eat it, because it contains. However, this doesn't mean you can overdo it;
It is known that feijoa peel contains many useful substances, including those that promote rejuvenation and resist the occurrence of cancer. However, it is not recommended to consume the peel raw. It will not lose its properties if you add it when preparing compote, jam, preserves. You can even add it to tea - this will add a special aroma and taste to the drink and will undoubtedly be beneficial.
Green oblong berries with the exotic and unusual name “feijoa” have long appeared on the shelves of our stores. However, rarely does anyone buy this fruit without knowing about its healing and taste qualities. Doctors recommend that you definitely include feijoa in your diet, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we will now study.
Useful composition of feijoa
The healing properties of feijoa are due to its composition, which contains a rich vitamin and mineral complex of components.
Composition of feijoa
| Components | Content (per 100 g of product) |
| Fats | 0.6 g |
| Unsaturated fats | 0.1 g |
| Squirrels | 1 g |
| Unsaturated fatty acids | 0.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Sahara | 8 g |
| Alimentary fiber | 6 g |
| Potassium | 172 mg |
| Phosphorus | 20 mg |
| Iron | 0.1 mg |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
| Copper | 55 mcg |
| Zinc | 0.04 mg |
| Calcium | 17 mg |
| Magnesium | 9 mg |
| Manganese | 0.085 mg |
| B vitamins | 0.4 mg |
| Iodine | 36 mg |
| Vitamin C | 32.9 mg |
| Phenolic compounds | 0.8 mg |
| Pectins | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin PP | 0.289 mg |
The unique property of feijoa is that it is the only existing plant where the iodine content is higher than in red fish and seafood. This property is used in the treatment of various endocrine diseases and disorders of the thyroid gland.
Feijoa, due to its very high content of essential oils and antioxidants, negatively affects the condition of pathogenic microorganisms and has a powerful antibacterial and antifungal effect.
The high concentration of vitamins in feijoa, the benefits and harms of which doctors have long known, helps prevent and prevent the development and exacerbation of many diseases, and in some cases even completely cure the disease:
- Vitamin C – prevents the development of colds.
- Vitamin B2 – helps balance hormone levels and promotes tissue renewal.
- Vitamin B1 – affects the regulation of metabolic processes, improves performance of cardio-vascular system and stimulates brain activity.
- Vitamin B3 – prevents the development of cancer cells, normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Vitamin B6 - improves muscle function, prevents cramps and numbness of the limbs.
- Vitamin B5 – prevents the development of diseases of the pulmonary and respiratory systems.
- Vitamin PP – helps normalize the nervous system.
The easily digestible fats and proteins that the fruit contains allow it to be classified as a dietary product. Just 2-3 fruits can saturate the body, fully providing it not only with all the necessary microelements and vitamins, but also with enzymes involved in the production of energy to ensure vital functions.
What are the benefits of feijoa?
The beneficial properties of feijoa are manifested for the treatment and prevention of many diseases, as well as for improving general well-being and resisting various viruses and infections.
Feijoa is useful:
- For vitamin deficiency and depletion of the body, thanks to its immunomodulatory properties. The fruit is very useful to consume during periods of exacerbation of seasonal colds, in postoperative periods, and also after serious illnesses.
- At colds- essential oils and vitamin C help cope with viruses.
- If you have problems with gastrointestinal tract, obesity. Feijoa contains a lot of fiber, which helps improve digestive and metabolic processes.
- For endocrine disorders, thanks to the high iodine content.
- For atherosclerosis and diseases of the cardiovascular system, the fruit helps to significantly reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, and also helps normalize blood pressure in hypertension, improves blood condition, thanks to the antioxidants contained in the fruit.
- In the treatment of pyelonephritis, treatment of gastritis, pancreas, liver - it is part of therapeutic diets.
Not only the fruits, but also the bark, leaves and peel of the plant are endowed with beneficial properties.
Antibacterial properties allow feijoa to act as a powerful antiseptic and disinfectant. Decoctions containing leaves, bark and fruits of the plant are used to treat deep cuts, abrasions, and ulcers.. They can be used to rinse your mouth for oral diseases, as well as relieve toothache.
For women
Antioxidants contained in feijoa help slow down the processes of aging and cell destruction. Therefore, a woman who regularly consumes this fruit will look younger and more attractive.
The fruits are used for painful menstruation, because... The property of the fruit to accelerate metabolic processes contributes to the rapid dilatation of the cervix.
For men
Feijoa is recommended for men as a prevention of urological diseases. Several fruits consumed per day can prevent and prevent inflammation of the prostate and, as a result, impotence.
For children
The fruit helps with food poisoning and some stomach disorders, which often occur in children. Feijoa, of course, will not eliminate food poisoning completely, but it will help soothe the intestinal and stomach mucosa, which will lead to normalization of the condition as a whole.
For pregnant
Metabolic disorders and constipation are a common problem for pregnant women. A couple of fruits a day will help avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract and restore its functioning.
In cosmetology
The large amount of antioxidants contained in feijoa allows the fruit to be widely used in cosmetology.
Masks made from the plant have a beneficial effect on the skin - they give elasticity and softness, remove inflammatory processes, improve overall appearance, rejuvenate the skin and remove age wrinkles.
Masks based on the fruit and decoctions from the leaves and peel of the plant are used to treat age spots, acne, and rosacea. It is recommended to regularly wipe the face of adolescents with problem skin with the pulp of the fruit.
For weight loss
Feijoa is a dietary product, so I often recommend including it in your diet for those who want to lose weight. Berry fruits help speed up metabolism, which allows you to get rid of some extra pounds.
Any fruit can be substituted sweet dessert or include them as an independent meal.
How to eat feijoa
Tall taste qualities have only ripe fruits feijoa. It is not always possible to find ripe fruits on sale, because... They are collected unripe and are perishable products.
It is better to let hard feijoas sit for several days until they ripen - ripe fruit has watery pulp and thin skin.
Usually only the pulp is consumed, cutting off the thick skin. But the peel contains a lot of useful substances, so it is better not to throw it away, but to add it to various infusions or teas.
For medicinal purposes
For prevention and treatment various diseases It is enough to eat 1-2 fruits a day.
Infusions and decoctions are prepared from the leaves, peel and dried flowers of the plant, which are drunk throughout the day instead of tea.
Children can prepare feijoa puree - to do this, mix several fruits with a small amount of sugar and grind in a blender. As a preventive measure, eat 1 tbsp before each meal. spoon. You can eat purees for weight loss in the same way.
In cooking
Feijoa is usually added to salads, appetizers or main courses; various desserts and sweet sauces are made from them.
The fruit harmonizes perfectly with citrus fruits, fresh and boiled vegetables. From it you can prepare useful and delicious jam, which allows you to save everything healing properties feijoa:
- To make jam you need to take 1-2 kg of ripe feijoa fruits.
- Wash the fruits thoroughly and remove any remaining flowers.
- The peel can be peeled (then the jam will be softer and more tender), but it is better to leave it - the jam will be more healthy and nutritious.
- Cut the fruits into several parts and grind them in a blender.
- Add sugar to the resulting mixture at a ratio of 1:1. If you add more sugar, the jam will be too sweet.
- Received raw jam leave for a while until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Afterwards, the jam should be distributed into sterile jars and refrigerated.
- You should not cook feijoa jam so that it does not lose all its beneficial properties.
- Over time, the jam will acquire a jelly-like consistency, and in this form it can already be consumed.
You can drink the jam as a snack with tea, add it to pancakes or various desserts.
Harm of feijoa
Ripe fruit will not cause any harm to the body if it is consumed correctly and contraindications are avoided:
- You should not eat unripe berries, because... they can cause digestive upset.
- Fruit should not be consumed when diabetes mellitus and obesity due to the high sugar content.
- The fruit is contraindicated for hyperthyroidism due to its high iodine content.
- The fruit should not be mixed with dairy products and milk due to the incompatibility of these products.
- You should eat the fruit with caution if you are taking medications containing iodine at the same time.
Before eating the fruit for the first time, you should check your body for allergic reactions - you should eat a couple of pieces of the fruit first.
Fruits eaten in unlimited quantities can cause an overdose - the high content of iodine, vitamins and sugars can negatively affect the body. It is better for a child under one year old to completely stop eating feijoa; older children are recommended to eat no more than 1 fruit per day.
The daily intake dose is calculated taking into account the lack of iodine in the body. If the iodine content is normal, 2-3 fruits per day are enough. More than 4-5 fruits per day can cause hypervitaminosis and intestinal upset.
Feijoa will bring many benefits to the body if you regularly include it in your diet and consume it in moderation.
Today you can buy all kinds of fruits on store shelves. Among the wide variety of domestic varieties, there are also overseas fruits, the existence of which not a single average resident of our country had any idea about ten years ago.
One of these miracles is feijoa. Dark green, soft fruits with transparent, sweet and sour pulp are valued for their aroma and taste, but few know that they have a lot of useful properties.
Today feijoa is a fairly common plant. This evergreen bush with a spreading crown is native to the tropics. It was discovered by a botanist from Brazil, Joao da Silva Feijo. In honor of whom the plant was named. From South America it came to France in 1890, from where it spread to Transcaucasia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Crimea, and Georgia.
The bush blooms in late June and early July, and the berries are picked in October or November. The fruits grow quite densely; up to 30 kg of crop can be harvested from one bush. They have a greenish-yellowish color, multi-seeded, about 7 cm in size.
When ripe, their pulp is transparent with small oval shape seeds, has sweet and sour taste. Fruits are picked green. They ripen during transportation, but do not lose their beneficial properties.
Most of these berries contain organic acids, iodine and sugars. In addition, more than 90 types of various substances were found in fruits.
In particular, feijoa contains (per 100 grams):
- Vitamin B1 - 0.01 mg;
- Vitamin B2 - 0.02 mg;
- Vitamin B3 - 0.23 mg;
- Vitamin B6 - 0.07 mg;
- Vitamin B9 - 23.0 mcg;
- Vitamin C - 32.9 mg;
- Vitamin E - 0.16 mg;
- Gamma tocopherol - 0.03 mg;
- Vitamin PP - 0.46 mg;
- Vitamin K - 3.5 mcg;
- Biotin - 0.4 mcg;
- Beta-carotene - 2.0 mcg;
- Lutein + zeaxanthin - 27.0 mcg;
- Beta-cryptoxanthin - 3.0 mcg;
- Lycopene - 5.0 mcg;
- Potassium - 172.0 mg;
- Calcium - 17.0 mg;
- Silicon - 13.0-22.0 mg;
- Magnesium - 9.0 mg;
- Sodium - 3.0 mg;
- Sulfur - 5.0 mg;
- Phosphorus - 19.0 mg;
- Chlorine - 8.0 mg;
- Aluminum - 384.4 mcg;
- Boron - 32.9 mcg;
- Vanadium - 2.0 mcg;
- Iron −0.14 mg;
- Iodine - 20.0-35.0 mcg;
- Cobalt - 1.4 mcg;
- Lithium - 5.0 mcg;
- Manganese - 80 mcg;
- Copper - 40.0 mcg;
- Molybdenum - 6.0 mcg;
Calorie content: 55 kcal per 100 g.
Medicinal properties of tropical berries
The healing qualities of feijoa are valued not only in folk medicine, but also in scientific medicine. Since it contains iodine, it is very useful for diseases of the thyroid gland.
Thanks to pectin, vitamin C, fiber and sucrose, these fruits, like dietary product, are recommended for those people who suffer from atherosclerosis, pyelonephritis, and gastrointestinal pathologies.
Due to the presence of many essential oils, this berry is used to prevent various types viral infections.
In addition, regular consumption of such fruits improves blood chemical parameters, reduces cholesterol, makes memory more reliable, strengthens the immune system, and fights cancer.
But not only the pulp has beneficial properties. Feijoa peel also deserves special attention. It is very rich in antioxidants. Also healing qualities They also have seeds of this berry. They are used for arterial diseases and depressive disorders.
IN folk medicine feijoa is used to reduce arterial pressure, cure bronchitis, diarrhea, poisoning. In addition to berries medicinal purposes They use leaves and bark of the bush.
These parts of the plant have an antiseptic and disinfectant effect, so they are used to heal various kinds of wounds and ulcers. Rinse with a decoction of feijoa leaves oral cavity for toothache and bleeding gums.
In dermatology, feijoa essential oil is used as an anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent.
Is it possible to eat feijoa during pregnancy? And other benefits for women
While waiting for your baby, you should monitor your diet very carefully. The main condition daily menu should be a balanced, varied, healthy diet.
It is very useful during pregnancy. The fruit should be consumed only when it is fully ripe, becomes soft, and the pulp acquires a transparent structure. It is best for expectant mothers to eat fresh berries.
The benefits of this fruit for pregnant women are that it contains:
- Folates.
These substances are very important in the formation of blood cells. Its deficiency in a pregnant woman's body can cause anemia and various congenital pathologies of the fetus.
- Fiber.
Feijoa is rich plant fibers. This point is especially important for pregnant women, since for 9 months and some time after childbirth, women often suffer from constipation.
This element plays a very significant role in the formation of the fetus in all living beings. Expectant mothers should definitely consume products containing this substance. Regarding feijoa, it is very important to introduce this berry into the diet no later than the 12th week, since it is at this time that the thyroid gland of the fetus begins to form.
- Ascorbic acid.
Necessary for both the unborn baby and the pregnant woman. It strengthens and forms the immune system, thereby preventing the occurrence of diseases.
Although not everyone likes feijoa, it is still worth adding a couple of fruits to your diet during pregnancy. This will allow the unborn baby to develop normally, and will also have a good effect on the general condition of the mother.
But in this version there is one significant taboo. If a pregnant woman uses drugs containing iodine, feijoa should not be consumed. Since too much concentration in the body of this element is as dangerous as a deficiency.
The emerald fruit is recommended for women at any age to eat, since regular use of it in the diet helps slow down aging. Men should use the berry as a prophylactic against urological diseases.
Daily consumption of these fruits can prevent inflammation of the prostate, that is, prevent impotence.
Is it good for children?
Children should also be given feijoa. It is especially worth adding to the diet during seasonal diseases. Due to the presence of a large amount of vitamins and microelements, the fruit helps increase the body's resistance.
The berry helps cope with food poisoning and disorders that occur quite often in children. Thanks to feijoa, the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines “calms down,” which helps normalize the child’s condition.
Contraindications and harm
Ripe feijoa does not harm the human body. But in our latitudes, the fruits can most often be purchased unripe. It is better not to eat such fruit, but to let it sit for several days.
Eating unripe berries may not have a good effect on your work. digestive tract. Because this product contains a large number of iodine, it is not recommended to include it in the diet for hyperthyroidism.
Due to the high sugar content, feijoa is not recommended for those who suffer from diabetes. In addition, when consumed, this berry should not be combined with dairy products. This is explained by the fact that the fruit contains a lot of pectin. And mixing these elements with milk negatively affects the functioning of the digestive tract.
Although feijoa rarely causes allergies, it is not recommended to be added to the diet of infants under one year of age. Small children do not have enough enzymes in their bodies to digest such fruits.
Healing recipes from feijoa
It is always a pleasure to be treated with this plant. Even children enjoy using such recipes. For example, tea made from flowers and leaves of a bush helps well with jaundice, but at the same time it is very aromatic and has unusual taste.
Feijoa with sugar
For the recipe you will need:
- 1 kg of feijoa fruits;
- 1 kg sugar.
The berries should be washed, roots and inflorescences removed and ground. The peel does not need to be removed, since it contains no less useful substances than the pulp itself. The finished gruel is mixed with sugar, placed in jars and stored in the refrigerator. This jam retains all the vitamins and microelements of fresh fruits for a long time.
Feijoa juice
The drink is prepared from fresh, ripe, fleshy fruits. He is more powerful healing effect, rather than a berry.
Feijoa juice is consumed in the following cases:
- For problems with the gastrointestinal system;
- For chronic gastritis with low acidity;
- For enteritis and colitis;
- As a general tonic for older people;
- As a preventive drug against gout, sclerosis, atherosclerosis, hearing and memory loss;
- For Graves' disease and thyroid pathology;
- With hormonal imbalance in the body;
- For kidney diseases;
- For vitamin deficiency and mental stress.
Feijoa leaf infusion
To prepare you will need:
- 250 grams of boiling water;
- 1 tbsp. l. chopped green leaves.
Leaves are flooded hot water and infuse for about half an hour. This infusion should be consumed morning and evening. It helps to cope with goiter. And if you add honey to the drink, it will work good remedy from jades.
How to select and store?
Buy ripe berry We can't. This is explained by the properties of the product itself and the method of its transportation.
When purchasing this exotic fruit You should pay attention to the following factors:
- If they sell ripe fruit, it may already be spoiled in the middle.
- A damaged or spoiled peel indicates a low-quality fruit.
- The skin of feijoa should be smooth and have a rich green color.
Since emerald fruits come to us unripe, if you buy a hard berry, you need to put it in a dark place to ripen. It should become soft to the touch, with the flesh somewhat reminiscent of jelly.
It should be stored in the refrigerator. But not for long, as it quickly deteriorates. The maximum period is 2 weeks. Therefore for long-term storage It is better to process the fruits into fresh jam.
How to eat?
For fresh consumption, it is necessary to take a ripe fruit, which has a sweetish aroma and is not hard when pressed.
In a good berry, after cutting it, the flesh will be light, translucent, gelatinous. A white center indicates an unripe fruit, a brown center indicates an overripe one.
Many people eat feijoa with its peel. But those who don’t like the shell of the berry prefer to cut it in half and scoop out the contents with a spoon.
Feijoa is not a very popular berry in our country. This is explained in equally both high price, rarity, and lack of awareness about its properties. This fruit is mainly consumed fresh, sometimes made healthy jam. In any case, this fruit is worth trying. After all, feijoa is always tasty and healthy.
Feijoa (also known as Akka Sellova) is an evergreen subtropical tree with edible sweet fruits.
Homeland - Brazil. The plant got its name in honor of the famous Brazilian breeder, director of the Natural History Museum, Joanie de Silva Feijo.
Current habitat of cultivated Feijoa species:
- Azerbaijan, Sicily, New Zealand, Abkhazia.
On Russian territory fruit tree grown in Dagestan and some regions of the Krasnodar Territory.
Unfortunately, feijoa is not a frequent guest on our table. And in vain, because the seemingly inconspicuous green fruit with the aromatic smell of strawberries, kiwi and pineapple has not only excellent taste, but also a lot of healing properties.
The benefits and harms of feijoa are determined by its chemical composition.
100 g of ripe fruit contains:
- 0.6 fat,
- 1 g protein,
- 13 g carbohydrates,
- 0.1 g unsaturated fat,
- 0.3 g unsaturated fatty acids,
- 8 g sugars,
- 6 g dietary fiber.
Everything else comes from minerals and vitamins:
- potassium 172 mg, iron 0.1 mg, phosphorus 20 mg,
- zinc 0.04 mg, sodium 30 mg, copper 55 mcg,
- magnesium 9 mg, manganese 0.085 mg, calcium 17 mg,
- (B1, B2, B5, B6, B9) 0.4 mg,
- vitamin C 32.9 mg, vitamin PP 0.289 mg.
Feijoa is unique in that it contains rapidly soluble iodine compounds, the proportion of which in 100 g of product reaches 0.5 mg.
The share of acids in feijoa is 1.8-2.8% of the total weight of the fruit. Moreover, as the fruit ripens, the amount of acids only increases.
Feijoa contains 5 essential amino acids:
- tyrosine, asparagine, alanine, arginine, glutamine.
Pectins account for 2.5-3%, and phenolic compounds (tannin, catechins, leukoanthocyanins) 0.4-0.8% of the total weight of the fruit.
Most of the phenolic compounds are found in the skin of the fruit. It is these substances that give feijoa its astringent taste.
The nutritional value of feijoa per 100 g of product is 55 kcal.
Benefit for health
Due to the large amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements, feijoa is recommended to be consumed during the period of vitamin deficiencies.
Surprisingly, the fruit ripening period falls at the end of autumn - the beginning of winter. It is at this time that our body, after the summer abundance of fruits and vegetables, first feels a lack of vitamins and minerals. So feijoa will come in handy.
The main benefit of feijoa is that its pulp contains easily digestible iodine, the proportion of which is so high that the fleshy berry is not inferior in value to seafood.
This means that the green fruits of Akka Sellova can be used to treat all kinds of endocrine diseases.
However, not all types of feijoa contain required quantity Yoda. For example, feijoa from Batumi contains only traces of iodine. There is no point in using such fruits to treat the thyroid gland.
Thanks to vitamin C, which is an excellent antioxidant, feijoa is used in the fight against diseases of the cardiovascular system, atherosclerosis, hypertension, ARVI, influenza, and sore throat.
It has been scientifically proven that feijoa has immunomodulatory properties, so it is useful to eat it during exacerbations of seasonal colds, after serious illnesses and in the postoperative period.
In the areas where Akka Sellova grows, not only the fruits are used for medicinal purposes, but also the beneficial properties of feijoa leaves, which contain a large amount of essential oils, are used. It is the volatile esters that give the leaves the aroma of myrtle. Feijoa leaves are dried and delicious teas are prepared from them in winter.
Nutritionists recommend consuming feijoa during therapeutic diet in case of malfunctions digestive system, as well as diseases of the stomach (for example, with hypoacid gastritis), intestines, liver, pancreas, etc.
Feijoa decoctions and infusions are often used to treat pyelonephritis of various etiologies.
It is interesting that the feijoa peel contains more useful substances than the pulp. Of course, the astringent peel greatly reduces the taste of feijoa if you eat the whole fruit. But such a berry will be more useful. Although you can do it differently. It is enough to cut off the peel and dry it, and then add it to tea.
Another remarkable beneficial property of feijoa fruit is its anti-cancer effect. Regular use feijoa significantly reduces the risk of developing oncological diseases. And in case of existing cancer, it allows you to achieve stable remission. Of course, one cannot be fanatical about this fruit, because feijoa is only an additive to the main treatment.
Thanks to essential oils, antioxidants and other substances, feijoa negatively affects pathogenic microorganisms and has powerful antifungal and antibacterial effects.
Thus, decoctions of bark, leaves and fruits can be used as an antiseptic disinfectant. They can be used to treat deep wounds, ulcers, abrasions, cuts, rinse the mouth with bleeding gums, and relieve toothache.
Feijoa does not cause allergic reactions.
The benefits of feijoa in cosmetology
Thanks to the antioxidants that Akka Sellova fruits are rich in, feijoa is often used for cosmetic purposes.
Feijoa-based masks have a beneficial effect on the skin - they relieve inflammation, make it softer, give elasticity and generally improve blood circulation and the appearance of the face. Feijoa decoctions, as well as masks from the fruit, can be used to treat rosacea, acne, and age spots.
To achieve rejuvenation and freshness of the skin, you can prepare a medicinal mask from feijoa.
Required components:
- 1 tbsp. spoon of Provençal oil,
- half a ripe feijoa fruit,
- 2 tbsp. spoons of low-fat cottage cheese,
- 1 yolk.
Grate the feijoa or puree it in a blender. Mix with remaining ingredients. Apply the mask to the skin of the face and neck. After 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.
How to eat feijoa correctly
Only ripe feijoa has excellent taste. However, it is not always possible to purchase ripe fruits. The fact is that feijoas are harvested unripe due to the fact that the fruits are perishable products.
If the feijoa is hard and not very pleasant to the taste, then the berry is simply not ripe. In this case, the fruits need to lie down for several days. Ripe feijoa It has watery, jelly-like pulp and a thin skin.
Many people prefer to eat feijoa like kiwi, that is, cut off the thick skin and cut the flesh into pieces.
However, ripe fruits can also be eaten with the peel, especially since the bulk of the beneficial substances of feijoa is concentrated in it.
In cooking, feijoa is added to salads, main courses, snacks, and used to prepare sauces.
How to store
Unlike apples, pears, plums, and other berries and fruits, feijoa has a rather short shelf life. Ripe fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 7 days. Most the right way Always enjoy delicious fruits - buy feijoa 1-2 kg.
You can make a wonderful dessert from feijoa fruits, which can be stored all winter. It prepares very quickly:
Pass the feijoa through a meat grinder and combine with the same amount of sugar. Store dessert in the refrigerator. Thus, you will not only be able to extend the shelf life of feijoa, but also preserve all useful material exotic berries.
Medicinal use
To combat goiter, take twice daily medicinal tea based on feijoa leaves. Pour a tablespoon of feijoa leaves into a glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. If you add a spoonful of honey to this drink, then the tea can also be used to treat nephritis.
IN for preventive purposes against hypothyroidism, regularly consume feijoa puree:
- Grind several fruits in a blender and mix with sugar.
- Store the finished product in the refrigerator.
- Eat according to Art. spoon before each meal.
For jaundice, it is good to drink freshly brewed tea from feijoa flowers and leaves.
Those with a sweet tooth should love it medicinal jam from feijoa:
- Take 0.5 kg of feijoa fruit, 1 orange, 1 kg of sugar.
- Boil the berries for 10 minutes small quantity water, then discard and add sugar. Squeeze the juice from the orange.
- Next, transfer the feijoa to a saucepan, add juice and boil until thick.
The benefit of feijoa jam is that this dessert not only retains many beneficial substances, but is also medicine with atherosclerosis.
Harm and possible contraindications
Ripe feijoa does not affect human body no harm. However, more often you can buy unripe berries.
Do not rush to eat the exotic fruit, but let it sit for several days at room temperature.
Unripe feijoa can negatively affect the functioning of the digestive system and even cause poisoning. To speed up the ripening of berries, keep them next to bananas for several days.
Due to the high iodine content, feijoa is contraindicated for use in hyperthyroidism, because an excess amount of iodine is just as detrimental to the body as its deficiency.
Feijoa should be consumed with caution if you have diabetes, as exotic berry contains a large amount of sugars. In this regard, it is better to consult with your doctor.
It is not recommended to mix feijoa with milk or drink it with dairy products. The fact is that pectins, which feijoa is rich in, do not combine well with milk. Feijoa with milk can negatively affect the digestive system.
Despite the fact that feijoa rarely causes allergic reactions, it is not recommended to give it to children under one year old, since babies do not yet have enough enzymes in their bodies to digest exotic fruits well.
Pregnant and lactating women are recommended to consume feijoa only in minimum quantities. It's all about iodine. It's no secret that all pregnant women and nursing mothers are prescribed drugs with high content Yoda. Eating feijoa can cause an overdose of iodine, which will negatively affect the health of the mother and child.
Feijoa is a small green fruit very similar to a lime. It grows in the southern part of the country - in Crimea, Turkmenistan, and the Caucasus. This fruit has an unusual taste, something between pineapple, kiwi and strawberry. Feijoa is very rich in vitamin C, iodine, amino acids and fiber. Its appearance on the markets is no longer a novelty, but many do not know how and in what form to consume this exotic fruit.
First of all, we choose ripe fruits. They should be soft to the touch, the inside should be jelly-like. You can also check by cutting it off. Unripe feijoa is white inside, while ripe feijoa has a slightly brownish tint. Fresh feijoa can be eaten with the peel, biting into it like an apple. Some fruits have a peel tart taste and a little bitter.
Feijoa is useful for vascular diseases, constipation, goiter. To prevent all these diseases, it must be included in the diet.