The Feijoa fruit, also called as guavasteen, is a fabulous fruit originally grown in South America. It is now being cultivated in the United States and New Zealand.
The Feijoa tree looks small like a shrub and is famous for its health benefits. This fruit is now being combined with yogurt, ice creams, juices, jams and shakes for its preferred taste. The fruit tastes sweet, and one gets a unique blend of the tastes of pineapple, strawberry, banana and guava. Perhaps this is why Feijoa is referred to as pineapple guava in many places.
The Feijoa or pineapple guava fruit is a natural source of many vital nutrients the body needs. Let us have a look at the other health benefits of feijoa fruit.
Feijoa owns a considerable amount of fiber. Fiber stimulates peristaltic motion and increased secretion of gastric juices, which eases digestion, prevents conditions like constipation, and protects the body from more serious conditions like colorectal cancer. Fiber can also scrape cholesterol out of the arteries and blood vessels. One cup of feijoa contains 16 grams of dietary fiber.
People with type 2 diabetes may like feijoa because of its glycemic index score. The glycemic index (GI) ranks food and drinks based on their blood sugar increase potential. Foods high on the glycemic index (such as white rice and white bread) will break down easily and cause blood sugar and insulin level spikes after meals, which is followed by rapidly dropping blood sugar levels. Feijoa is more slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, which prevents sugar crashes, sugar cravings, and mood swings.
Feijoa can contribute to reducing the risk of hypertension by being loaded with potassium and a low content of sodium. They are well known because of its high potassium content. One feijoa contains an amazing 418 milligrams of potassium, compared to just 7 milligrams of sodium. This helps the blood vessels relax and maintains proper blood pressure.
Fiber, vitamin C, and B6, and potassium have been known to improve the heart’s health. The recommended 4700 milligrams (mg) of potassium are not obtained by many individuals in the United States, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, despite the benefits of increased potassium intake. One study suggested that individuals who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (approximately 1000 mg per day).
Also, additional fiber has been known to lower the “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increase the “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.
One cup of feijoa contains 10 percent of the mineral manganese, which is an essential cofactor in some enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. For example, some enzymes disarm free radicals produced within the mitochondria (the energy production factories within our cells), which require manganese.
Several components of feijoa, such as potassium, folate, and various antioxidants are known to provide neurological benefits. Folate has been known to reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Potassium has been linked to increase blood flow to the brain and enhance cognition, concentration, and neural activity.
Also, feijoa contains a considerable amount of vitamin B6. A deficiency has shown depression and nausea. Be sure not to consume too much. The vitamin B6 upper limit is set to 100 milligrams for adults over the age of 18, but adults do not need that much unless directed by the doctor.
Feijoa boast abundance of minerals that are vital for your good health. It contains copper, iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc that help ensure your good health if you include this fruit in your diet.
Feijoa is popular for being highly beneficial for the health of pregnant women and their fetus. This fruit contains high amounts of folate which is essential for health of expecting mothers. This fruit also prevents the risk of anemia during pregnancy. Eating feijoa regularly during pregnancy helps boost your RBCs or hemoglobin count and ensure appropriate growth and development of the fetus.
Adding feijoa to your daily diet helps enhance your immunity to a great extent. High amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants and other vital nutrients in the fruit help prevent various ailments from affecting your health adversely.
Feijoa is a rich source of iodine. So, it is advisable to eat this fruit regularly if you are suffering from iodine deficiency. Also, individuals suffering from goiter and hypothyroidism should also include this fruit in their diet. Regular consumption of feijoa prevents obesity, reduction in metabolism rate, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, depression, and dry skin.
Nutrients in Feijoa are highly effectively in healing your wounds and injuries effectively. Regular intake of this fruit speeds up recovery of your injuries.
Feijoa helps boost oxygen levels in your body cells and prevents the negative effects of stress on your body. It minimizes free radical damage substantially. So, regular consumption of this fruit minimize the risk growth of cancerous cells and protects you from various kinds of cancers.
Feijoa is an excellent source of crucial vitamins and nutrients that are necessary for maintain good physical as well as psychological health. This fruit contains anti-inflammatory compounds and vital antioxidants like resveratrol that protect you from drowning into depression. Having two servings of this fruit helps minimize the risk of depression and lowers the levels of stress and anxiety.
Being a rich source of vitamin C, Feijoa is a great cure for respiratory tract infections such as flu and cold. Also, this nutritious fruit is beneficial good health of your lungs.
Feijoa contains high levels of nutrients and antioxidants that are beneficial for your skin health. This fruit is in great demand in cosmetic industry. Pulp of feijoa and its seeds act a natural skin exfoliant and work wonders on your skin.
Eating feijoa regularly prevents the health troubles such as nausea and dizziness. High vitamin B6 content treats nausea, vomiting, and dizziness effectively.
Regular consumption of feijoa helps you feel fuller and prevents the chances of hunger pangs. This fruit low in calories so it aids in weight management. High fiber content in this fruit helps you in regulating your hunger and thus prevents the risk of obesity.
Feijoa fruit consumption has no known adverse effects on human health. Pregnant mothers and infants can safely eat this fruit.
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