A luscious small fruit that tastes as if it was a combination of guava and pineapple, thus known as pineapple guava or guavasteen, Feijoa is a delightful fruit native to Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay, now cultivated in various parts of the world, more so in mild climatic zones. The luscious small fruit that boasts potential health benefits is packed with essential vitamins and minerals making it a valuable addition to any diet. In this article, let us explore the health benefits of feijoa and its bioactive compounds.

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In traditional medicine, various parts of the feijoa plant, including the fruit, leaves, and flowers, have been used to treat several ailments, including digestive disorders, skin conditions, and respiratory infections. Herbal drink or tea from the feijoa plant was used to treat dysentery in the olden days. The Vitamin C in the fruit is almost double the amount found in oranges and like other tropical fruits, feijoa is also high in folate; a natural form of Vitamin B9.

Fabulous Health Benefits Of Feijoa

Bolsters Immunity

Feijoa contains Vitamin C, an antioxidant renowned for its immune-boosting properties, helping in the body's defense against infections and illnesses. Additionally, feijoa contains significant amounts of vitamin E that protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Aids Digestion

Feijoa is a good source of dietary fiber, which plays a crucial role in digestive health. A diet high in fiber is associated with a reduced risk of various gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer. Managing bowel movements prevents constipation and promotes a healthy gut microbiome by serving as food for beneficial gut bacteria.

Ideal For Weight-Watchers

Feijoa is notably low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight. Its natural sweetness can satisfy cravings for sugary snacks, making it a healthier alternative to processed desserts. Incorporating feijoa into your diet can help you feel full and satisfied while providing essential nutrients without excess calories.

Keeps Blood Pressure In Control

Feijoa is rich in potassium, an electrolyte essential for maintaining proper fluid balance and nerve function. Adequate potassium intake is crucial for regulating blood pressure and reducing the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney stones. Including potassium-rich foods like feijoa in your diet can contribute to overall cardiovascular health and well-being.

Fights Oxidative Stress

Feijoa also contains a range of beneficial phytochemicals, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help protect cells from inflammation thus, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Also Read: Akebi: Nutritional Content, Health Benefits, and Easy Recipes Of This Succulent Fruit

Ways To Eat Feijoa Fruit

Best ripened on the tree and mainly eaten fresh, cut feijoas in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Store mature ones in the fridge and they will stay for about a week. In Brazil, feijoa is jellied or canned, and made into alcoholic drinks, sparkling wines, and juices. Feijoa can also be cooked into dumplings, pies, puddings, pastry fillings, and for flavouring ice-creams and made into jams and sauces.

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A powerhouse of bioactive compounds and nutrition, exotic feijoa provides is indeed an elixir for wellness. So, if you come across this sweet, delicious fruit, you must try it and enjoy its unique flavour while reaping the rewards of its impressive nutritional profile. And yes, do try this simple smoothie recipe too!

Feijoa And Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe peeled and chopped feijoas
  • 1 ripe peeled and sliced banana
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk or any low-fat milk
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • Ice cubes (optional)

Method

  • Peel and chop the feijoas and banana
  • In a blender, combine the chopped feijoas, sliced banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract
  • Blend all the ingredients until they become smooth
  • You can add milk or a little water to reach the desired consistency
  • Adjust the sweetness if necessary
  • Pour the smoothie, add ice if desired
  • You can garnish with a slice of feijoa or a sprinkle of cinnamon
  • Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious feijoa and banana smoothie

Nutrition

Rich source of Vitamin C, and imbued with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities, sweet feijoas can help boost immunity to support digestive health and cardiovascular function, feijoa can be fabulous if added to the diet.

References:

Nephroprotective effects of Feijoa Sellowiana leaves extract

Mohammad Karami,1,* Faezeh Karimian Nokabadi,1 Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh,2 and Farshad Naghshvar3

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3938889/

  1. Chemical and biological properties of feijoa (Acca Sellowiana)

School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224418304606