Feijoa with sugar useful properties and contraindications. How is feijoa useful? Beneficial features. Treatment. Contraindications. Harm and possible contraindications

The heat-loving fruit called feijoa, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which people have not yet fully studied, has the taste and aroma of strawberries and pineapple. For this unsurpassed taste, the berry is simply adored by those who like to enjoy something unusual. However, not everyone knows how useful feijoa is and who should not buy, as well as how the fetus affects the male body, the female and whether it is useful for children.

Feijoa - useful properties and contraindications

Interestingly, people call feijoa a fruit, and even a vegetable. On our counters, as a rule, the buyer sees feijoa berries that are shipped unripe. The reason for this is the poor transportability of the ripe fruit. However, experts say that even when ripening on the road or in the store, the fruit retains its benefits.

The berry is eaten raw, juice is prepared from it, compote and other aromatic drinks are brewed. The berries are suitable for filling pies, making jam and jam, and also used for making salads and snacks.

Feijoa has excellent taste and this is already beneficial. Delicious and aromatic food raises a person's mood and makes him happy - even if for a few minutes. But feijoa is famous not only for its taste and unusual aroma.

This "strange" berry contains a number of vitamins, without which a person cannot exist normally.

Composition and nutritional value

Vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 \u200b\u200b(pyridoxine), B9 ( folic acid), C (ascorbic acid), PP.

Macro- and microelements: iodine, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, sodium, phosphorus, zinc.

The nutritional value (100 gr.product):

• proteins - 1 g
• fats - 0.8 g
• carbohydrates - 10 g
• calorie content - 49 kcal

The berry contains a lot of fiber and pectin, as well as beneficial antioxidants such as kakhetin and leukoanthocyanin.

What are the benefits of feijoa for the body

Beneficial features feijoa make this plant a good prophylactic and therapeutic agent for various diseases. The only pity is that the life of a berry is short - its season on the shelves of our supermarkets lasts from October to December.

• The main thing that is interesting about this green berry is a huge amount of iodine, in 100 grams. contains from 8 to 35 mg of iodine, depending on the place where it grows. According to its content, it is considered a record holder - it surpassed all existing fruits and berries in this. Even sea molluscs can envy the amount of iodine in its composition. One or two berries eaten per day are able to satisfy the daily intake of iodine in the human body. Considering that the problem of the thyroid gland is acute all over the world, feijoa is simply a savior for those suffering from endocrine system diseases.
• In addition, the fruits of this plant are recommended to be introduced into the diet for those who are susceptible to colds or have the flu, due to the high content of vitamin C. If you suddenly get sick, then the essential oils contained in the berry help a quick recovery.
• Vitamins and minerals make it useful for vitamin deficiency, which makes a person weak, it is also recommended for weakened immunity;
• It is recommended to include the berry in the diet for people suffering from anemia due to such an important trace element as iron, which is part of its composition.
• Kakhetin and leukoanthocyanin contained in the skin of the berry are recognized by physicians as substances that fight the generation of cancer cells;
• This unsightly green fruit lowers blood cholesterol levels, which is important for people with cardiovascular disease. The antioxidants contained in the composition protect the heart and blood vessels from overload. Also, these substances are important for the prevention of hypertension and atherosclerosis, the berry is useful for poor memory and absent-mindedness.
• Fruits help with depression, nervous and mental overload, therefore they are shown to people engaged in intellectual work, students during exams.
• It is also useful for the kidneys, helps to cope with inflammatory processes.
• Fruits contain a certain amount of fruit acids, which is useful for gastritis;
• The fruits are interesting in that they will help with any digestive problems. The pulp of the berry contains a lot of pectin, which acts as a laxative, and its peel contains tannins that treat diarrhea.
• But there is debate about whether it is possible to eat feijoa with diabetes, and there is no consensus on this matter. It is unambiguous that feijoa is not recommended for patients with type 3 diabetes. In other cases, it is better to resolve this issue with your doctor.

Useful properties for men

Feijoa fruits are not only a prophylactic agent for prostatitis, but also a curative one. Statistics say that most men, reaching middle age, are aware of this insidious disease. And not every man, having felt the symptoms of prostatitis, rushes to the doctor. Doctors note that men who have feijoa in their daily diet do not complain of prostatitis.

Feijoa will also help with hormonal imbalances. Therefore, for certain sexual problems, this exotic fruit is also indispensable, both for men and women.

Benefits for women

Much has already been said about the fact that women often experience hormonal disruptions. It can be extremely difficult to tune female hormones in the right way - expensive pills, injections, drops are prescribed for this. Feijoa also comes to the rescue here, helping to normalize the hormonal background of the female body.

Women use this product for cosmetic purposes, because it is able to slow down the aging of cells and rejuvenate the skin.

Do you need a berry during pregnancy

The fetus is also interesting for pregnant women, as it contains the elements necessary for this period of a woman's life - iron, folic acid, vitamin PP and, of course, iodine.

• Iron is naturally lost during pregnancy and therefore it is important to replenish it.
• Folic acid is very important for the growth and proper development of the fetus, it affects the development of the brain, nervous system unborn child.
• Lack of vitamin PP can cause skin pigmentation, hair loss in pregnant women, affect the mental state, and indigestion can occur.
• And finally, iodine, this element is especially important in the 12th week of pregnancy, when the baby's thyroid gland is developing. Iodine is found in fruits in an easily digestible form, which facilitates its supply to the fetus.

But an overabundance of this element is also not needed, so it will not be superfluous to consult a doctor who controls pregnancy.

Feijoa for weight loss

An exotic plant will also help to keep your figure slim and at the same time enjoy tasty things. If you replace sweets and cakes with this fruit, it will be tasty, healthy and your figure will not suffer. After all, feijoa, sweet in taste, has a small calorie content.

An important property of this berry for weight loss is that it cleanses the intestines well, as it contains a lot of fiber and pectin. Feijoa will cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, free the intestines from feces, which is important for weight loss. Feijoa diets are based on the fact that pectin, like a panicle, cleanses the intestines, carrying out the breakdown of food proteins.

At the same time, any diet dish, to which a feijoa will be added, will give the losing weight everything necessary for a full-fledged existence. This mysterious green berry not only nourishes the human body, but also maintains its good mood, good spirits and beauty.

Pectin also helps to reduce appetite, which is also important for weight loss.

Slimming salad:

chop 5 feijoa, 1 apple, 1 avocado, 1 orange and 1 small beet. Mix all this, season with low-fat yogurt and drizzle with lemon juice.

Can feijoa be given to children

It is better not to give feijoa to children under one year old, since the enzymes of the baby's stomach are not ready to digest this product.

Once a child is one year old, feijoa can be a lifesaver for mothers who have children with constipation or diarrhea.

Feijoa is also useful for children for the following reasons:

• increases hemoglobin, and in childhood anemia is a real problem;
• inhalation over the steam of crushed peel with the addition of soda will serve as the prevention and treatment of rhinitis and acute respiratory infections;
• fights depression and soothes the nerves, so it is advised to give it a couple of times a week to loud and nervous children.
• feijoa should be given to children also because there is a lot of iodine in the composition - even more than in seafood. But kids eat a sweet treat with more pleasure than seaweed, for example. This is important because iodine is responsible for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
• this amazing fruit "spurs" the growth of the child, so it is advisable to include it in the diet of children who are lagging behind in growth from the norm.
• berry helps to get rid of frequent nosebleeds, due to the ability to increase the elasticity of blood vessels.

When a child is one year old, he can receive his first portion of feijoa. This should be a chopped puree made from the pulp of a berry in the amount of one teaspoon, no more. You should immediately be careful and trace the reaction of the child's body to this product. Although the berry is considered hypoallergenic, some children, and even adults, have an individual intolerance to this fruit. Moreover, the allergy may not appear immediately, but after a day.

The amount of feijoa berries recommended by nutritionists for children from one to three years old is 1 piece per day. This is due to the fact that an excess of iodine will not bring any benefit, but on the contrary. For adults, however, it is recommended to eat 4 feijoa a day for maximum benefit.

Health recipes

It would be surprising if a healthy berry like feijoa was not used to maintain health. Jam is considered a common dish made from this berry. In the cold season, it will fill our body with useful substances, which are so lacking during the winter-spring period. Recipes for health are relevant at any time of the year, so take a note.

• If the problem with the thyroid gland due to lack of iodine, take 1 tbsp half an hour before meals. a spoonful of mashed feijoa.
• If you are depressed or constantly stressed, eat 4 to 6 berries every day. They invigorate, keep you in order nerve cells and even cheer up.
• For hepatitis, take tea from feijoa leaves and flowers. You need to drink it twice a day. Tea is made like this:

1 tbsp. a spoonful of a mixture of flowers and leaves (1: 1), pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes, then strain and drink.

• It is useful to drink freshly squeezed feijoa juice diluted with water once a day at any time in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Proportion: 3 tbsp. spoons of water for 1 tbsp. a spoonful of juice.
• For therapeutic and prophylactic purposes for atherosclerosis, eat feijoa jam with oranges.
• Raw feijoa jam 1 tbsp. spoon twice a day helps with hypertension.

Feijoa in cosmetology

The beneficial properties of the berry are also applicable in home cosmetology; women are actively using it for rejuvenation and beauty.

Rejuvenating mask:

you will need 2 tbsp. l. mashed feijoa pulp, add 1 tsp to it. honey and olive oil, mix and apply on face.

After 15 minutes, wash off with water, first warm, then cold. You can make such a mask no more than 2 times a week.

Anti-wrinkle mask:

beat the egg and stir with the feijoa puree. For dry skin, add a couple more drops of vegetable oil.

After 20 minutes, wash off the mask with water. Finish the procedure with a moisturizer.

The mask is universal:

mix the following ingredients - the yolk of one egg, a teaspoon of mashed feijoa pulp, 2 tsp. cottage cheese, 1 tsp. any vegetable oil.

Keep the mask on the face for 20 minutes, then rinse with water, first warm, then cool. Making such a mask 2-3 times a week, you will soon notice how fine wrinkles disappear without a trace, and the skin becomes smooth and elastic.

Cooking use

If you are thinking of how to prepare something that will surprise your guests, make this salad.

Feijoa and beetroot salad

To prepare a salad with feijoa and beets you will need:

• 2 medium beets
• 5 feijoa berries,
• a quarter of a red onion,
• 5 walnuts,
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• olive oil for dressing

Preparation: bake beets, peel, cut into strips. Cut the feijoa and onion into small pieces, chop the nuts. Pour the prepared food into one bowl, sprinkle with vinegar, fill with oil, mix.

The berry season is short, so you can prolong the pleasure by preparing it for the winter.

Feijoa with sugar

Due to the fact that this recipe uses raw berries that have not been heat-treated, this jam retains a maximum of useful properties.

1 kg of feijoa requires 1 kg of sugar. Put the washed berries and freed from dry inflorescences in a blender and grind them to make a homogeneous puree. Then mix this puree with sugar and stir until sugar dissolves. Arrange in sterile jars, cover and put in a cool place.

Feijoa jam

If you don't know how to make feijoa jam, use this simple recipe.

Cut 1 kg of berries into slices, add 1 kg of sugar to them and add 100 grams of water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, skim and stir.

Then the jam is laid out in dry sterile jars and rolled up. Such a delicacy can be stored for several years without losing its taste. In such a jam, you can add lemon slices or its zest, as well as an orange.

Feijoa leaf and rind tea

Feijoa leaves are difficult to get, but if the opportunity arises, be sure to dry them and drink healing tea in winter.

If you don't like eating a berry with a crust, then its beneficial properties can be used to make a healthy drink. They say that tea made from dried peels is aromatic and delicious.

Contraindications

No matter how useful the product is, there will be contraindications to it, and feijoa is no exception.

• Iodine - this element makes feijoa very useful berry, but it can also harm the body. This applies to people who have a disease such as hyperthyroidism. They need to be extremely careful with this berry, as an overdose can exacerbate the hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Before including it in your diet, consult your doctor.
• It is contraindicated to consume the fruits of this plant for people who have hypersensitivity to iodine or individual intolerance to this product.
• The fruits are also contraindicated for people who are allergic to vitamin C, since there is a lot of it in this berry.
• The berry in combination with fresh milk can cause indigestion, but at the same time it is excellent "friends" with fermented milk products and cottage cheese.

In any case, when starting an acquaintance with an exotic berry, you should be careful, because for each new Product the human body can react in different ways. And if you decide to use feijoa for treatment, then in the presence of chronic diseases, consult your doctor.

Summing up, I would like to say that with impressive beneficial properties and minimal contraindications, this berry is simply necessary for everyone who cares about beauty and health. Well, and for those who love tasty and aromatic - even more so. And remember that feijoa lovers are always fresh, cheerful, and full of vitality. If you have not tried this exotic yet, then I wish you a pleasant and useful acquaintance.

Elena Kasatova. See you by the fireplace.

Today, many of us have access to exotic berries and fruits from various parts of the world.

Juicy and fleshy berries with sepals of dark green color, which taste and aroma resemble a combination of kiwi, strawberry, strawberry and pineapple, pleases us fruit crop, common in regions with a subtropical climate, under the extravagant name of feijoa. We will consider the beneficial properties and contraindications of fruits today.

The benefits of feijoa for the body lie in the biochemical composition of juicy green fruits. The tender green pulp contains natural sugars, organic acids, dietary fiber, phytosterols, antioxidants, pectins, bioflavonoids, unsaturated (oleic, linoleic, linolenic) and saturated (palmitic, stearic) fatty acids, a whole complex of vitamins, macro- and microelements.

Berries are the leader among plant foods in terms of iodine content (0.2-0.39 mg per 100 g). Even seafood can compete with them. Only 3-4 ripe fruits satisfy the daily requirement of a healthy adult for this chemical element.

Feijoa is also prized for its high content of ascorbic acid. The amount of vitamin C is about the same as in citrus fruits. The berries also contain other vitamins that are no less important for the body - groups B and PP (in small doses), as well as rare elements - silicon, potassium, molybdenum, chromium, cobalt, boron, rubidium.

Due to the iodine present in fruits, which is in a bioavailable form for the body and is fully absorbed in the intestines, feijoa must be included in the diet of people with thyroid problems, for example, with Graves' disease.

According to experienced nutritionists, feijoa is recommended for inclusion in the therapeutic and prophylactic diet, it is useful for the prevention and treatment of kidney and gastrointestinal diseases. Gastroenterologists advise everyone who suffers from chronic constipation to regularly feast on feijoa.

• The product has a beneficial effect on the immune system and protects us from viruses and bacteria, stress and depression, vitamin deficiency and mineral imbalances.

Regular inclusion of aromatic berries in the menu is beneficial for the nervous system, as well as for everyone experiencing mental and emotional overload, for example, students during a session, decision-makers, businessmen or people engaged in intellectual work.

In some countries, the beneficial properties of feijoa for men are very much appreciated - the daily inclusion of feijoa in the diet helps to prevent inflammation in the prostate. Also, the product normalizes hormones and enhances the sexual activity of men.

The benefits of exotics for women are invaluable. Replacing traditional desserts with delicious sweet and sour berries, you not only minimize the use of sugar, which negatively affects the condition of the figure, but also activate the metabolism.

Feijoa has been used for centuries in home cosmetology to improve the condition of the facial skin. Systematic procedures (masks with fruit pulp) are a proven method of slowing down the aging process and reducing the depth of age wrinkles.

The use of feijoa in cooking

The product is low in calories (50 kcal / 100 g) and can be used in various diets. Since the berry itself has an exceptional taste, it is replaced by traditional dishes with sugar. Most often, feijoa is added to desserts: fruit salads with whipped cream and ice cream, preserves, jams, confitures, compotes, lemonades are prepared from the product.

• Very often confectioners use green pulp for fillings of cakes, pastries, sweets.

AT dietary nutrition the beneficial properties of feijoa are actively used. How to cook and properly consume delicious fruits? Cut the ripe fruit in half and select the pulp with a teaspoon, leaving the skin intact.

The high concentration of organic acids allows you to harvest the product without further preservation, for example, simply by rubbing the berries with sugar or honey. Such a delicacy will help eliminate iodine deficiency in the body.

Traditional medicine recipes with feijoa

The pulp, grated with sugar, is an excellent remedy for reducing blood pressure, cleaning blood vessels, improving blood composition. Pass the peeled berries with granulated sugar (2: 1) through a meat grinder or puree in a blender, transfer the tasty mixture to a clean glass jar and take a tablespoon three times a day as a healthy dessert. Store the medicine in the refrigerator.

Fresh fruit juice diluted with water (15 ml per glass of drinking water) helps to improve the condition of the myocardium and blood vessels, eliminate iodine deficiency, and say goodbye to constipation. Take one glass of the healing drink per day. To enhance the effect, natural honey (a teaspoon) can be added to the elixir.

Fresh feijoa fruits are an ideal remedy for gout, constipation, colds, diseases of the bronchopulmonary system and hypovitaminosis. Maximum benefit from exotic, you can get by eating 3-5 medium fruits per day (the weight of berries varies from 30 to 120 grams).

Healing jam will help in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. Also, the composition is recommended in the winter-autumn period to enhance immunity and prevent spring vitamin deficiency. 1/2 kg of unpeeled fruits are blanched, crushed and poured into 1 kg of sugar.

After the juice is released, the mass is boiled over low heat for 10 minutes, freshly squeezed juice of 1 large orange is added to it and simmer on the stove until tender (about 5-7 minutes). The jam is rolled up in sterile jars or stored under a plastic lid in the refrigerator.

Can feijoa be harmful to health? Like any fruit, this exotic has a number of limitations.

First of all, the product is contraindicated for everyone with individual intolerance, which is often observed in people for overseas fruits.

Be wary of including berries on your menu if you've never tasted them before. Do not feed small children with fruit.

Secondly, the dosage recommended by nutritionists (5 pcs per day for an adult or about 0.3 kg) should not be exceeded, as you can get an allergic reaction to the product and an overdose of iodine, which is expressed in increased nervous excitability, anxiety, causeless irritability, arrhythmias, surges in body temperature.

Absolutely forbidden the use of fruits for people suffering from hyperfunction of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), due to the high concentration of easily digestible forms of iodine. If you have endocrine diseases, then you should definitely consult with a supervising specialist.

• Treat feijoa with caution if you have diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis, gastritis with high acidity.

Avoid the combination of feijoa and whole milk as it can lead to stomach upset. The exotic is best combined with fermented milk drinks and products - natural yogurt, kefir, sour cream, cottage cheese.

Do not eat berries with signs of rotting. The purchased fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 1 week. Failure to follow this advice may result in food poisoning waste products of pathogenic microorganisms.

Having carefully studied the composition of feijoa, its benefits and harms to health, you can consciously improve the condition of the body by including this product in your daily menu... The therapeutic effect of an exotic berry can be appreciated at its true worth only if its use is systematic. A single dose will not bring the desired result.

Be healthy!

Feijoa is exotic for a Slavic person, and the inhabitants of the tropics are familiar with a fruit that is often eaten. The fruit tree grows in a subtropical climate, it is used not only for food, but also for medicinal purposes. If you know the beneficial properties and contraindications of feijoa, you can enrich the body with valuable substances. The people of South America, New Zealand, Brazil know this, and they often consume the fruits in their diet.

Today, there are more places where feijoa grows. The tree was cultivated in the southern regions of Russia (Krasnodar Territory), Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia. Therefore, these medicinal berries have become more accessible and closer.

The feijoa fruit is an oblong berry with a smooth, dense skin of a green hue. The soft juicy pulp resembles a combination of several fruits: strawberries, kiwi, pineapple. The fruit is edible whole and complete with the peel, but not everyone likes the taste. By color, you can determine its maturity: if the pulp is white, the fruit is not ripe, if it is brown, then it is overripe. A perfectly ripe fruit has a transparent core.

Chemical composition of feijoa fruit

• Microelements and macronutrients necessary to maintain immunity and normal course of all chemical processes in the human body. Feijoa is especially saturated with iodine elements necessary to maintain the functions of the thyroid gland, as well as iron involved in the transfer of oxygen, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus.
• B vitamins that support the functioning of the nervous system.
• Vitamins C and A, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
• Amino acids (arginic, tyrosine, aspartic, glutamic) involved in the formation of proteins in the human body.
• Essential oils and tannins.

Beneficial properties for women and men

For women, the fruit is especially useful during pregnancy, when the body of the expectant mother needs a lot of iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium. All trace elements are found in feijoa. In addition, for the development of a healthy fetus, a sufficient amount of iodine is needed, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland and the formation of the child's nervous system. With its lack in the body of a pregnant woman and a newborn baby, congenital hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function) may develop. A complication of this disease is dementia. At the same time, the fruit is classified as low-calorie and does not add excess weight. expectant mother.

For men, feijoa is useful for prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland). Due to its medicinal properties, feijoa fruits are able to prevent inflammation of the prostate, therefore they are used to prevent male problems. At the same time, erectile function in men also improves.

The healing properties of feijoa

• Replenishes the deficiencies of iodine in the human body, which is especially necessary in diseases of the thyroid gland, to maintain its function.
• Improves the functioning of the nervous system.
• Normalizes sleep.
• Strengthens the immune system. Thanks to the vitamins and minerals included in the composition, the fruit stimulates the formation of immune cells - leukocytes.
• Fights anemia. Due to the large amount of iron, feijoa is effective in iron deficiency anemia, strengthens the immune system.
• Lowers blood cholesterol, so the fruit is useful for people suffering from atherosclerosis.
• Improves the functioning of the digestive tract: the content of an increased amount of plant fiber helps to increase peristalsis and cleanse the intestines.
• Natural antiseptic. The bark of the tree, leaves and peel of fruits have a disinfecting effect. A decoction of them is used for inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes - periodontal disease, cuts, inflammation of the kidneys.

How to choose a mature feijoa?

Its benefits depend on the degree of ripeness of the fruit. The more ripe the feijoa, the more nutrients it contains. For transportation, unripe fruits are collected, so when buying, you should pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Set aside the hard fruit for several days. This will give him the opportunity to mature and become softer. The most useful feijoa, which has a jelly-like pulp.
2. Overripe fruits are not worth buying. It is difficult to control the onset of fermentation processes, and the purchased feijoa will be unusable.
3. The skin of the fruit must be free of visible damage. They indicate that the beneficial qualities of the fruit are reduced. The reason may be mechanical damage during transportation. Better to put aside the fruit, even with small dents, so as not to doubt its freshness.
4. A large fruit is always preferred. It contains more sugars and vitamins. But, this is not the main criterion. Depending on the variety, feijoa have different size fruits.
5. If you need to buy a ripe fruit, then lightly press on it. It should be soft, and the rind should not be quite smooth. Slice up the feijoa and examine the pulp. An unripe fruit has a white flesh, an overripe one is brown. An unripe fruit can be put to ripening, overripe fruit is not suitable for use.
6. The fruit should not have a stalk. It indicates that the feijoa was cut from the branch, without waiting for the harvest time.
7. The aroma of ripe feijoa is reminiscent of the scent of pineapple. It is used to judge the ripeness of the fruit.

Sales season in Russia. Prices

The ripening time for feijoa fruits is late October-early November. Fruits are imported to Russia from Azerbaijan, Abkhazia, they are grown in Sochi and the Krasnodar Territory. The price of the fruit is not high - it fluctuates around 50-100 rubles per kilogram. Therefore, you can and should afford to eat at least a few feijoa fruits a day during the cold season.

Calorie Feijoa

100 grams of fruit contains a small amount of calories - 50-55. This fruit is a dietary one. Most of all in its composition are carbohydrates, namely sucrose. The fruit is quickly digested and absorbed.

How to store it correctly?

By keeping feijoa for a long time, we provide a supply of vitamins for the body. The healthy fruit is stored in different ways.

The most famous options are storage:

• fresh;
• in the form of jam (with and without heat treatment).

Which method to choose should be decided depending on the desired shelf life. On average, feijoa fruits remain fresh for 10 days after harvest. Taking into account the period of transportation, packaging, preparation for sale, then mature feijoa is best consumed immediately or kept in the refrigerator for several days. An unripe fruit lies until spring, with the correct storage parameters - temperature regime and high quality ventilation. It is enough to place it in the fruit storage compartment of the refrigerator.

How to eat feijoa? Recipes

This fruit can be eaten both raw and thermally processed. Raw feijoa fruits have a specific taste that resembles pineapple, kiwi and strawberries at the same time. Only the pulp is tasty, the skin is dense and not very pleasant to the taste. But it is in the skin that most of the nutrients are contained. Therefore, in order not to lose them, they prepare jam or jam from the fruits together with the peel.

Recipe for making raw feijoa jam

Many housewives prefer jam - a reliable way to enjoy the taste of feijoa for a long time. The minimum loss of the vitamin value of the fruit is provided by "live" feijoa jam. It is prepared according to the classic recipe for berries. Sugar and fruits are taken in a 1: 1 ratio and ground into one mass. The amount of sugar can be increased - this will extend the shelf life of the jam, but deprive it of the specific taste of feijoa.

The cooking steps are simple:

1. The fruits are washed, the tails and stalks are removed.
2. Crushed in a convenient way - in a blender, meat grinder.
3. Spread the mass into an enamel bowl and sprinkle with sugar.
4. Stir until the sugar crystals dissolve.
5. Put the sweetness into a pre-prepared glass container. Lids and jars are thoroughly washed with soda solution, rinsed and poured over with boiling water.
6. Store the jam in the refrigerator for no more than 2.5 - 3 months.

There is a recipe in which sugar is replaced with honey. It is a natural preservative and should not be heat treated. Therefore, it can also be used for "live" jam.

If the composition (with sugar) is thermally processed, then the shelf life is increased to 1 year. In this case, 1 glass of water is added to the above components, which is poured into an enamel container and brought to a boil. Then sugar is added in portions and dissolved. Fruit puree is transferred to syrup and mixed with a wooden spoon. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes, regularly removing the foam. Jam containers are thoroughly washed and sterilized. They lay out the finished jam in jars, roll it up and send it to storage in a cool place. The jam is used throughout the year.

Many housewives like to add zest to the classic composition. For feijoa jam, this will be lemon juice, cranberry, pear, orange pulp with peel, or ginger root.

Jam from feijoa

For cooking, take 600 grams of raw feijoa fruits, wash them, remove dry tails, cut the fruits in half. Grind in a blender, add 0.5 kilograms of sugar, juice and zest of one lemon, 3 tablespoons of grated ginger. After that, add half a liter of drinking water, spread it in aluminum cookware and boiled to a thick jam. Ready feijoa jam is transferred to sterilized jars, rolled up with lids.

Medical uses of feijoa. What do we treat and how?

The main areas of application of feijoa fruits in medicine are endocrinology (treatment of diseases of the thyroid and pancreas), cardiology (treatment of hypertension and purification of blood from cholesterol) and immunology (treatment of reduced immunity and vitamin deficiencies).

Thyroid treatment with feijoa

Use raw feijoa jam or mashed potatoes. You need to take a tablespoon 30 minutes before meals 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is at least a month. It should be remembered that only ripe fruits are used for medicinal purposes.

An infusion of dry feijoa fruits is also used. To do this, pour 3 tablespoons of fruits with two glasses of boiling water, insist overnight. The next day, drink in 3 divided doses. Continue this every day for a month.

Feijoa for diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas in which there is a violation of glucose uptake by cells. At the same time, the blood sugar level is increased. Violation of the diet and the use of foods containing a large amount of sugar aggravates the course of the disease, leads to an even greater increase in blood glucose. Therefore, for the treatment of diabetes, feijoa is not used, given the sugar content in its composition, but it is permissible to use it in minimal quantities.

What else

Feijoa is also used in the treatment of the cardiovascular system. It cleans the blood from cholesterol, stimulates the formation of blood cells, prevents the formation of blood clots, pure juice from feijoa fruits. A tablespoon of juice is mixed with 50 grams of water and taken once a day.

To strengthen the walls of blood vessels, you can use jam with oranges. For cooking, take a kilogram of feijoa fruits, 2 kilograms of sugar and the juice of two oranges. Cook jam and take 1 tablespoon 2 times a day. The combination of a large amount of vitamin C in orange and a complex of trace elements and vitamins in feijoa strengthens blood vessels.

Feijoa in cosmetology

The fruit is anti-inflammatory, which is why it is used to combat acne. Rejuvenating, emollient and nourishing properties help aging and aging skin to maintain its healthy appearance. The easiest recipe is to apply the crushed fruit pulp to your face and leave for a few minutes.

Before using any mask, you need to carry out a skin test: place a small amount on the inner surface of the forearm and wait 10-15 minutes. If there is no reaction, you can safely apply the mask to your face.

There are several feijoa face masks:

• Thanks to its high content of essential oils and antioxidants, the fruit is used to strengthen skin and hair. Cosmetologists recommend using the following face mask every 3 days. Prepare a decoction of chamomile (1 teaspoon of herbs in a glass of boiling water), cool, add a tablespoon of oatmeal and two tablespoons of feijoa pulp. The mixture should be infused until the flakes swell. After that, add a teaspoon of almond oil and can be applied to cleansed skin.
• The pulp from several feijoa fruits is ground in a blender until smooth. To it add 2 tablespoons of fat cottage cheese, one chicken egg yolk and a tablespoon of olive oil. Before application, cleanse the skin from cosmetics and sebum. Apply the mask to the face, after 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Growing feijoa at home

Growing feijoa at home is possible and is becoming more common in Russia. This tree is loved not only for its useful fruits, but also for its beautiful flowers. The plant is grown in two ways.

1. Growing from seeds. For harvesting, they take ripe fruits (it is important - not overripe!), Extract the pulp from them along with the seeds. The pulp is washed in a weak solution of manganese, the separated seeds are dried and sown into the soil. Small pots can be used first, and then transplant the sprouted seedlings into larger containers.
2. Growing from cuttings. Take cuttings 8-10 cm long, leave one pair of upper leaves on them. Deepen them by 2/3 of the length at a slope into the soil. The soil is spilled with a warm, weak solution of manganese. To retain moisture in the soil (feijoa loves this), you can cover with plastic. The lighting should be intense, but the light should be scattered. Rooting of cuttings occurs in 1.5-2 months. After that, they can be planted in the ground.

Contraindications

Abuse of any of the products can cause irreparable harm. Therefore, you must always be attentive to the properties of food products. Feijoa fruits are no exception. The benefits and harms of the fruit should be taken into account in the presence of certain diseases in humans.

• Hyperthyroidism. This is a thyroid disorder in which hormone levels are elevated. Due to the high iodine content in feijoa fruits, they should not be used for hyperthyroidism.
• Allergic reactions. People who are prone to allergies need to use feijoa with caution. Due to the high amount of essential oils, the fruit can cause allergies.
• Diabetes. Feijoa contains a lot of carbohydrates, which can affect the blood sugar level of a diabetic patient.

It should be remembered that any healthy fruit can be dangerous. So, for example, an overdose of feijoa can lead to anxiety, fever, increased heart rate, or, conversely, depression, weakness and lethargy. Therefore, before using the fruit for medicinal purposes, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

Feijoa (novolat. Feijoa) Is a green oblong berry native to South America. In size, feijoa is 5-7 cm in diameter and weighs about 20-120 g. When ripe, the fruit becomes very juicy with a slight sourness.

Legend and discovery

There is a legend about the origin of feijoa. About how the young man was in love with the sea princess, but yearned for the land. For the decision to return to solid land, the sea king turned him into a tree with the scent of the sea breeze at the fruit.

A new plant was discovered at the end of the 19th century. in Brazil during a scientific expedition and got its name in honor of the director of the museum of natural history Joao Feij. In Europe, the first fruit appeared in 1890 in France. From there, the feijoa was spread to the Mediterranean countries, the Crimea and the Caucasus. The tree is very thermophilic and can withstand maximum frosts down to -10 ° C.

Description

The rind of the feijoa is quite dense and tart in taste, and the flesh is soft and juicy with few seeds. In this case, the entire fruit is used. Some people prefer to consume only the inner part of the fruit, forgetting that a large amount of nutrients are found in the peel. The peel can also be dried and added to tea for flavoring. Feijoa ripens from mid-October to almost the end of November. Therefore, this berry is very popular in countries of a temperate climatic zone, where cold weather already sets in during this period and fresh fruits begin to leave.

Feijoa collection and storage

Feijoa is harvested when the berry is not yet ripe - this allows it to be transported without damage. When choosing a feijoa, you need to try it by touch. The fruit should be soft and free from visible damage. If the feijoa is hard and the other is not, then it can be left for several days in a well-ventilated room at a temperature of 20-23 °. These conditions will allow the fruit to mature naturally. In order to be sure to check the quality of the feijoa fruit, it must be cut. The pulp of a ripe berry is transparent. If the pulp is white, then the fruit is not ripe, the brown one is already spoiled.

Feijoa can be stored in the refrigerator in the fruit and vegetable compartment, but, like any other seasonal berry, not for long. Depending on the degree of ripeness of the berries, this is from 7 to 14 days. When stored, feijoa loses moisture, which makes it sweeter. You can also make a feijoa jam that can be consumed throughout the winter. To do this, wash the feijoa, cut the inflorescence and grind. In mashed potatoes, add sugar in a 1: 1 ratio. Initially, the jam will be green, but later may turn brown due to the seed pigment. With this method of harvesting feijoa, all its useful properties are preserved.

Using feijoa

The berry is widely used in cooking (compotes, jam, pastries, desserts, salads, marinades, wine, tinctures), cosmetology and independently as a medicine. When using feijoa, not a single case of allergic reactions has been identified.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of feijoa

Composition and presence of nutrients

Feijoa fruits contain vitamins (, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, PP), micro- and macroelements (iodine, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, manganese), acids (malic, folic ) and essential oils with pineapple and strawberry aromas. Due to the presence in the pulp of the fruit of easily digestible proteins and fats, feijoa belongs to dietary food products, which can be used as a substitute for one of the meals or used in dishes while following a diet. This will make up for the lack of vitamins and reduce weight.

Feijoa is the only plant in the world with an iodine content higher than seafood. It is in a water-soluble state, therefore it is well absorbed by the body. Doctors prescribe feijoa fruits for people with thyroid disorders and mental stress. It is also used in the treatment and prevention of diseases such as gastrointestinal inflammation, gastritis, atherosclerosis, vitamin deficiency, hypovitaminosis, pyelonephritis, gout, Graves' disease, constipation.

The peel of the fruit contains biologically active substances kakhetin and leukoanthocin, which are powerful antioxidants that have a preventive effect on cancer.

Vitamin C and feijoa aromatic essential oils are used in the treatment of colds, acute respiratory infections and flu, as well as an immunomodulator. For treatment, it is better to consume the fruit with a warm drink in the form of jam.

The use of feijoy in cosmetology

Feijoa cosmetic masks have anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating and nourishing effects. To prepare the mask, 1/3 of the chopped feijoa should be mixed with the yolk, 2 tbsp. spoons of cottage cheese and 1 tbsp. spoon of olive oil. Apply the resulting mixture on the face and neck for 20 minutes. At the end of the time, rinse the mask with water.

Feijoa in cooking

When preparing feijoa dishes, you should take into account its flavor combination with other products. So feijoa in salads is in harmony with oily and citrus fruits, with fresh and boiled beets, carrots, apples. For dressing, it is better to use low-fat sour cream or yogurt.

Dangerous properties of feijoa

Ripe feijoa fruits, due to the high sugar content, are contraindicated for people suffering from

The exotic feijoa berry appeared on the Russian market relatively recently. And if it comes to her special taste, then a legend comes to mind. The young man fell in love with the sea princess and settled with her in the underwater kingdom, but he greatly missed the sun and the sky. Once he decided to go up to the ground and the underwater king, angry, turned him into a tree with fruits that tasted of the sea breeze. They are not only fragrant. Nutritionists and doctors agree that the beneficial properties of feijoa berries for the body are very extensive.

What is a feijoa fruit or berry

Feijoa ripens on a tropical woody shrub from this. Myrtovs, which grows in "warm regions" everywhere, where the thermometer does not drop below + 10C. Native to Brazil (South America), the fruit hits the shelves in December. Feijoa includes only three plant species, among which only Feijoa Sello is cultivated. There is another name for the plant - pineapple guava.

It is no longer a secret for our residents where feijoa grows, since in Russia these are the regions of the Crimea and the Caucasus, the Krasnodar Territory. Not everyone likes a berry with a tart taste and slight sourness. This is due to its recent appearance on the shelves and therefore some are wary of it, others simply did not taste it. What does a feijoa look like? An amateur berry has the following characteristics:

• weight reaches 20-120 g (depending on the area of \u200b\u200bgrowth);
• in size and shape resembles egg;
• covered with a dense lemon to green skin with a tart taste;
• inside contains juicy pulp and some seeds.

It is advisable to consume whole pineapple guava, since the content of beneficial compounds in the peel is no less than in the inner pulp. Feijoa season or ripening period in Russia falls on October-November. Our residents eat the fruit already in December, when there are fewer other berries and fruits.

Interesting: The unusual fruit was described by the curious Portuguese Juan de Silva Feijo. He was sent to follow the sulfur mines, but the young man was curious and studied nature: he caught butterflies, examined plants and wrote down everything he saw in his diary. An unusual berry was named in his honor.

Smell and taste

The exotic feijoa fruit is covered with a bumpy skin on the outside. It spoils the taste of the fruit, as it has too tart taste. But it has another advantage - a pleasant aroma and a storehouse of useful compounds.

To feel the taste of feijoa, you need to taste it by taking out the juicy pulp of the fruit with a spoon. The pulp tastes like a mixture of pineapple, strawberry and papaya with a slight mint flavor. It manifests itself in full, with all the notes, when the fruit is fully ripe. Usually berries are harvested unripe, and they ripen during transportation and storage, revealing the maximum of useful properties.

Calorie content

Feijoa does not differ in excess calories, although the carbohydrate content is quite high. The calorie content of feyokha does not exceed 49 kcal / 100g of the product. The paradox is that with a low energy value, fruits contain a significant percentage of sugars and fiber.

The glycemic index of feijoa is 40. Recall that GI is the rate of absorption of carbohydrates, due to saturation with which the level of sugar in the blood rises. The scale is 100 units, where 0 is a non-carbohydrate product, 100 is a product containing the maximum amount of carbohydrates. The GI of an exotic fruit is close to the average, which indicates the presence of "fast" sugars, which, once entering the bloodstream, are actively absorbed by the body.

Note: A high GI value leads to an increase in blood sugar%, disrupts metabolic processes. Due to this, there is a rapid deposition of fat in problem areas and at the same time, the person experiences a constant feeling of hunger.

Chemical composition

The ratio of the main food components: carbohydrates, fats, protein BJU is as follows:

• proteins: 1.24 g (5 kcal);
• fats: 0.78 g (7 kcal);
• carbohydrates: 10.63 g (43 kcal).

The ratio between the main components of food is: 10% / 14% / 87% (b / w / y). From the daily value and needs of the body, 100 g of berries contains 1% protein, 1% fat and 5% carbohydrates.

The value and useful properties of feijoa are associated with its richest composition. She has a whole range of useful compounds. Contains:

• pectins;
• fiber (dietary fiber);
• sucrose;
• essential oils;
• tannins;
• organic acids: folic and malic ;;
• phytosterols;
• bioflavonoids;
• saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

It contains vitamins, minerals, trace elements. Contains vitamins of group B, E, K, C, PP. The amount of vitamin C is not at all less than in citrus fruits. The mineral complex is part of the periodic table and is useful for maintaining immunity and the normal course of all biochemical processes in the body.

The presence of iodine in feijoa is unmatched in the fruit world. Its content is 40 mg / 100g, which is comparable to seafood. A large amount of iodine allows you to meet the daily requirement for the element when consuming two berries. Usually, plant crops growing near the sea can boast of such an amount of useful substance. For those who are experiencing problems with hypofunction of the thyroid gland, this fetus will be of invaluable help.

The hard and tart peel of feijoa also contains compounds useful for the body: phenolic components, catechins, and biologically active substances. Due to its specific taste, it is rarely consumed raw. The rind is usually dried and added to teas or drinks.

Feijoa benefits for women

The beneficial properties of pineapple guava are invaluable during pregnancy, when the growing body needs trace elements for full development. In this process, iodine, folic acid, amino acids play an important role. Since feijoa does not carry a large number of calories, it does not add weight to the expectant mother.

It is useful in dietary nutrition, keeping the figure in good condition. Desserts are also made from feijoa, which contain monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), which are quickly absorbed by the body. Fruit salads, ice cream are prepared from exotic berries, compotes, preserves, and jams are made. Fruit jelly and jelly contains pectins (fiber), which reduces appetite and normalizes the digestive tract.

The fruit is used in cosmetology: feijoa face masks have an anti-aging effect. With their help, women of "Balzac age" struggle with age-related skin problems, reducing the depth of wrinkles and flabbiness of the epidermis.

For your information: Fruits are stored in November-December. If they are not yet ripe, then the inside contains white pulp, in ripe berries it is transparent. A brown tint indicates that the fruit is overripe and unsuitable for nutrition. Fresh fruits are stored in the refrigerator for up to 10-30 days.

Why is feijoa useful for men

Feijoa for men is an important and useful products... If you introduce a berry into your daily diet, then it is capable of:

• stop or prevent inflammation of the prostate;
• restore hormonal levels;
• enhance sexual activity.

Such an exotic fruit effect will help men feel vigorous, full of energy and desires.

Beneficial features

To eat a berry that does not grow in our area, you need to carefully weigh the benefits and harms of feijoa. Doctors in to a greater extent associate beneficial properties with a high% of iodine and advise to eat feijoa for the benefit of the thyroid gland with iodine deficiency in patients. Useful properties are manifested in the work of the endocrine system and metabolism with a combination of iodine and vitamins.

Note: The% iodine content in fruits is directly related to the area of \u200b\u200bgrowth of the culture. If the iodine content in the soil is insignificant, if the sea is far away, if the culture is indoor, then the useful trace element is not enough to remove iodine deficiency.

Substances in pineapple guava:

1. They cleanse the blood from cholesterol, lowering its level.
2. They help in the work of the heart muscle, maintaining sodium-potassium balance. Antioxidants protect the heart and blood vessels from overload and restore the body's work at the cellular level.
3. Reduces blood pressure. Feijoa for hypertension is useful with regular use.
4. They restore the composition of the blood by purifying it.
5. Used for anemia (anemia) due to the presence of iron in the composition.

Whether the feijoa fruit weakens or strengthens remains controversial. The peel contains tannins that fix it. The pulp is rich in pectins, which are good at removing metabolic products. Based on the problem that has arisen, you need to use the crust of the fruit or vice versa - its pulp. The substances that make up feijoa help out with problems with the gastrointestinal tract. For example, it helps feijoa with gastritis, bowel and pancreatic diseases.

During the period of "viral and bacterial attacks", when the off-season comes, the beneficial properties of the berry save you from colds. They are used as a prophylactic agent, since they are excellent immunomodulators: they support the immune system when it is weakened. Exotic is very useful in the postoperative period, after large blood loss or an illness.

Healing property essential oil Feijoa is aimed at solving skin problems associated with inflammatory processes. It actively fights bacteria and fungi on the skin, helping with acne, abscesses, boils. Due to its antiseptic properties, it helps in the rapid healing of wounds.

Feijoa is useful for losing weight. If you decide to lose a few extra pounds, then this product will come in handy. When combined with a low-calorie diet and a dinner with exotic berries, the effect will not be long in coming. Healthy dietary salads combined with carrots, beets, apples, citrus fruits, which will not allow you to raise the weight bar. But the maximum possible amount of fruits eaten should not exceed 400g.

Feijoa consumption in diabetes is a controversial issue. In small quantities, it is recommended in the diet. But the composition is rich in sucrose, therefore, it is undesirable to eat an overseas product without consulting a specialist.

Due to the presence of antioxidants in the composition, the overseas berry helps with an indifferent attitude to your health:

1. The use of mono diets and the lack of thoughtful nutrition.
2. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation (sun exposure).
3. Stress and prolonged depressive episodes.
4. Sports activities and overstrain during heavy physical exertion.
5. Living in areas that are not environmentally friendly.

A useful berry is recommended for the elderly, it is able to resist cancer. All these qualities of an overseas plant will help maintain good health and protect the body from many diseases. Feijoa is used as a medicine due to the content of a large amount beneficial to the body substances.

Note: Since the fruits quickly deteriorate and it is problematic to preserve them, the berries can be dried or made a five-minute jam. With this treatment, most of the nutrients are retained and the ability to use them during a long winter.

Feijoa contraindications

Like any fruit, feijoa has beneficial properties and contraindications. When using the fruit, the following points are important:

1. You can not use the fruit with dairy products, because milk is not "friendly" with pectins and this combination leads to malfunctions in the digestive tract.
2. Children under one year old should not know about the existence of the fruit, since the child's digestive system is weak and not fully formed. It is not designed for exotic fruits.
3. With dysfunction of the thyroid gland, hyperthyroidism (an excess of iodine) is possible and the use of the fruit can aggravate the disease.
4. It is advisable for pregnant women and nursing mothers to consume feijoa in a limited way so that there is no excess of certain substances from the fetus that can cause unwell.
5. Feijoa is a strong allergen, so eat a small piece the first time you try it. If rash, itching, or irritation occurs in oral cavitythen this product will have to be discarded.
6. You can not eat unripe fruits, they can cause poisoning. If unripe fruits are purchased, then it is better to store them with bananas, which will speed up ripening. Only ripe fruits are useful.

Important: Any berries or fruits that are consumed immoderately will be harmful, and the beneficial properties will be reduced to zero. You need to monitor your eating habits and try to limit them.

Exot is prohibited for some diseases. Diabetes mellitus is questionable, when sugar, if consumed excessively, can provoke an attack. With hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, its use is extremely undesirable and even dangerous. It is forbidden for obesity. In this state, the diet is not based on exotic fruits: nutritionists create a thoughtful and balanced diet based on the main nutritional components.

The southern product is not difficult to find in any supermarket during the winter season. The price for it "does not bite", so it is quite affordable for the middle strata of the population. And if in its raw form it does not cause much delight, then it can be boiled, baked or added to salads. Jam, fruit drinks, compotes have a rather pleasant taste. It is not necessary to eat it fresh; after heat treatment, feijoa does not lose its beneficial properties.

The southern plant arriving from overseas is not a panacea for all ills. But its regular consumption neutralizes many negative processes that occur in the body. This does not mean that after eating a few berries, you suddenly feel completely healthy, but in combination with others healthy fruits you will be able to lead a more active lifestyle.