Feijoa (Acca Sellowiana) is a tree native to Brazil, which is an evergreen, perennial shrub belonging to the family Myrtaceae. Now, the feijoa is grown mainly in New Zealand and California. There are 21 species of plants, for example, Apollo, Choiceana, Coolidge, Edenvale Improved Coolidge, Edenvale Late and so on.Feijoa fruit have a tart-sweet flavor. Taste like the combination of strawberry, guava and pineapple. The feijoa season is autumn. When the fruit Matures, he falls from the tree.
Nutritional value of guava:
Vitamin C – 32.9 mg (36,56% of the daily value)
Dietary fiber and 6.4 mg (16,84%)
Carbohydrates – of 15.21 mg (11,70%)
Vitamin B9 – 23 micrograms(of 5.75%)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 0,067 mg (5,15%)
Vitamin B5 0,233 mg (4,66%)
Health benefits
Thanks to the amazing nutrients and unique taste, feijoa is widely used as an ingredient in desserts, smoothies, sauces, cocktails and braised dishes. Feijoa provides numerous health benefits such as improved digestion, lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar and others.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common inflammatory bowel diseases. Crohn’s disease affects the entire digestive system, while ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine. Studies have shown that the extract of Myrtle is effective for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease patients.
Harmful bacteria
Scientists have studied antibacterial properties of aqueous extract of feijoa. It was used against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The experiment showed that the extract helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria, so it can be used to counteract the bacteria.
Cancer prevention
Feijoa extract have demonstrated anti-cancer properties in hematological and solid cancer cells. It is noted that the extract has no toxic effect on normal myeloid cells, and this means that it has selective activity against tumors. Purification, fractionation and analysis of the extract identified flavone as the active component.
Constipation
Dietary fiber is well known for its ability to eliminate constipation. Srednestatisticheskogo regularly consumes only half the recommended amount of dietary fiber. Women under 50 years of age should take 25 grams of fiber a day and men about 38 grams. For children the recommended intake of dietary fiber is 14 g. the fruit of feijoa provides 1/4 of your daily required fiber. Fiber is necessary for the growth of good intestinal bacteria. When these bacteria are healthy and strong, nutrients in food are absorbed properly. In addition, healthy intestinal bacteria help to protect the lining of the intestinal wall.
Heart health
Feijoa fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is associated with the prevention of flu and colds. The antioxidants found in feijoa, help to eliminate free radicals from the blood. They reduce oxidative stress, which is the main cause of atherosclerosis, heart disease and plaque formation. Furthermore, potassium contained in pineapple guava, improves the functioning of the arteries by playing a vital role in blood circulation.
Mood
The study shows that feijoa extract demonstrated antidepressant effect on mice. Feijoa is rich occurring food folate, which are useful in the treatment of depression. Folates help neutralize the metabolite known as homocysteine. It activates homocysteine, which can affect hormones such as serotonin that help regulate mood and are the targets of most pharmaceutical antidepressants.
Immune function
Feijoa has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It contains sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins, paedomorphoses consumption of the fruit provides a boost of the immune system. Vitamin C helps in stimulating the production of white blood cells that act as the first line of defense of the body. It also contains antioxidant which helps to eliminate free radicals. One serving of guava contains more than 50% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C.
Blood pressure
Foods high in potassium are vital for people suffering from high blood pressure. They have a high chance to develop heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis. Potassium acts as a vasodilator, which helps to reduce tension in the blood vessels and arteries, easing the load on the cardiovascular system.
Metabolism
Vitamin needed for overall body functions and metabolic activities such as synthesis of red blood cells and proteins, stimulation of nerve function and energy generation in cells. Feijoas contain high levels of vitamin B.
The use of feijoa
In some countries the feijoa is used for the treatment of diseases of the thyroid gland due to the high content of iodine. Tea made of fruits and flowers of the plant is useful for diarrhea and dysentery.
In Paraguay, the crushed flower is applied to burns, rashes, insect bites, and inflamed region. Lotions made from flowers, beneficial for relieving sunburn.
Due to the high content of vitamin C in guava, it is commonly used as a medicine to treat colds and fever. Regularly eat fruits it is recommended to people who are struggling with high blood pressure. It is believed that the frequent consumption of guava can help prevent cancer.
However, people with allergic reactions to foods you should avoid feijoa, and those who have health problems, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using the plant and its fruit.
How to eat feijoa
- Ripe fruits are consumed raw
- Fruits can be added to meats, salads, vegetable stews, puddings and pastries
- From fruit you can make jam, sauce, jelly and liqueur
- Use the pulp for making smoothies, ice cream, yoghurt and soft drinks
- The flower of the feijoa is also considered edible and is often eaten raw or added to salads
- Fruits and flowers are also used for tea
- In New Zealand, feijoa, stewed in a pot with sugar and then served with vanilla ice cream
- It can be used in recipes as a substitute for apples