What is the kumquat fruit and what is its benefit to the body
The kumquat is sometimes mistaken for a strange kind of mandarin, but it is a separate fruit. It belongs to citrus fruits, has great benefits for the body, but we must not forget about the restrictions. Careless eating of exotic fruits can have negative consequences.
Kumquat - what is this fruit
Kumquat is used for cooking in many restaurants around the world. It is an integral part of various desserts.
The color of the kumquat resembles orangebut much smaller. There are fruits of varying color intensity: from pale yellowish to rich orange. The kumquat is not larger than the plum, it is the same oval. The weight of one fruit is not more than 30 g. The peel is not very thick, but it is quite edible. If you don't like the peel, then you can dry it and add it to black or green tea.
In the middle there are several seeds from 4 to 7 pieces, the amount of pulp is small. The peel has a sweetish taste with noticeable astringency, and the middle of the fruit has a pronounced sourness. The bones are also edible, but slightly bitter. The aroma of the fruit is a bit like lime.
These fruits are consumed fresh or dried, dried. As such, they taste exactly like dried. mandarin... If the fruits are red, then it is better not to buy them: the bright color is the result of chemical processing.
What is the composition and calorie content of kumquat
In natural form, the fruit has a low energy value of 75 kcal per 100 g, includes up to 2% proteins and about 9% carbohydrates. The fat content is insignificant - no more than 1%. The moisture content in kumquat is about 80%.
When buying a kumquat, you need to pay attention to the condition of the peel. Fresh and healthy fruit will have a shiny and smooth appearance.
If the fruits are dried, then due to the removal of moisture, its calorie content increases greatly - up to 280 kcal, and even more for candied fruits, up to 320 kcal per 100 g.
Citrus fruits contain:
- composition of essential oils;
- saturated and unsaturated fatty acids;
- pectin compounds;
- the carotenoid lutein;
- Sahara;
- a large amount of vitamins, especially a lot of ascorbic acid, a lot of carotene and tocopherols, vitamin P and group B.
Of the minerals, potassium and sodium, calcium compounds are present, there is magnesium and iron, as well as molybdenum with zinc.
Most of the beneficial minerals are found in the skin of the fruit, which is why it is eaten without peeling it first. During the drying process, only moisture evaporates, the valuable components of kumquat do not disappear, therefore, dried in whole form or in pieces, they are no less useful.
How is kumquat useful?
The rich vitamin composition, successfully supplemented with minerals and essential oils, an abundance of dietary fiber, make this fruit very useful. Apply it internally and externally.
Kumquat fruits that were plucked a few weeks ago lose half of their vitamins and minerals.
Here's how you can use it:
- If twisted in a meat grinder or in blender fruits with honey, then such a mixture will quickly cure a cough, sore throat, any cold.
- Fresh fruits or juice from them is a powerful concentrate of vitamin C, which will prevent any winter ailments, provide high immunity.
- If you have a hangover in the morning, it is enough to eat 2 fresh kumquats.
- Carotene and lutein protect the eyes from developing cataracts.
- Due to the significant fiber content, fruits are used for weight loss, cleansing the body of toxins, excess cholesterol, and radiation.
- Use kumquat to lower blood sugar levels.
- Just a couple of fruits will save you from the heaviness in the stomach that occurs when you overeat.
- The fruit is great for nausea. If you are not allergic to it, then in small portions it can be consumed during pregnancy to eliminate the symptoms of toxicosis.
- Fresh juice is used to wipe the places affected by a fungal infection.
- Due to the presence of potassium, this product is good for the heart.
- In dried or dried form, it is beneficial to eat it for constipation.
- With daily use, the fruit will give a charge of vigor, provide the body with B vitamins, which is important for the normal functioning of the nervous system.
In addition to fruits, the essential oils of the plant are widely used for SPA sessions or inhalations. Fruit juice is added to the composition of masks, it helps to cope with freckles and pigmented areas. When consumed internally, the fruit also promotes an even skin tone, slows down the aging process.
Disadvantages of kumquat
Like any product, kumquat is not without flaws and, if used incorrectly, can be harmful. This is primarily due to the fact that it is not cleaned. It is important to wash the orange fruits thoroughly before eating. The dosage should be observed.
An adult should not eat more than 8-9 fresh kumquats or more than 130 g of candied fruits from it per day. It is better to eat no more than 2-3 fruits at a time.
Like all citrus fruits, dried kumquat belongs to strong allergens, individual intolerance is found to it. If a person has an ulcer, gastritis, or other serious gastrointestinal problems, it is best to stop using it. There are many organic acids in kumquat, which provoke an increase in acidity.
Patients suffering from diabetes should first consult with their doctor. With this disease, candied fruits are contraindicated, fresh fruits are allowed in a small dosage. Exotic fruits should not be consumed by women during breastfeeding.
Do not be limited only to tangerines and oranges. Dried kumquat is a delicious and incredibly healthy variety of citrus fruits. But you should be careful to introduce it into your diet so that there are no allergies and any other unpleasant symptoms.