The beneficial properties of kumquat have been known since ancient times, this fruit is especially widely used in China and Japan. However, due to the large area of its growth, today it is gaining popularity almost everywhere.
After overseas fruits became available to Russian people, the beneficial properties of kumquat became known in our country. It looks like a small oval shaped orange. It has long been recognized both in the historical territory of its cultivation in Japan and in the USA, China, Argentina, Israel and many other countries. In addition, it is grown as a houseplant for decorating interiors. The beneficial properties of kumquat are due to the fact that it is considered an excellent source of vitamins A, B and C, dietary fiber. Fresh, it can be eaten with the skin without fear. For long-term storage, it is salted, dried or canned.
Japanese quince fortunella, as kumquat is also called, the beneficial properties of which today every year increase the popularity of this fruit, contains very few calories. It contains a large number of vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, minerals (calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, manganese, zinc, selenium, copper) and essential oils. All this makes kumquat very attractive for widespread use in medicine and daily nutrition. Especially among antioxidants, it is worth highlighting carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and tannin.
When dried kumquat, its benefits in a number of indicators remain almost at the same level as fresh fruit. The essential oils contained in it have a bactericidal effect. Therefore, it can be used to treat colds and kill fungi. With it, you can lower cholesterol. In addition, kumquat is a good way to deal with a hangover syndrome. Minerals contained in it contribute to the normalization of blood pressure and heart rate, participate in the processes of oxidation in cells and the formation of red blood cells.
The beneficial properties of kumquat are manifested in it because of the high content of vitamin C, it is recommended for the rapid healing of wounds, the prevention of diabetes, arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. To get the daily allowance, it’s enough to eat only eight raw fruits. The presence of fat-soluble vitamin A in the fruit makes it an excellent tool for the prevention of diseases of the skin, musculoskeletal tissues, nails and teeth. In addition, for people it is a good alternative to carrot juice. The B vitamins contained in kumquat (riboflavin, pyridoxine, folate, thiamine, niacin) contribute to better absorption of food (similar to cofactors). Having eaten eight fruits, it is possible to provide ten percent of the daily share of calcium, which is necessary for the formation of bone tissue, teeth, transmission of nerve impulses.
Due to the saturation of kumquat with dietary fiber, its consumption has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, heart health, insulin concentration and blood glucose level. The fruit contains tannins, pectins, cellulose and a number of polysaccharides. There were no serious contraindications in humans to kumquat. True, you do not need to consume it excessively, kidney irritation may appear. In cooking, the most famous is tea with kumquats, marmalade and marmalade made from this fruit.