Recently, there has been a growing interest in exploring exotic fruits as potential sources of essential nutrients and health-promoting compounds. Among these, feijoas are known for their distinctive flavor and aromatic qualities and have emerged as a subject of scientific inquiry. By examining relevant studies, we have explored the impact of feijoas on immune function, digestive health, cardiovascular well-being, and other facets of human health. As the scientific community endeavors to unravel the intricacies of dietary influences on well-being, this investigation contributes valuable insights into the nutritional merits of feijoas, offering a foundation for informed dietary choices and potential avenues for further research in functional foods. Feijoas have been found to benefit the digestive system, decrease the risk of heart disease, fight off infections, assist in antioxidant defense, improve focus, concentration, and memory, and spike blood sugar levels (Tangella.)
The health benefits of eating feijoas are extensive and have been scientifically proven. To a further extent, the nutritional value of eating feijoas includes their richness in essential vitamins, including but not limited to vitamin C and B-complex vitamins (B1, B3, B5, and B6) (Mercola.) For overall health and body function these vitamins are vital, while numerous supplements offer these essential vitamins, feijoas stand out because all of these vitamins come naturally in this wonderfully delicious and nutritious fruit. Additionally, there are a plethora of healthy minerals that this fruit provides such as manganese, copper, calcium, and potassium (Mercola.)
These bone-improving minerals help to densify and assist with the prevention of the onset of osteoporosis. In essence, consuming feijoas is a wholesome and natural means of obtaining vital vitamins and minerals crucial for optimal health and well-being.
In response to the increasing resistance of pathogenic fungi to current antifungal drugs, our study explores the potential use of agricultural waste, specifically feijoa peels, to discover novel antifungal compounds. Analyzing 151 compounds from 16 feijoa cultivars, scientists observed that 93% correlated with antifungal activity (Mokhtari).
Five of the 18 compounds significantly linked to antifungal effects were previously unknown in feijoa. Notably, two feijoa cultivars exhibited heightened effectiveness, with the compound 4-cyclopentene-1,3-dione found in these cultivars displaying potent antifungal activity against Candida species. Further analysis revealed that 4-cyclopentene-1,3-dione targets chitin synthesis, a key component of fungal cell walls (Mokhtari). This discovery provides a specific mechanism for antifungal action and underscores feijoa peels as a potential source of valuable antifungal compounds.
Regarding the health benefits of feijoa, its high fiber content, comparable to avocados, stands out prominently. Fiber is pivotal in promoting regular bowel movements, effectively eliminating waste and toxins from the body (Sinatra.)
This is crucial for preventing the buildup of harmful substances, which, when not excreted regularly, may be reabsorbed into the bloodstream, potentially leading to health issues such as fatigue, pain, and allergy-like symptoms, as well as systemic inflammation (Sinatra.)
Additionally, fiber serves as a vital source of nutrition for beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing nutrient absorption and fortifying the protective barrier of the gut lining (Sinatra.)
This reinforcement helps prevent the passage of toxins into the bloodstream, contributing to overall well-being. In essence, the fiber content in feijoa supports digestive health and reinforces the body’s defense mechanisms against potential health risks. A study found that feijoa extract demonstrated a significant antidepressant effect in mice, attributable to its richness in folate (Sinatra.)
Folate deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of depression. Folate plays a crucial role in neutralizing homocysteine, a metabolite known for its inflammatory properties in the blood, which can adversely impact the risk of heart disease (Sinatra.) Furthermore, homocysteine can interfere with mood-regulating hormones like serotonin, a common target of pharmaceutical antidepressants. This study suggests a potential link between feijoa’s folate content and its impact on mood regulation through the modulation of homocysteine levels (Sinatra.)
Not only are feijoas High in Vitamin C, Rich in Dietary Fiber, Abundance of Antioxidants, Nutrient Diversity, Natural Source of Essential Minerals, and beneficial to heart health, but the fruit itself is naturally delicious. They’re the nutritional powerhouses of the fruit world. Feijoas brings the good stuff to the table. I would postulate that feijoa is the king of fruits because it has these miracle health benefits, and the taste is unlike any other. It is still a wonder how a fruit with such remarkable taste is not only one of the healthiest fruits in the world but also nutritious and delicious. But it’s not just about taste – feijoas are the all-around champs. They’re the versatile players in the fruit game. And let’s talk aroma – cutting into a feijoa is like unleashing a fragrant symphony. The smell alone is a sneak peek into the flavor party that will happen in your mouth. Imagine them as the headliners in your fall fruit lineup. Their seasonal appearance means you’re getting them at their absolute best – juicy, fresh, and ready to blow your taste buds away.
References:
Inhibitor of Chitin Synthesis. ACS Publications. Most Trusted. Most Cited. Most Read.
Mokhtari, M. (2018, March 16). Bioactivity-Guided Metabolite Profiling of Feijoa (Accasellowiana) Cultivars Identifies 4-Cyclopentene-1,3-dione as a Potent Antifungal
Mercola, J. (2017, September 21). What is Feijoa Good for? Mercola.com.
Tangella, K. (2021, November 11). 7 health benefits of Feijoa. DoveMed.
