Feijoa: the fruit of a thousand virtues

Originally from the mountainous areas of South America, the Acca Sellowiana it adapts very well to the lowest temperatures (down to -7 degrees). It is an evergreen shrub that produces small rounded fruits of about 5 cm in diameter, with shiny white or yellowish pulp and slightly wrinkled green skin.

The fruits have a very strong scent that can be felt even before they have reached maturity and its sweetly sour taste makes it special, someone defines it similar to pineapple.

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The healing properties of feijoa

1. Prevention
Due to its high iodine content (3mg / 100g), feijoa has a great preventive property against thyroid diseases, such as goiter.

2. Intestinal disorders
Thanks to the large amount of fiber, this fruit maintains the balance of intestinal functions.

3. Bactericidal function
Leaves, stem, seeds and fruits have a strong antibacterial action against fungi and bacteria that cause gastrointestinal disorders.

4. Bone development and pregnancy
The feijoa also contains among others vitamin B9 also known as folic acid, an essential element in pregnancy prevents malformations in the fetus such as spina bifida, while for children of growing age, it allows proper bone formation, a deficiency of vitamin B9 it could cause anemia.

5. Immune system
Thanks to the presence of vitamins C and K, feijoa offers itself as a support and strengthening of our immune system.

6. antioxidants that allow the slowing down of cellular aging.

7. Detoxifying
The large amount of water, about 80% of the fruit, and the variety of vitamins present, give the feijoa energizing, toning and purifying properties which benefit the whole body. The liver is literally washed, the blood is more flowing and cleansed of impurities, the mild laxative action allows to expel toxins and these internal activities are reflected on our external appearance, giving us a new brightness.

8. Cardiovascular action
The presence of polyunsaturated fats, omega 3 and omega 6, have blood thinning properties and dissolve the fat present in it, lowering cholesterol levels, therefore bringing great benefits to the cardiovascular system, removing the dangers of thrombosis and heart disease.

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Cosmetic properties of feijoa

The extract of the fruit of the feijoa sellowia is used in the cosmetic field in various preparations, creams, cleansers, essential oils etc. for its moisturizing, softening, toning, refreshing, skin purifying, emollient and nourishing qualities.

Using the feijoa in the kitchen

Let's not forget that this little miracle of nature is a fruit that can be enjoyed simply by cutting it in half and savoring the pulp by extracting it with a teaspoon, but also using it to flavor wine, cocktails, ice creams, desserts, cakes, jams but also meat and fish. of sea.

The flowers of this plant are also edible, Brazilian children love to eat them by taking them directly from the branches while adults make infusions and herbal teas, or use them on desserts and salads, with their delicate pink color they also serve as decoration.

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