Kumquat fruit is a tiny, olive-sized fruit with a tangy-to-sweet flavor. It is yellow to orange in colour and can be seen as a mini orange in appearance. Its flesh or pulp is tangy whereas its peel is sweet. You can eat it with peel.
This fruit is known to have originated in Southeast Asia. Its major cultivating countries are China, Japan, Taiwan, India and North America. Kumquat is a Cantonese word that means golden tangerine as it appears.
This tiny fruit has many powerful antioxidants that help fight off various critical health conditions like heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, etc. Kumquat is also a zero GI fruit that helps in diabetes management. It contains zero to low fat which is also important for weight management.
Rich in Vitamin C
Since your body doesn’t make it naturally, you have to get Vitamin C from food -- like kumquats. It’s important for:
- Blood vessels, which carry blood to your tissues and organs
- Cartilage, a tough but flexible tissue in your body
- Muscle
- Collagen, a protein in bones that plays a role in bone health
- Healing
Rich in Vitamin A
Vitamin A: Kumquats help you get this nutrient that’s critical to many of your body’s tasks, like:
- Vision
- Growth
- Reproduction
- Immunity
Vitamin A is also an antioxidant. That means it protects your cells from the effects of free radicals. Those are molecules your body makes that could play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
Good For Heart Health
Nutrients in Kumquat like Vitamin C, fibre, antioxidants, and Vitamin A collectively reduce the fat accumulation in the arteries and reduce the risk of blockages. Therefore, it mitigates the possibility of heart failure, stroke, and high blood pressure conditions. Eventually, it strengthens heart health. It also reduces LDL which prevents heart conditions.
Good For Digestion
It is filled with insoluble fibre as dietary fibre that allows good digestion. It removes conditions like constipation, disturbed bowel movements, gastrointestinal problems, and gastritis. In addition, it promotes gut bacteria to grow which encourages a good and strong digestive system.
Helps In Diabetes Management
Kumquat fruit has zero GI and low sugar content which makes it a superfood for diabetic people. It does not increase blood sugar levels after consumption. Its dietary fiber also slows the digestion & absorption of sugar from food which helps in diabetes management.
Helps In Weight-Management
A high-fibre fruit is always gold for people who aspire to lose weight. Dietary fiber in Kumquat food slows digestion and keeps a person feeling full for a longer time. It reduces unnecessary munching, which is the reason for weight gain. Apart from this, kumquat fruit also contains poncirin flavonoid which is associated with reducing obesity.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Kumquat is rich in powerful antioxidants that kill free radicals in the body. The formation of free radicals is associated with the development of cancerous cells. This citrus fruit also contains apigenin flavonoid that reduces the risks of cancer.
Good For Skin Health
Vitamin C is one of the major contributors to skin health and Kumquat is a rich source of Vitamin C. It increases collagen formation that gives firm, radiant, wrinkle-free, and healthy skin. Antioxidants like vitamin C also kill free radicals that cause aging effects on the skin like fine lines and wrinkles. This protects the skin from aging.
Good For Eye Health
Vitamin A plays a major role in good eye health. Kumquat fruit is rich in vitamin A, and beta carotene that promotes eye health. Carotenoids help in improving eyesight and also help in controlling night blindness.
Boosts Immunity
Citrus fruits promote good immunity because of the presence of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Other antioxidants like flavonoids also strengthen immunity. Apart from antioxidants, Kumquats have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that fight off various infections and fevers. Therefore, it makes you strong and boosts your immunity.
Mood Elevator
Kumquats can also improve mood swings, and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Good For Bone Health
A good skeleton system requires an adequate amount of calcium which is found in Kumquat. It meets 6% of our daily calcium requirement and increases bone density. It also prevents fractures and low bone density.
Breaks Gallstones
Do you know that Kumquat helps in breaking gallbladder stones? Gall bladder stones are painful and induce inflammation. This tiny fruit is helpful to reduce these painful gallstones because of limonene, a compound found in it.
Conclusion
Incorporate Kumquat into your diet to enjoy its benefits on your well-being. Try one of RUCHA Remedies tisane blends with Kumquat!
Sources:
1. Health Benefits of Kumquat in Breathe Well Being by: Dr. Priyanka Chakravarty Indu
2. Health Benefits of Kumquats in WebMD by Alyson Powell Key, medically reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD. LD. on 18 August 2021
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.