Kumquats are small citrus fruits with an oblong shape. They have an orangey yellow fleshy skin and a sweet; yet sour internal flesh similar to a tangerine and orange. Kumquats are about the size of a large olive and grow on Kumquat trees, which are relatives of the Rutaceae Family. The trees grow to about 15 feet tall with dense branches, thorns, dark glossy green leaves and white fragrant blossoms that produce tiny orange fruits known as Kumquats. The citrus fruits are native to South Asia and the Asia-Pacific Region, but have cultivated to other areas such as India, Japan and Taiwan.
Kumquat contains a good amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorous, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Dietary Fibers, Healthy Fats and Healthy Protein.
Health Benefits Of Kumquat
- Boost immunity: Kumquat is a good source of Vitamin C which fulfills 73% of the recommended daily need. So it can help increase immunity to protect you from getting cold, flu and other infections.
- Maintain a balanced cholesterol: Kumquat contains a good amount of dietary fiber, Omega-3 and Omega-6 which works effectively in lowering cholesterol.
- Protect diabetes: The natural antioxidants Vitamin C kumquat contains, protects from free radicals and removes the free radicals from the body to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Protect skin: Studies have found that foods rich in antioxidants may prevent early skin ageing by protecting skin from the free radical damage, and kumquat is a great source of antioxidant Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
- Improve the health of bone and teeth: kumquat contains calcium that is good for bone and teeth. Also, Vitamin A is essential for the development of bone and teeth as well.
Other health benefits you can get from the nutrients in Kumquats:
- Help with Weight Loss and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
- Prevention and Reduction in Kidney Stones
- Relief from Inflammatory Diseases such as Asthma and Arthritis
- Prevention Against Depression
- Speedy Recovery from Flesh Wounds
- Prevention Against Cancers
- Proper Oxygen Flow throughout the Body
- Better Blood Circulation
- Natural Relief from Allergy Symptoms such as Runny Nose, Sore Throat, Coughing, Water Eyes and Sneezing
- Prevention Against Cardiovascular Health Problems
- Relief from Fatigue
- Naturally Strengthens Hair and Nails
- Enhances Brain Function so You can Think Clearly
- Prevents and Reduces Joint Pains
- Healthy Digestive System
- Prevention Against Constipation
The best way to eat a Kumquat to receive the health benefits from it
The best way to eat a Kumquat to receive the most health benefits from it is by eating it just as it is peel and all. If you can pick them and eat them from an organic Kumquat tree that has not been sprayed with pesticides that would be best.
You can also find them at local grocery stores around the Christmas season, but make sure they are organic to insure you are getting a healthy piece of fruit that is not contaminated anyway with pesticides or other chemicals. Pesticides and other chemicals used to treat fruit can potentially be harmful to the body.
Eating a Kumquat should be a healthy happy experience that provides nourishing nutrients to the body.
Source: nutrition-and-you.com