Kumquat - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Have you ever heard of a fruit called a Kumquat? Many of us don't know about this small fruit that is full of healthy things. This superfood comes in a small package and makes a great snack. Since it is an orange, it has a lot of Vitamin C and many other important nutrients.

A kumquat isn't much bigger than a grape, but it has a big burst of sweet-tart citrus flavour when you bite into it. In Chinese, kumquat means "golden orange." They were grown in China at first. Now, they are grown in a number of other countries, including Florida and California, which are warmer parts of the United States.

Unlike other citrus fruits, the kumquat's peel is sweet and can be eaten. The juicy flesh, on the other hand, is sour.

What is kumquat? 

Kumquat fruit is a small fruit about the size of an olive. It tastes sour to sweet. It is between yellow and orange in colour and looks like a small orange. It grows on trees and is in the plant family Rutaceae. Also, the inside, or pulp, is sour, while the outside, or peel, is sweet. It can be eaten with the peel on.

Southeast Asia is where this fruit is thought to have come from. China, Japan, Taiwan, India, and North America are the main places where it is grown. It grows best in warm weather. Kumquat is a word in Cantonese that means "golden orange," which is how it looks. Some common Kumquat types are Nagami Kumquat & Meiwa Kumquat.

How to eat kumquat?

This tangy and sweet fruit makes your mouth water like other citrus fruits. Kumquats have a strong citrus taste that makes them a good starter as well. Since the peel is edible, you can eat the whole thing and take out the seeds if you want. Also, if you don't want peels, peel it like an orange and enjoy this little snack.

Ways to eat kumquat 

Kumquats are a fruit that is sweet, tangy, and can be used in many ways. Since it's a citrus fruit, it can be used to extend the shelf life of many foods and keep them fresh.

Kumquat can first be eaten as a whole fruit. It can be eaten with the peel on. You should pull the seeds out.

There are other ways to eat Kumquats besides eating them raw, such as:

1. You can get the juice out of it to taste it.
2. Put it in some mocktails to make them taste better.
3. The best way to enjoy the taste of kumquat is in jam, so you can also use lemon to make jam.
4. You can put this on your salad with strawberries, Brussels sprouts, apple cider vinegar, salt, and olive oil.
5. You can also put it in smoothies. Blend spinach, Kumquats, apple, cashews, water, and dates to make a smoothie. Put in some ice.
6. It has a strong sour taste that makes meat taste better and can be used to marinate meat.

Can diabetics eat kumquat?

Diabetes is a disease in which insulin resistance makes the body's blood sugar level rise. The insulin hormone is in charge of regulating how much sugar is in the body. If the body doesn't make enough insulin hormone or can't use it properly, blood sugar levels get too high. This can lead to many long-term health problems, such as stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, etc. So it is important for a person with diabetes to include a diet in their diabetic-friendly diet. People with diabetes can eat a lot of different fruits that are good for them. Kumquat is one of these foods. Kumquat fruit has no GI and very little sugar, which makes it a great food for people with diabetes. It doesn't make your blood sugar go up after you eat it. Its fibre also makes digestion and absorption of sugar from food slower, which helps control diabetes.

Health benefits of kumquat: 

1. Good for the health of your heart

Vitamin C, fibre, antioxidants, and vitamin A are all found in kumquats. Together, they stop fat from building up in the arteries and lower the risk of blockages. So, it reduces the chances of getting heart failure, a stroke, or high blood pressure. In the long run, it makes the heart stronger. It also cuts down on LDL, which keeps heart problems from happening.

2. Good for the gut

It has a lot of insoluble fibre, which helps your body digest food well. It gets rid of problems like constipation, diarrhoea that doesn't move right, stomach problems, and gastritis. It also helps gut bacteria grow, which helps keep the digestive system healthy and strong.

3. Helps In Diabetes Management

Kumquat fruit has no GI and very little sugar, which makes it a great food for people with diabetes. It doesn't make your blood sugar go up after you eat it. Its fibre also makes digestion and absorption of sugar from food slower, which helps control diabetes.

4. Helps In Weight-Management

People who want to lose weight should always eat fruits that are high in fibre. Kumquat food has dietary fibre that slows down digestion and makes a person feel full for a longer time. It stops people from eating when they don't need to, which is why people gain weight. Aside from this, kumquat fruit also has poncirin flavonoid, which is linked to helping people lose weight.

5. Anti-Cancer Properties

Kumquat is full of powerful antioxidants that kill free radicals in the body. The growth of cancerous cells is linked to the production of free radicals. This citrus fruit also has a flavonoid called apigenin that lowers the risk of getting cancer.

6. Good for the skin

Vitamin C is one of the most important things for healthy skin, and kumquats are full of it. It makes more collagen, which gives your skin firmness, radiance, and health. Free radicals, like fine lines and wrinkles, are caused by free radicals. Antioxidants like vitamin C can kill free radicals. This keeps the skin from getting older.

7.Good for your eyes.

Vitamin A is very important for healthy eyes. Kumquat fruit has a lot of vitamin A and beta carotene, which are good for your eyes. Carotenoids help improve eyesight and keep people from going blind at night.

8. Immunity Booster

Vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits, is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body stay healthy. Flavonoids are another type of antioxidant that boosts immunity. Kumquats have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to antioxidants that help fight infections and fevers. So, it makes you strong and makes your immune system stronger.

9. Mood Elevator

Kumquats can also help stabilise your mood and lessen stress, anxiety, and depression. Its Vitamin C is a big reason why it is good for your mental health.