Kumquats or cumquats are a group of small fruit-bearing trees in the flowering plant family Rutaceae, either forming the genus Fortunella, or placed within Citrus sensu lato. The edible fruit closely resembles that of the orange, but it is much smaller and ovular, being approximately the size and shape of a large olive.
Kumquat fruit is oval in shape. It looks like orange but small in shape.It is edible, sweet and citrus fruit that is eaten whole including its skin. It is available in winter and summer. First it was grown in China but today it is widely grown worldwide. Four types of Kumquat are available such as Nagami kumquat, Marumi kumquat, Meiwa kumquat and Hong Kong wild.
Kumquat contains a good amount of antioxidants like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and phytonutrients that protect from free radicals. Thus it is effective to protect from cancer, ageing, inflammation, degenerative diseases and diabetes. Also, it contains a variety of nutrients that make it healthy fruit.
Increase Immunity: Kumquat contains an excellent source of Vitamin C. It contains 43.9 mg/100g which fulfills 73% of the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). Due to the rich source of Vitamin C, Kumquat increase immunity. So it is beneficial to protect from cold, flu and common infections.
Protect from Cancer: Kumquat contains a high amount of antioxidants like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Along with these antioxidants, it contains a good amount of phytonutrients flavonoids like carotene, tannin, zeaxanthin, pectin, etc. Antioxidants and phytonutrients protect the body from oxygen free radicals. Free radicals are produced due to oxidative stress. These free radicals damage DNA of the cell and turns the normal cell into a cancer cell. But antioxidants neutralize these free radicals and acts as a shield to protect DNA from free radicals. Thus it is effective to protect from cancer.
Improve Cardiovascular Health: Eating kumquat lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Thus it increases the flow of blood in the nervous system and reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. Kumquat contains a good amount of potassium which increase the fluid level. Thus, it helps to maintain blood pressure and heart rate. Also it contains a good amount of Omega 3 and Omega 6. Thus it provides complete health benefits to the cardiovascular system.
Protect from Diabetes: Kumquat contains natural powerful antioxidants Vitamin C which protects from free radicals and removes these free radicals from the body. Thus it helps to protect from diabetes. Also, it contains a good amount of dietary fiber, Omega 3 and Omega 6 which lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Thus eating kumquat reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Protect from Inflammation: Kumquat is rich in phytonutrient, antioxidants and tannins which proves effective to prevent inflammation caused due to free radicals. Kumquat is also effective to prevent hardening arteries and protect from Arthritis.
Prevent early Ageing: Kumquat is a rich source of antioxidant Vitamin A and Vitamin C. It fulfills 73% of Daily recommended Vitamin C. Such a rich source of antioxidants protect skin damage from free radicals. Recent studies have found that eating food rich in antioxidants slow the ageing process.
Increase Blood production: Kumquat is the rich source of nutrient that is required for the production of blood. It provides manganese, magnesium, copper, iron and folate that are required for the formation of RBC. Also it contains Vitamin C that increases iron absorbing capacity of the body.
Fasten Healing: Kumquat contains a good amount of Vitamin C that increases healing capacity of the cell.Improve Bone and Teeth health: Vitamin A is required for the development of teeth and bone. Also, it contains calcium that strengthens bone and teeth.
Increase Energy: Kumquat is an excellent source of Riboflavin that is required for the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fats. So it is effective to provide instant energy. Also, it contains a good amount of carbohydrate and calorie.
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