Kumquats are small (generally about the size of an olive), oblong shaped fruits that resemble oranges and have a very similar taste to citrus fruits.
You can easily grab a handful and pop them right in your mouth! And you should, because these little fruits pack large amounts of nutrients that can help you be proactive about protecting yourself from certain diseases and looking and feeling your best.
You are supposed to eat the entire kumquat including the peel, which is especially packed with nutritional value and is the sweetest part of the fruit.
1. Help manage diabetes
Flavonoid extracts in kumquats were found to lower the blood lipid levels in obese rats, according to research studies done on laboratory rats kumquats are a great addition to your winter diet as it has low sugar content, low sodium, zero cholesterol, and 0.1 grams of fat. Its high level of dietary fiber benefits both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
2. Boost immunity
Kumquats impact the immune system in a number of ways as they are rich in vitamin C, just like oranges! A study conducted in Switzerland on “Vitamin C and Immune Function” clearly states that the vitamin is a powerful antioxidant and behaves as a co-factor for biosynthetic enzymes. It also helps to stimulate the growth of new cells and boosts the immune system to protect your body from infections, bacteria, and fungi. Without vitamin C as our first line of defense, we would not only be unable to protect ourselves, but we also wouldn’t be able to heal.
3. Aid in digestion
One of the major functions of kumquats is their role in regulating digestion. 8 kumquats are equivalent to 10 grams of fiber and eating a handful of them isn’t a tough thing to do! This amount of fiber helps to keep your gastrointestinal tract moving and regulates your digestion. It can help to eliminate constipation, excess gas, bloating, and cramping and increase the efficiency of your nutrient uptake. The fiber in these fruits can also help protect against inflammatory bowel disease
4. Build strong bones
The significant calcium content in kumquats helps to protect your bones over the long term. High calcium levels in your body increase the rate of healing and ensure that your bones stay healthy and strong well into the old age.
5. Boost energy
You wouldn’t expect kumquat to be so rich in carbohydrates, but they are! Carbohydrates are essential for replenishing our energy reserves in a simple way. These fruits can provide that burst of energy in our diets, while also giving us all the other benefits too! The high level of riboflavin, a key vitamin involved in the production of energy, makes this process even easier.
6. Weight loss
Kumquats are rich in fiber, water, and carbs, and are low in calories. Hence, are an ideal food for people trying to lose weight. They will fill you up and keep you healthy, which will reduce your urge to overeat.
7. Skin care
The combination of antioxidants and vitamins in kumquats make them ideal for protecting the skin from cancerous effects of the sun and negative effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkles, age spots, and rough, unhealthy skin. Kumquats, like many citrus fruits, can have a great effect on the appearance and feel of your skin because of the high levels of vitamin C.
8. Eye care
Kumquats are a rich source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are closely connected to vision health. Beta-carotene works as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress in the macular cells, thereby limiting macular degeneration and reducing the development of cataracts.
