Actinidia: useful properties and contraindications, reviews

The benefits and harms of actinidia for the body deserve detailed consideration, many are not even familiar with this exotic fruit. Meanwhile, it has a very beneficial effect on health and also has a good taste.

The value and composition of actinidia

Actinidia is a perennial plant from the Lianov family, with small green or brown fruits of autumn ripening. In Russia, you can most often find Far Eastern actinidia or kolomikta, these varieties are mainly bred for sale in summer cottages.

Exotic fruits have a pleasant taste, but not only are appreciated for this reason. They contain many useful substances, including:

• vitamins of the main groups;
• fiber and starch;
• pectins and fructose;
• carotene and natural dyes;
• fixed oils.

Actinidia is a bit like kiwi in appearance and taste, but it also has significant differences.

Actinidia is a valuable source of ascorbic acid, which is much higher in fruits than in lemons and other common citrus fruits.

The composition of actinidia is represented mainly by carbohydrates - about 8 g. Fruits contain very little proteins - no more than 0.8 g, and even less fat is present - only 0.4 g.

Calorie content and vitamin content in actinidia

The calorie content of the fruit is very low - no more than 48 kcal per 100 g. But there are a lot of vitamins in actinidia:

• vitamin C - from 100 g of the product you can get 1111% of the daily value of ascorbic acid;
• vitamins B1 and B2 - they are present in fruits at 1.3 and 2.2% of the daily value, respectively;
• vitamin A - its content is 1.7%;
• vitamin E - 2% of the daily value of tocopherol is present in the actinidia fruits;
• vitamin PP - about 2.5%.

The rare fruit is prized for its high manganese and zinc content - over 1000% and 100% of the daily value, respectively. The composition also contains potassium and calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

What does actinidia taste like?

The taste of this exotic fruit is very interesting and unusual. Many people compare the taste of actinidia fruits with the taste of kiwi, and there really is a certain similarity - it is not without reason that both fruits are very similar in cut.

Delicious fruit is good for digestion

However, the taste shades of actinidia are much richer and depend, among other things, on the variety. Some fruits are more sour, others are sweeter, some slightly resemble a pear, while others are strawberries. In general, the rare fruit has a multi-component taste and therefore is of particular interest to connoisseurs.

Useful properties of actinidia fruits

Actinidia berries have many valuable properties, they not only delight with a pleasant taste, but also benefit the body. Namely:

• help regulate hormones and speed up metabolism;
• strengthen the heart muscle and blood vessels, prevent the development of atherosclerosis;
• have a beneficial effect on the condition of joints and bones;
• improve the functioning of the nervous system, prevent the development of depression and anxiety;
• remove toxins and toxins from the intestines, facilitate the work of the liver - they can be used not only to cleanse the body, but also in case of poisoning;
• cleanse blood vessels from blood clots and prevent clogging of veins.

The fruit has a mild laxative effect and is often used as a natural remedy for constipation.

Useful properties of actinidia leaves

In folk medicine, not only the berries of an exotic plant are actively used, but also its leaves. Medicines based on them contain a huge amount of flavonoids, due to which they bring the following benefits:

• improve blood composition and increase hemoglobin levels;
• help to stop external and internal bleeding;
• dilute phlegm and promote expectoration.

Remedies based on actinidia leaves are often used to treat coughs, bronchitis and even tuberculosis. Drinking infusions and decoctions from the leaves is useful for colds and a breakdown.

In home medicine, plant leaves are also used for treatment

The benefits of actinidia jam

Delicious jam is often prepared from the healthy fruits of actinidia, and you do not need to cook the berries for this. You just need to grind 1 kg of fruit with 1.2 kg of granulated sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved, and the jam will be ready.

The delicacy will not only pleasantly complement tea drinking, but will also help support the immune system. Since the fruits of the plant contain a huge amount of ascorbic acid, jam will be beneficial for colds. You can also use the delicacy to prevent ARVI and influenza in autumn and winter, when the body is especially lacking in vitamins.

How is actinidia useful for humans

It is useful to include an unusual fruit in the regular menu, it strengthens the body and improves well-being. Actinidia with frequent use:

• strengthens the immune system and protects the body from viruses and infections;
• positively affects blood vessels and heart function;
• improves brain activity and returns vigor;
• helps to regulate digestion and remove harmful substances from the body.

Antioxidants and flavonoids in the fruit have a beneficial effect on a person's appearance. The skin against the background of the use of fruits becomes softer, the production of subcutaneous fat is normalized and acne disappears.

The pulp of the fruit is used in homemade cosmetic masks.

For men

Actinidia contains actinidine - a useful substance that strengthens blood vessels and the heart system. Since men are especially susceptible to heart attacks at an early age, the protective properties of actinidia are very useful for them. The benefit of the fruit is that with frequent use, the likelihood of developing heart ailments decreases. And if a heart attack has already happened, the fruit protects the heart from repeated damage.

Vitamin C in actinidia fruits has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system in men. The fruit prevents inflammation in the urogenital area, eliminates the unpleasant sensations of prostatitis and prevents the development of malignant tumors. Actinidia has a beneficial effect on blood circulation, increases endurance and potency.

For women

The fruits of actinidia are of particular benefit to women with inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system. Thanks to the huge dosages of vitamin C in fruits, eating the fruit helps to quickly cope with inflammation. Actinidia can be used to treat cystitis and gynecological diseases.It will also be beneficial for painful periods, discomfort will decrease.

Actinidia is very popular among women in cosmetology. The fruit is actively used in homemade face and hair masks. The benefit lies in the fact that the vitamin compounds in the composition help to maintain youth longer and maintain a fresh and healthy appearance.

The fruit is allowed for consumption during pregnancy, provided that there is no allergy

Is it possible to actinidia during pregnancy

It is not prohibited to consume the fruits of actinidia during the period of gestation. The fruit doesn't do any harm if done in moderation and not overeating, and the benefits can be quite significant. In particular, actinidia helps pregnant women get rid of toxicosis and cope with edema, prevents the onset of vitamin deficiency and anemia.

It should be remembered that the benefits and harms of actinidia colomict, like any other product, are ambiguous. The fruit can cause allergies, the first time you need to try it with caution and in small quantities. Also, during pregnancy, you can not use medicinal products from the leaves and other green parts of the plant.

Is it possible to give actinidia to a child

For children, exotic fruit can be beneficial, it strengthens the immune system, improves digestion and improves concentration. However, the high content of vitamins in the composition can turn out to be harmful - actinidia often provokes allergic reactions. For the first time, it is necessary to offer a fruit to a child no earlier than 3-5 years.

The fruit has an extremely low GI and is approved for diabetics

The healing properties of actinidia

Due to its rich composition, actinidia is often used as part of therapeutic diets. In addition, decoctions and infusions are prepared on its basis, characterized by an even higher concentration of nutrients.

Actinidia in diabetes mellitus

The glycemic index of the product is very low - only 15 units. Therefore, with diabetes mellitus, you can use actinidia without fear, it does not lead to an increase in blood sugar.

Useful substances and vitamin compounds in the fruit have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes and help to quickly get rid of toxins. Also, the benefit of the fruit is that it strengthens blood vessels and normalizes hormones. Thanks to this, actinidia should be included in the regular menu, it will help maintain a stable glucose level and protect against the development of dangerous complications.

With stomatitis

The anti-inflammatory properties of actinidia help in treating stomatitis and other gum disease. It is recommended to use a decoction of the roots and leaves of the plant - 200 g of raw materials are crushed and boiled on the stove until 80% of the water has boiled away.

The resulting concentrated broth is used for rinsing the mouth. The procedure should be carried out at least three times a day, in which case the remedy will help to quickly cope with inflammation.

The fruit has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties

For potency

The components in actinidia contribute to the production of testosterone in the male body. Therefore, it is recommended to use the fruit with a decrease in potency, it returns a healthy libido and also prevents inflammation of the genitourinary system.

To strengthen potency, you can also prepare a remedy according to a special recipe:

• mix 6 g of onion seeds, 9 g of carrot seeds and 12 g of poppy and nettle seeds each;
• add 15 g sesame seeds;
• add 18 g of hemp seeds and fennel;
• add 3 actinidia fruits to the seeds.

After that, you need to pour the mixture with 30 ml of honey, stir and use a teaspoon three times a day, washed down with 2 large spoons of red wine.It is necessary to continue treatment for 3 months, while it is strictly forbidden to consume any alcohol during this entire period, with the exception of wine in the indicated dosages.

With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

With delayed poor digestion, a decoction of dried actinidia fruits helps well. Prepare it as follows:

• dry berries in the oven at low temperatures or in the sun;
• pour hot water over several fruits;
• insist in a thermos for 12 hours.

You need to take the broth in 1 glass shortly before eating. The drug promotes better absorption of food and soothes an irritated stomach.

Eating fruit improves metabolism and stomach function

From worms

Actinidia is a recognized folk remedy that helps get rid of worms. The fruits are usually used in several ways:

1. Broth. Dried berries are boiled until most of the water has evaporated, and then they use 250 ml of the product three times a day on an empty stomach.
2. Enemas. In this case, an infusion based on actinidia is used - the leaves, fruits or roots are poured with hot water and kept in a thermos for 12 hours, and then cleansing enemas are placed overnight for a week.

It is necessary to continue treatment for 5-7 days until a pronounced result is obtained. It is best to combine enemas and decoction with the use of pharmaceuticals, then the effect will come faster.

The use of actinidia

Actinidia berries are used not only in cooking, but also in other areas. They are often found in home remedies, slimming diets, and beauty masks.

In folk medicine

Actinidia has a positive effect on almost all body systems and improves well-being in many diseases. Even the simple use of the fruits of the plant brings a beneficial effect. But besides this, medicinal products from berries, leaves and rhizomes are popular.

Recipes for decoctions, infusions, ointments

The following remedies are the most popular in home treatment:

1. Decoction for blood vessels and for joint pain. The leaves of an exotic plant are crushed and poured with boiling water in a volume of 200 ml per 20 g of raw material. After that, the mixture is kept on low heat for 15 minutes, and after cooling it is filtered. You need to drink such a broth only half a glass three times a day.
2. Infusion to improve digestion. For stomach pains and a tendency to constipation, use a simple infusion on the leaves or berries of the plant. About 100 g of raw materials are poured into a thermos and poured with freshly boiled water. It is necessary to keep the product under the lid for at least 12 hours, and they drink the medicinal infusion three times a day, 100 ml.

The pulp of the fruit is suitable for making compresses for joints

Actinidia is used for the preparation of compresses, the fruits are crushed in a blender to a homogeneous gruel, and then mixed in equal proportions with any natural fat or petroleum jelly. You can add a little mustard powder to the mixture if desired. The finished ointment is applied to gauze and applied to a sore joint, bruise or damaged skin area for 1-1.5 hours.

Slimming

Since the calorie content of the product is very low, it is often used for quick weight loss. Reviews of actinidia for weight loss and photos confirm that when consumed on a diet, it helps to quickly remove toxins from the body and, moreover, eliminates excess fluids due to its diuretic properties.

You need to eat fruit in an amount of no more than 5 pieces daily throughout the diet.

Limitations and contraindications

With all the unconditional benefits of an exotic fruit, sometimes you need to refuse to use it. Actinidia has some contraindications, which include:

• hypotension;
• tendency to thrombosis and varicose veins;
• a tendency to diarrhea;
• gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis and other ailments of the digestive system in a state of exacerbation;
• individual allergy.

The beneficial properties and contraindications of Far Eastern actinidia are controversial for people with sensitive teeth. The berries contain many organic acids that irritate the enamel.

It is better not to use the fruit in case of exacerbations of gastrointestinal diseases, but during the period of remission it is not prohibited

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of actinidia for the body are combined with each other - it all depends on the dosages and the state of health. If you consume the fruits of an exotic fruit in moderation and take into account contraindications, then actinidia will only bring a beneficial effect.