Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism: Feijoa Improved Blood Pressure in People with Prediabetes

The exotic fruit feijoa has unexpectedly shown benefits for blood pressure: people with prediabetes who took powdered feijoa experienced a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to those who received a placebo. The study was published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.

Researchers at the University of Auckland conducted a clinical trial involving 97 individuals with prediabetes—a condition that precedes type 2 diabetes. Over a six-month period, alongside a weight-loss program, participants received approximately one gram of feijoa powder per day or a placebo.

Initially, the scientists were testing whether feijoa could help reduce the risk of developing diabetes, but the main discovery turned out to be its unexpected effect on blood pressure. However, this effect did not appear across all analytical models, leading researchers to remain cautious in their conclusions. The benefits are attributed to the fruit's bioactive compounds—polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, and abscisic acid—which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The authors explicitly emphasize that larger trials are needed for conclusive findings: the sample size was relatively small, and the effect was inconsistent. Thus, it would be premature to label feijoa a "blood pressure remedy." Nevertheless, the result is intriguing as an example of how common foods can unexpectedly influence health, providing a strong reason to study feijoa more closely. Overall, the study serves as a reminder that the foundation of preventing diabetes and hypertension remains simple: weight management, physical activity, and a balanced diet.

Feijoa—a relative of the myrtle native to South America—is prized for its rich flavor and high concentration of vitamin C, iodine, and antioxidants. In recent years, such "superfruits" have been actively researched for their metabolic benefits. However, the story of feijoa is a prime example of why caution is essential when evaluating such discoveries: even genuine effects are often modest and require further confirmation.

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