In a recent episode of the popular BBC Radio 4 podcast What's Up Docs?, the well-known medical duo Dr Xand van Tulleken and his brother Chris made a surprising dietary recommendation that has caught the public's attention.
The 'Incredible Adventure' of Trying Kumquats
During the podcast, Chris van Tulleken introduced his brother to a small, oval fruit he had never tried before: the kumquat. Resembling a miniature tangerine, this fruit originates from China, with its name combining the words for 'gold' and 'tangerine'.
The unique aspect of eating a kumquat is that you consume the entire fruit, skin and all. Chris described the initial experience as a challenge, noting its complex flavour profile. "It's a very pure, bitter, sour, sweet, all at once," he said. Dr Xand van Tulleken agreed with the intense taste, famously remarking that "these taste like they're really good for you, because the peel is so bitter, it tastes like medicine."
Xand encouraged listeners to view trying new foods as a pleasure, not an ordeal, suggesting it's a particularly good activity for families with children.
A Nutritional Powerhouse in a Small Package
Beyond its distinctive taste, the kumquat is an impressive source of nutrition. Each fruit contains roughly 13 calories and is completely free of cholesterol. More importantly, they are densely packed with beneficial components.
According to health resource WebMD, kumquats are notably high in vitamins C and A. Vitamin C is crucial for the body as it cannot produce it naturally; it supports blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, collagen formation, and the body's healing processes. Vitamin A acts as a powerful antioxidant, aiding vision, growth, reproductive health, and immunity by protecting cells from cancer-causing free radicals.
Perhaps most significantly for the UK population, kumquats are packed with fibre. This is a critical finding, as recent data indicates that a staggering 92% of Britons fail to meet their recommended daily intake of 30g of fibre. A diet rich in fibre can help lower cholesterol and stabilise blood sugar levels.
Shifting the Focus from 'Superfoods' to Variety
Despite highlighting the benefits of kumquats, Chris van Tulleken expressed a nuanced view on the concept of 'superfoods'. "I'm not a big believer in kind of superfoods that any one particular food is worse or better than any other particular food," he stated, acknowledging the complexity of nutrition.
The overarching message from both doctors was a encouragement to dietary diversity. They urged people to step outside their culinary comfort zones and experiment with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, much like Chris's own experience with kumquats and the Sharon fruit (persimmon). This approach ensures a broader intake of different nutrients essential for maintaining good health.
