Fruits are very important part of a healthy diet. They are very good source of important nutrients that are all needed by the body to stay healthy. While many of us enjoy eating fruits like watermelons, oranges, apples, bananas, pineapples, grapes, etc. there are certain fruits which most of us are unaware of. Quince is one of which. This rare fruit is rich in nutrients and has the ability to give a wide range of health benefits. That being said, the health benefits of quince is ultimately fascinating and are all amazing. If you want to know more about it, continue reading on to this article.
What is Quince?
Basically, quince is a fragrant fruit that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Quince’s relatives are the pears and apples. This fruit is native to the regions that have a warm temperature like in the Southwest Asia.
Moreover, quince is actually a seasonal fruit and is mostly available from autumn to winter. When this fruit is ripe, its color is golden yellow and actually, its shape is like the pear. Furthermore, it has a fuzzy surface which is similar to that of the peaches. Its flesh is light yellow in color and is gritty with a lot of seeds placed in the center. Its flavor is a bit of a tart and is occasionally eaten raw.
Some people often bake or freeze it to eliminate its acidity. Actually, in the regions of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, they use it in their traditional recipes. They stew it with lamb, pork, or goat. The variety of the quince in Asia is much softer and juicier, and it is often used to make jellies and preserves. At times, they use the fruit to impart tartness to the old-style apple pie.
Nutritional Value of Quince
Aside from it is a readily available and delicious fruit, quince is also adored because of its effect on the human health. The fruit is very rich in vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, iron, copper, and zinc. Moreover, the fruit is also rich in some organic compounds like epicatechin, catechin, limonene, and some other phytonutrients. All of these contributes amazingly to the health benefits of quince.
Facts about Quince
– The leaves of quince have 11 percent of tannins and are beneficial for tanning.
– Quince’s seed coat mucilage can be used as a gum to add a gloss to a certain material.
– Because of the strong and rich fragrance of the fruit, it is beneficial in deodorizing rooms.
– Quince’s flower is rich in nectars; hence, it is good for the bees and other insects that benefit from it.
– It has the power to make the growth of pears dwarf, making them produce more brightly and to bear more fruits. This is instead of accelerating the maturity of the fruit and instead of growing them in a vegetative way.
– The fruit is often used as a rootstock for fruits like pears. However, it can also be used for loquat.
Health Benefits of Quince
Just like some other fruits, quince is packed with essential vitamins and minerals which makes up its amazing health benefits. Here are some of the most amazing health benefits of quince:
Helps reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidant properties of the fruit are beneficial in getting rid of the free radicals in the body. Furthermore, it is also effective in getting rid of the malignant cancer cells in the body.
Helps in treating an ulcer. The phenolic in quince is proven to give relief from gastric ulcers. Furthermore, it is also beneficial for those who suffer from a gastric ulcer.
Anti-inflammation. The quince fruit when ripe is loaded with vitamin C, in fact, it has about 25% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. moreover, and this essential vitamin helps in boosting the immunity and helps in treating inflammation.
Cures stomach illness. When you mix quince with honey, it can be beneficial in treating diarrhea, constipation, and intestinal infections.
Weight loss. Since the fruit is low in calorie and high in dietary fiber content, it is a good food to eat when losing weight.
Antioxidant-rich. The poly-phenolic (antioxidant) content of quince helps in getting rid of the free radicals in the body, slows down the aging process as well as prevents some cardiovascular diseases.
Helps in lowering the blood pressure. Since the fruit is rich in potassium, the fruit is beneficial in keeping the blood pressure low.
Antiviral powers. Research shows that the fruit is rich in anti-viral properties. Furthermore, you can also use it in the event of having influenza.
Reduces the cholesterol level. Consuming quince regularly helps in lowering the levels of LDL in the body, hence, keeping the heart healthy.
Conclusion
Quince is truly not just a delicious fruit that you can eat anytime you want. The health benefits of quince are certainly something to look up to as well. Furthermore, you’ll never get tired of eating this because it is not just tasty, and its aroma is amazingly attractive too. So, if you want to try another delicious fruit to make you healthy, try quince.
