The sweet and delicious loquat fruits and their magical leaves are rich in calcium, iron, potassium and vitamins A, B, C and E. They also contain all of the Vitamin B-complex elements, such as folic acid, niacin, pyridoxine and riboflavin and are rich in minerals such as calcium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, potassium and zinc. Finally, Loquat fruit contains omega 6 and 3 fatty acids. These nutrients are where the health benefits of loquat lie. Read on to learn more!
What is Loquat?
This fruit, also known as the Chinese Plum, grows on large shrubs and is native to the country of China. Scientifically, it is referred to as Eriobotrya japonica and belongs to the Rosacea family. Loquat is closely related to the pome family., the same family as plums, apples and pears.
Loquat is actually one of the first ever fruits to be cultivated in Asia, and is frequently mentioned in Chinese mythology. There are two different specia of loquat: Japanese and European. The Japanese species is the more well-know of the two.
There are at least 14 varieties of the fruit widely available in India. All of them vary in size, quality, sweetness and acidity. Loquat is round or pear-shaped with a yellow color, although its seed is brown and varies in size. It has a similar taste to cherries, apricots and other sweet fruits.
People mainly consume it raw or process it to create jams, jellies and juices. The leaves of the fruit are perfect for preparing teas, due to their relaxing effects.
Nutritional Value of Loquat
| 100 grams of loquat contains the following: | ||
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
| Carbohydrates | 12.14 grams | 9% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.70 grams | 4% |
| Energy | 47 Kcal | 2.4% |
| Protein | 0.43 grams | 2% |
| Total Fat | 0.20 g | 1% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 14 micrograms | 3.5% |
| Niacin | 0.180 milligrams | 1% |
| Riboflavin | 0.024 milligrams | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 1528 IU | 51% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.100 milligrams | 8% |
| Thiamin | 0.019 milligrams | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1 milligrams | 2% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 1 milligrams | 0% |
| Potassium | 266 milligrams | 6% |
| Minerals | ||
| Copper | 0.040 milligrams | 4.5% |
| Calcium | 16 milligrams | 1.6% |
| Iron | 0.28 milligrams | 3.5% |
| Manganese | 0.148 milligrams | 6.5% |
| Magnesium | 13 milligrams | 3% |
| Selenium | 0.6 micrograms | 1% |
| Phosphorus | 27 milligrams | 4% |
| Zinc | 0.05 milligrams | 0.5% |
Health Benefits of Loquat
Below are the best of the health benefits of loquat:
- Regulates Cholesterol
Despite the fact that many don’t understand the mechanism clearly, there is a study that has linked the loquat to reduced cholesterol levels in those who eat it every day.
- Strengthens Bones
Many people have a weak mineral density in their bones, especially those who are aging and post-menopausal. Loquat has been proven to prevent bone density loss throughout the body due to its opulent content of vitamins, nutrients and hormone-imitating biological components.
- Circulatory System
Having a weight loss plan which incorporates an iron-heavy diet is important to prevent anemia and alternative signs and symptoms related to it. Loquat has high amounts of iron, necessary for making red blood cells. Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin as well, carrying red blood cells through the human body and enhancing circulation. This helps speed up any curing which may need to occur and increases energy on the whole to guarantee proper organ function.
- Improves the Immune System
Loquat contains high levels of Vitamin C. Vitamin C stimulates the development of white blood cells in the human body and, as we all know, is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens.
Some Other Health Benefits of Loquat:
- Prevents Diabetes
Consuming loquat every day will prevent or reduce diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. When eaten, loquat discharges polysaccarides, an ordinary biological chemical which prevents diabetes by increasing insulin development. Additionally, it prevents any spikes and drops in blood sugar levels.
- Controls Blood Pressure
Loquat is full of potassium, which acts as a vasodilator for the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, it decreases strain and stress on the blood vessels and arteries, thus keeping the heart healthy and lowering blood pressure. Potassium can also boost the human brain by increasing blood movement in the capillaries. This enhances cognition.
- Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Loquat is loaded with antioxidant properties which are greatly beneficial for the health, as antioxidants neutralize free radicals inside the human body. Furthermore, loquat extract is helpful with most cancer healing procedures.
