Loquat is also known as Chinese Plum and its origin is in China. It is mentioned in Chinese mythology also. They belong to the pome family, which consists of apples, plums and pears. Loquat includes two species, which are Japanese and European. Japanese species is more popular than the other. In India you can find about 14 varieties of loquat and they differ greatly in shape, size, quality, sweetness and acidity. Loquat is common in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and also in some of the hill stations in South India.
Loquat s round or pear shaped and is a yellow colored fruit with thin skin that is hard. The pulp of this fruit is white in color and it has brown seeds. It has a taste that is similar to apricots, cherries and other such sweet fruits. You can consume it as it is in the raw form, or make jams, jellies or juices with it. The leaves of this fruit are used for making tea, which can relax you.
Nutritional Value of Loquat:
Loquat is a fruit that is a rich source of Vitamin A, C and B. Most of the B complex vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxine, niacin, folates and folic acid are found in high amounts in this fruit. Minerals are also found in good amounts in this fruit. Some of the minerals you get in this fruit are manganese, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, calcium, copper, selenium and so on. Carbohydrates are also found in high quantities in loquat. Loquat is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids like omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids. Moreover, loquat contains very little cholesterol and calories as lipids and proteins are almost negligible in this fruit.
Health Benefits or Uses of Loquat:
Loquat is very delicious and refreshes you. It contains lots of nutrients and is very beneficial for your health also. Some of the health benefits of loquat are as follows:
Aids digestion:
If you have digestive problems, have this fruit regularly. This helps in the proper digestion of food and provides you relief from various problems related with digestion.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties:
The leaves of loquat plant are also useful for your health. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which makes it ideal for the treatment of various types of cancer. You can take the extract of the leaves and use it for protecting your body from cellular aging. In addition, the leaves of this fruit are also said to have some effect on HIV and its treatment. 2-alpha-hydoxyursolic acid present in these leaves is believed to have anti-HIV properties.
Beneficial for cancer therapies:
According to various researches conducted on the benefits of loquat, it is shown that the extracts of this fruit are very effective for cancer therapies. Laetrile present in loquat is an excellent anti cancer agent. Similarly, pectin found in this fruit helps in retaining the moisture in the colon and thus has the function of a bulk laxative. As a result, loquat lowers the exposure time of mucous membrane of colon to toxic substances and chemicals that cause cancer in colon.
Controls heart rate and blood pressure:
One of the important components in the body cells and fluids is potassium. This mineral is found in high quantities in loquat. It helps in keeping your heart healthy and controls the rate of heart. It is also good for keeping the blood pressure within normal levels. So if you are suffering from high blood pressure, consuming loquat is one of the effective and natural remedies.
Excellent Vitamin A source:
Loquat s a rich source of Vitamin A and this vitamin is essential for the normal functioning of the mucous membrane of the skin. Vitamin A is also good for preventing lung cancer and cavity cancer. It is essential for your eyes and for good eye sight. You can prevent various dental problems by consuming food rich in Vitamin A.
Good source of essential minerals:
Essential minerals that are important for the body like copper, iron, manganese, calcium and so n are found in high quantities in this fruit. Manganese is plays the role of a co factor for anti-oxidant enzyme. For the production of red blood cells, copper is very essential. Iron is important for cellular oxidation and also to ensure blood circulation in the body. So, if your body is lacking in any of these minerals, have loquat regularly and this will ensure that you get them in adequate amounts.
Loquat has sedative properties also:
You can make an excellent cough syrup with this fruit and this will get you relief from cough. The paste made from this fruit can get you relief from nausea. The paste can improve the functioning of your respiratory system by removing phlegm, making it easy for you to cough and breathe properly. The leaves of loquat help you in the speedy recovery from respiratory illness.
Prevents digestion and hyper lipidemia:
Loquat can help you prevent diabetes and lipidemia because it releases polysaccharides in the body, which can reduce diabetes by increasing the production of insulin. The extract that you get from this fruit is also good for increasing the production of insulin by the pancreas.
Reduces blood cholesterol levels:
Consuming loquat is an excellent way to decrease the cholesterol levels in the blood. This is because pectin present in this fruit reduces the re-absorption of cholesterol in colon and promotes its excretion from the body.
Reduces irregular hunger pangs:
Loquat is a rich source of fiber and an ideal choice for those who are on a weight loss diet. Consume loquat regularly and this helps in keeping your stomach full for a longer time because of its high fiber content. As a result, you can have a control over irregular hunger pangs and you start eating less food.
So you can see that loquat, with its numerous health benefits, is an ideal fruit for maintaining your health and to prevent various health problems.