This article will discuss loquat’s nutrition facts, various health benefits, and how to prepare thefruit.
They have been grown for over 2,000 years and are now found in over 30 countries.
Fully ripe loquats are orange but can range from yellow to red in color.
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Vitamins and minerals found in 1 cup of loquat are:
Loquats providecarotenoidantioxidants.
These compounds are responsible for the coloring of the fruit.
Loquat Benefits
Loquats are nutritious fruits that have several health benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory
Loquats have been studied for the many ways they can decreaseinflammationin the body.
Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s healing process.
But when inflammation does not go away, it can become chronic.
Chronic inflammation is considered a contributing factor to more than half of the deaths throughout the world.
A review from 2016 found that loquat leaf extract had anti-inflammatory effects.
The review gave several examples, including less lung inflammation and improvement in allergic dermatitis.
Many of the studies included in the review used animal subjects.
More research is needed on humans.
The belief behind loquat’s anti-inflammatory effects is likely due to its high antioxidant content.
Antidiabetic
Several studies discuss how loquat may improve blood glucose and have anantidiabetic effect.
A 2016 review discussed how loquat leaf extracts were used in traditional folk medicine.
Anticancer
One of loquat’s potential benefits is its ability to protect against cancer.
A 2016 study found that loquat leaf extract inhibited the growth ofbreast cancercells in animal subjects.
A 2017 study found the loquat fruit skin inhibited the growth ofbladder cancercells.
Loquats contain a high number of antioxidants due to the beta-carotene content within the fruit.
Research points toward the antioxidant benefits of loquats, but more research is needed to confirm the findings.
The fruit has been used to treat cough, bronchitis, diabetes, and inflammation.
Should Anyone Not Eat Loquat?
Loquat is generally considered a safe fruit to eat.
In colder climates, loquats may be more difficult to find but may be found in specialty grocery stores.
Look for ripe loquats that are yellow to orange in color.
The fruit should be firm but slightly soft when pressed.
The fruit can then be eaten as is.
Many of its health benefits stem from its high levels of beta-carotene.
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