In general, loquat seems to be an unpopular fruit. Tart tasting but very rich, it is also nutritious. However, it is not as widely consumed as others. It is easy to find in the months of April and May, and you should really consider including it in your diet.
Small in size, with a large seed inside, intense color and flavor, loquat can be eaten alone or added to some recipes and desserts to take advantage of its peculiar flavor.. It comes from a tree that is not difficult to cultivate and grow in the right environment.
Know all the properties of loquat
The loquat has several seeds inside. There are usually between two or four of them. It is important to warn that this part of the loquat should not be eaten because it contains some toxic substances that are not good for the body.
But there is no need to panic, It is enough to cut the loquat in half and remove the seeds before eating it.. This will be enough. Otherwise, enjoy the taste and benefits of loquat, which is a very healthy fruit.
- In case you do not like loquats: “Kiwi: 10 benefits and properties of this exotic fruit”.
1. Fiber
Fiber is present in this fruit in a significant amount. Among the many benefits and properties of loquat is its considerable fiber content. This makes it an ideal food to help regulate intestinal transit.
Its regular consumption can help in episodes of constipation, always accompanied by plenty of hydration and a little exercise. Regular consumption helps normal transit..
2. Vitamin A
Loquat has a high vitamin A content. Among the properties and compounds that this fruit has, vitamin A is the one with the highest concentration. This makes it an excellent fruit for skin care..
It also helps to strengthen and maintain good vision. And in general to the good maintenance of soft tissues and bone tissues of the body. For this reason is that consuming loquats on a regular basis, can help good health in general.
3. Helps with various stomach problems
The astringent properties of loquat are ideal for treating various gastric problems. This fruit is an excellent aid in the treatment of gastritis, heartburn and stomach acidity.It is an excellent aid in the treatment of gastritis, heartburn and even gastric ulcers.
The loquat has the property of contracting the tissues in a disinflammatory action, in addition to healing and also extracts water from the feces. For these reasons, if you suffer from gastritis or acidity, as well as episodes of diarrhea, the consumption of loquats can be of great help.
- You may also be interested in: “Is coconut fattening? Myths and realities about this tropical fruit”.
4. Potassium
Another component of loquat is potassium. And just like vitamin A, it has it in important quantities. For this reason it is considered that loquat is a fruit that can help regulate functions such as blood pressure..
So if there is a tendency to have problems with blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases, then it is a good idea to include in the daily consumption a quantity of loquats to have the necessary intake of potassium.
5. A radiant skin
Loquat is a natural aid for beautiful skin. Among its compounds is carotene, it also has a moderate amount of antioxidants, and as already mentioned, it also has vitamin A in a significant proportion.
All these compounds are great for the skin. They moisturize it, protect it from free radicals, help cell regeneration and therefore, make the skin look hydrated and nourished as well as fight the signs of aging..
6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also present in loquats. Among other benefits, vitamin C helps to bind iron, thus helping to prevent anemia.. Since the loquat contains this vitamin in an important quantity, it is recommended to consume loquats frequently.
In addition, the loquat itself contains iron, so in a normal situation (i.e., the person does not have iron deficiency or severe anemia) regular consumption of loquat helps to keep healthy and with sufficient nutrients.
7. Cholesterol at bay
Pectin, present in loquat, helps control cholesterol levels. Although this fruit by itself could not lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, it is an excellent ally to achieve this purpose.
If there is no history of out-of-range cholesterol levels, then loquat helps to keep it that way. On the contrary, if you are in a treatment to reduce these levels, then the recommendation is to include loquats in the diet along with other necessary and urgent measures to attack this situation.
8. Auxiliary in the treatment of diabetes
Loquat leaves are used in patients with diabetes. This specific part of the loquat fruit has the property of stimulating the production of insulin. Because of this, this leaf has the ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
Although the fruit itself also has this ability, it has been shown that the concentration of bioactive elements that help regulate blood sugar is in the leaves. Therefore an infusion with loquat leaves can be included in the regular diet of a diabetic person..
9. It takes care of the liver
Loquats are a fruit considered hepatoprotective. This means that they take care and strengthen the liver. When “fatty liver” has been diagnosed, an auxiliary food in the treatment is the loquat, because its components act on this organ.
However, even if you do not suffer any liver discomfort, its consumption benefits us by strengthening the detoxification functions it performs. So eating loquats regularly, can help very effectively to this end.
10. Diuretic
Another of the properties and benefits of loquat, is its diuretic effect. This is because it stimulates the kidneys.This is because it stimulates the kidneys, which is directly involved in fluid retention, which thanks to the proper functioning of the kidney can be discarded through urine.
Even its daily consumption helps to prevent this fluid retention, but in case you already suffer from swelling due to this retention, consuming loquat helps with this problem, acting on the kidney to release water.