The Benefits of loquat Most important are its ability to prevent cardiovascular diseases, properties to lose weight, combat constipation, help to regenerate cellular tissue, prevent cancer, combat premenstrual syndrome and others that we explain below.
It has multiple varieties and its origin creates some controversy, although everything indicates that it comes from Japan. It is usually grown during spring, but consumption is produced during all months of the year.
This fruit is known for its pleasant taste, in fact in many countries it is valued as a culinary delicacy, in addition, it is also used for medicinal purposes and is highly recommended because of the amount of vitamins and minerals it brings to the body. Below we will detail other benefits that the medlar brings to health.
14 Benefits provided by medlar to the organism
1- Prevent different types of cardiovascular diseases
Loquat is characterized by high dietary fiber content. This compound brings numerous physiological benefits to the body. First, it helps to retain water and oil and its consumption prevents diseases related to disorders of the heart and blood vessels.
2- It is a food that helps slimming
The medlar is a fruit that has a low caloric value. It is estimated that a piece can have about 40 calories. In addition, its content in soluble fiber contributes to that it is a food that has to chew at a moderate rate. This reduces the sensation of anxiety , In addition, the fiber causes that the fats are absorbed of slow form.
3- Is an ally to combat constipation
Again dietary fiber or soluble fiber plays an important role since it is a natural laxative that keeps away constipation and fluid retention. This compound decreases intestinal transit time and speeds up the evacuation process.
4- Helps to absorb substances harmful to the organism
Almost a quarter of the loquat composition is formed by the pectin . It is a component formed by the union of multitude of simple sugars. Pectin is an intestinal absorbent that helps prevent the onset of certain diseases, especially, plays a decisive role in lowering cholesterol levels.
5- Your consumption is positive for growth
Like other fruits the loquat is rich in vitamin C , A component that is necessary for the growth and repair of tissues of any part of the body, furthermore, it helps the organism to stabilize the levels of iron, mineral that is necessary for the production of proteins and hemoglobin .
This vitamin is positive for bones, skin and connective tissue. Its consumption is especially advisable in pregnant women, smokers and in people who are in processes of rehabilitation or have suffered some type of inflammation in the skin.
6- Helps to regenerate cellular tissue
Medlar is a fruit rich in antioxidants. This substance helps repair cell tissue by protecting it from the action of free radicals that cause damage to DNA and parts of cells. Antioxidants also have the ability to slow down aging and prevent the onset of heart problems.
7- Promotes the balance of the organism
Potassium is one of the components that form part of the loquat. This component has the ability to maintain balanced levels of water in the body, also promotes cellular development, and contributes to the proper functioning of the body. nervous system , Bones and muscles.
8- Its consumption is beneficial for growth
One of the minerals that make up the medlar is calcium, this is the mineral that has more presence in the human body that stores it in bones and teeth contributing to both function correctly.
Muscles, blood and cell tissue also store certain amounts of calcium, this favors muscle contraction and relaxation, as well as the activity of the nervous system and the secretion of enzymes and hormones.
9- It is a fruit that helps prevent cancer
Other components that are part of medlar are the essential fatty acids. Some of them are harmful to health, but others bring multiple benefits. Different studies have shown that linoleic acid , Present in the loquat composition, can inhibit the formation and development of cancer, especially breast, skin, liver and colon.
10- Provides energy to the body
Carbohydrates are also present in the composition of this fruit, in fact it is estimated that of a piece of 100 grams of loquat, 25 are carbohydrates. This element is responsible for providing energy to the body by converting carbohydrates into glucose that goes directly to the cells, tissues, organs and muscles.
eleven- Helps combat premenstrual syndrome
Another component that is also part of the medlar is manganese, this mineral is very beneficial to the body. Sometimes it is usually used in medicine, since a deficiency of manganese weakens the bones, and causes Anemia And delays in menstruation, in Asian countries like Iran, women who suffer from this last ailment incorporate medlars into their diet to regulate the menstrual cycle.
12- Your consumption is positive for diabetics
Loquat is a fruit that provides natural sugars, but in few quantities, it is estimated that about 7 grams per serving, for this reason, is a food that is ideal for people suffering from diabetes.
13- It contributes in the conservation of the tissues of the organism
Another element that is present in the loquat is copper. This mineral provides numerous benefits, promotes the creation of red blood cells, helps the smooth functioning of blood vessels and nerves and strengthens the immune system, also helps the body in the absorption of iron.
14- Promotes hydration of the body
As with other fruits, most of the medlar is composed of water, a piece of 100 grams of loquat, about 87 are water for this reason, the consumption of loquat is highly recommended during spring, summer, or At times when the body has eliminated significant amounts of fluid.
Components that are part of this fruit
The numerous benefits that the medlar brings to the health is due to the multitude of components that are present in its composition, among them chemical compounds, minerals and even fats. Many of these vary depending on the variety of this fruit that is consumed.
The most abundant component in the medlar is water, followed by carbohydrates, behind them are elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium or folates.
To a lesser extent are fiber, vitamin C and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6 together with minerals such as iron, zinc, copper and selenium. The compound with the least presence is fat.
Varieties of loquat produced on the planet
Although it is estimated that there may be more, there are three most known species of plants that produce the fruit of the loquat, usually have common characteristics, but have small nuances of each kind of loquat.
The Japanese loquat variety is the most popular. He started cultivating in China and later moved to other countries such as Japan, India or Mongolia. Over the centuries, this variety has crossed many borders to places such as Argentina, the Canary Islands, Hawaii and regions of the Mediterranean basin.
This variety is shaped like a large shrub or small tree, its height can reach 10 meters but rarely reaches these measures. A distinguishing element of this species are its leaves that are usually covered by beautiful yellowish green. The loquat fruits of this species bloom in autumn and winter and mature at the end of this last season or in spring.
In Europe, the European medlar has reached a certain popularity. The tree that gives this fruit is cultivated in different areas of Germany and to the southeast of this continent. If the conditions are optimal, it can reach 8 meters in height. Its medlar fruits bloom in the months of May and June, at maturity they can reach 3 centimeters and have a pleasant bittersweet flavor.
Another well-known variety is the masaranduba. This species develops in South America, Central America and the Antilles and its main characteristic is that it is a tree that can reach 50 meters in height.
The loquat fruits that it produces are not of great size and, although they are edible, in these zones of the planet they are used for other purposes.
Economic importance of the crop
The Japanese loquat has been the variety that has been cultivated and extended throughout the planet. It came to Europe from China in the eighteenth century and various theories suggest that it was the Jesuits who introduced this plant, first cultivating it in France and later extending it throughout the Mediterranean basin reaching countries like Algeria, Turkey, Italy or Israel.
The first loquat producer is China, followed by Spain, Japan, Italy and Brazil. Although this fruit has spread throughout the Mediterranean basin, Spain is the first producing country in this area, especially the communities of Valencia, Andalusia, Murcia, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
In addition, Spain is the main importer of medlar, sending 70% of its production to countries like Italy, Portugal and France.
Better conditions for loquat culture
Weather
The first essential element is the climate that must be warm-tempered with mild winters. The loquat can grow in places where temperatures are more extreme, but grows only as an ornamental plant, its taste loses quality and is not usually used for trade.
Floor
Another important element is the soil, this fruit can occur in a multitude of firm, whether sandy or clayey, but it is essential to have a good drainage, if this factor does not work, the size of the fruit may be too large or too small , And its maturation will be early or very late. It is also not recommended to expose it to excessive salinity conditions.
Water
The regulation of the quantities of water is a decisive factor for its development. These should be moderate. For example, if the annual rainfall does not exceed 1,500 mm it is necessary to increase the irrigation so that the production is abundant and the conditions of the fruit are optimal. If the quantities of water are scarce, the production of this fruit can be reduced and the size of the fruit will be very small.
Rainfall during the fall can damage the loquat's development. The reason is that they cause premature blooms that are subsequently exposed to winter frost.
They can also damage the precipitations that occur once the fruit has matured since they can reduce the quality of the same and to cause rajas and damages in its surface.
Risks of overconsumption
Consuming this fruit in excessive amounts can cause health problems due to the activity of some of its components, especially the influence of palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid that increases blood cholesterol levels and may even accelerate metastasis in some Cells.
Another aspect to keep in mind is that the medlar should not be taken after having made a significant physical effort. Although it is a fruit that helps to hydrate the body, its contribution of nutrients and mineral salts may not be sufficient to recover the organism. If you want to use it for this purpose it is better to consult a doctor.
Excessive loquat intake can also lead to nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. This is produced by vitamin C which, despite being an element that produces multitude of benefits, an excess can increase iron levels and damage cellular tissue.
The presence of calcium can also cause harmful effects if consumed in excess, especially in adults who may have kidney stones, constipation or inhibit the absorption of other minerals such as copper or iron.
References
- Ayaz, FA, Glew, RH, Huang, SA, Chuang, LT, VanderJagt, DJ, and Strnad, M. (2002). Evolution of fatty acids in loquat (Mespilus germanica L.) mesocarp in different maturation stages. Fats and Oils, 53 (3), 352-356.
- Bibalani, G. H., & Mosazadeh-Sayadmahaleh, F. (2012). Medicinal benefits and usage of medlar (Mespilus germanica) in Gilan Province (Roudsar District), Iran. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 6 (7), 1155-1159.
- Calcio, information sheet for consumers. Medline, 22-XI-2016
Chamorro, R.A., & Mamani, E.C. (2015). Importance of dietary fiber, its functional properties in human food and in the food industry. Journal of Research in Food Science and Technology, 1 (1). - Chasquibol-Silva, N.A., & Morales-Gomero, J.C. (2015). Contribution to the study of the gelation process of the loquat pectin pectin. Industrial Engineering, (28), 157-176.
- Gariglio, N., Castillo, A., Juan, M., Almela, V., & Agustí, M. (2002). The Japanese loquat. Techniques to improve fruit quality. Sèrie Technical Divulgation, (52).
- Vargas, Y., Pisfil, E., Bautista, N., & Arias, G. C. (2009). Chemical bromatological study of the fruit of the loquat (Mespilus germanica L.), from Ayacucho. Science and Research, 12 (2), 90-94.