Benefits and Medicinal Importance of Loquat Essay
Benefits and Medicinal Importance of Loquat Essay
What is Loquat? Loquat with its botanical name of Eriobotrya Japonica, is a small evergreen tree or a shrub with the average height of 4 meters while some can grow up to 30 meters. Loquats are a member of Rosaceae family related to apples, strawberries, and pears. Loquats are known to be indigenous to South Asia and are being grown in India and China since ancient times.
The loquat tree bear flower in autumn, while the fruit is ripe in summer. The fruit grows in drooping cluster formation with each fruit being 3-4 cm long, the fruit is round or pear-shaped and the outer skin being pale yellow to orange in color while the inner flesh is brownish yellow. The flesh of the fruit has a sub-acidic, succulent and tangy taste resembling that of tart with a sweet aroma. Benefits and Medicinal Importance of Loquat Essay.
Nutritional Value: (Given as per serving of 1 cup or 149 gm)
Carbohydrate: Body use this essential nutrient for major functions like breaking down fatty acids and preventing ketosis, the fruit contains around 18. 09 gm of carbs.
Fiber: Loquat has a fiber content of 2. 5 gm per serving.
Water: Like all fruits, loquat has a high water content which helps the body in regulating its temperature and excretion of waste through urine, the water content in the fruit is 129. 23 gm. In addition to these, loquat has minute amounts of other major nutrients like Protein and Ash.
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Minerals: There are a decent amount of minerals found n the fruit which are:
- Copper
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Sodium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
Vitamins: The vitamins found in loquat are water-soluble and fat-soluble.
Water-soluble vitamins:
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Thiamin
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Pyridoxine
Fat-soluble vitamin:
- Vitamin ALipids: Though, in small amount lipids, are also found in loquat which are saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and phytosterols.Benefits and Medicinal Importance of Loquat Essay. Amino Acids: Trace amount of amino acids are also present in the fruit, some of which are:
- Glutamic
- Aspartic
- Alanine
- Valine
- Arginine
Medicinal Benefits: Iron Deficiency: The fruit contains a good amount of Iron and can be considered a boon for anemic people. Hypertension: Good amount of potassium in loquat is found to decrease the stress and strain on blood vessels which aid in maintaining a normal blood pressure. Digestion: Loquat has a dietary fiber called Pectin, which helps people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Research has shown the use of loquat help fight against multiple other conditions like cancer, obesity, diabetes, kidney disorder, and blood circulation problem. Benefits and Medicinal Importance of Loquat Essay.
Loquat trees are native to China, where they grow in the wild. In China, loquats have been used as traditional medicine for thousands of years. The Chinese used loquat fruits and leaves to treat coughs, diabetes, and cancer, among other ailments. The fruits were first brought back to Europe by a Portuguese explorer in the 16th century.
Loquat fruits are often eaten raw or as an extract, but the fruit is also found in jams, pies, and juices. The loquat leaf and flower are also sometimes used in teas.
Health Benefits
Loquat fruits, seeds, and leaves have a wide variety of health benefits like:
Disease Prevention
Loquats are very high in antioxidants, chemicals that help protect your cells against damage and disease. One study showed that loquat leaves had a stronger antioxidant effect than 54 other medicinal plants.
Loquats are particularly high in carotenoid antioxidants, which boost the immune system. A strong immune system is important for fighting off sickness.
Cancer Prevention
Early research shows that loquat fruit and leaves may help prevent cancer. Antioxidants in loquat fruit help suppress cancerous tumor growth. Loquat extract or fruit can help kill cancer cells in your body, which stops the creation and spreading of tumors.Benefits and Medicinal Importance of Loquat Essay. The anti-cancer effect of loquats has been shown in animals and on a cellular level, but it has not been studied in humans.
Loquat fruit is especially high in vitamin A and beta carotene, an antioxidant. These nutrients lower the risk of colorectal, lung, and other cancers.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The loquat leaf, seed, and fruit have been shown to reduce inflammation, the body’s over-reactive response to an irritant like germs or allergens. Chinese medicine has been using loquat leaves for centuries to treat diseases caused by inflammation such as bronchitis and asthma. Several substances found in loquats, such as triterpene acids, reduce inflammation in the body. Benefits and Medicinal Importance of Loquat Essay.
