Loquats

Health Benefits

Loquats are delicious and is very low in calories. Loquat fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, rich in insoluble dietary fiber,  and pectin. Pectin retains moisture in the colon and functions as bulk laxative. This helps to protect the colon mucous membrane, by decreasing the amount of exposure time to toxic substances as well as binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. Pectin  also help to reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood by decreasing  the re-absorption of cholesterol binding bile acids in the colon.

Loquat fruit is an excellent source of vitamin A and antioxidants. It is also very rich in potassium, some B-complex vitamins such as folates, vitamin B-6, niacin and contain small amounts of vitamin-C. Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system. Usually the food you eat supplies all the potassium you need. Vitamin A maintains integrity of mucus membranes, keep the eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections. Studies have shown that consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin-A and flavonoids helps in the protection  from lung cancer and cancer of the oral cavity. Loquat is a  good source of iron, copper, calcium,manganese and other minerals. Manganese is used by the body. Manganese helps the body form connective tissue, bones, blood clotting factors, and sex hormones. It also plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation. Manganese is also necessary for normal brain and nerve function.  which enables the red blood cells to  fill with oxygen and carry it to the cells.Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. The body needs iron to make the proteins hemoglobin and myoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and myoglobin is found in muscles. They help to carry  oxygen to the cells and store oxygen in the body. Loquat acts as a demulcent (soothing) and an expectorant, as well as to soothe the digestive and respiratory systems.