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. Source: Natural Remedies Encyclopedia  Vance Ferrell, Harold M. Cherne M.D. Foods that Heal For more info see Health Benefits of Loquat...

Artichoke: Increases the flow of bile and detoxifies the liver. Other foods that act as hepatic  tonics are loquats, cardoon  also called the artichoke thistle. The total antioxidant capacity of artichoke flower heads is one of the highest reported for vegetables. Cynarin, an active chemical constituent in Cynara, causes an increased bile flow. The majority of the cynarin found in artichoke is located in the pulp of the leaves, though dried leaves and stems of artichoke also contain it. It inhibits taste receptors, making water (and other foods and drinks) seem sweet. Artichokes can also be made into an herbal tea. It affords some of the qualities of the whole vegetable, acting as a diuretic and improving liver function. Medical Benefits: This diuretic vegetable is of nutritional value because of its exhibiting  aid to digestion, strengthening of the liver, and gall bladder function, and raising of the HDL/LDL ratio. This reduces cholesterol levels, which diminishes the risk for arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease.   Aqueous extracts from artichoke leaves have also been shown to reduce cholesterol by inhibiting  HMG-CoA reductase and having a hypolipidemic influence, lowering blood cholestoerl. Artichoke contains the bioactive agents apigenin and luteolin.  C. scolymus also seems to have a bifidogenic effect on beneficial gut bacteria.  Artichoke leaf extract has proved helpful for patients with functional dyspepsia,  and may improve symptoms of IBS.   How to Cook and eat an Artichoke   Reference Foods that Heal by George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Wikipedia, the Free...

Cranberry: Cranberries are actually a type of acidic berries that are rich in vitamin C and is a source of excellent infection fighting properties. Cranberry contains  phytochemicals known as condensed tannins; these  are powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effect. It counters the effects of cystitis and other urinary infections without activating bacterial resistance. Native Americans used cranberries for both their medicinal and natural preservative powers. They brewed cranberry mixtures to draw poison from arrow wounds. They also pounded cranberries into a paste and mixed the paste with dried meat to extend the life of the meat. The name cranberry was given to this plant because the Pilgrims believed the plant looked like the head of a sandhill crane and was originally named ‘craneberry.’ Over time, the ‘e’ was dropped. Studies have  shown that there are other benefits of this fruit. Scientists believed that this  fruit can help prevent health problems such as ulcer and gum problems. Here are some other Benefits of Cranberries: Improve the body’s circulatory system. A daily glass of cranberry juice will treat diseases like cystitis. Provide relief for asthma patients. Condensed tannins in cranberries can inhibit the oxidation of bad cholesterol and as a result protects body against atheroscelrosis. Tannins are also considered an important contributor to a healthy heart. Acts as bactericide and affects the acidity of the urine. In effect, it disrupts the development of kidney stone formation.   cystitis:  inflammation of the bladder. Source: Wikipedia the free Encyclopedia Foods that Heal CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention Further...

Astringents: Persimmon: Contains tannin that dry the intestinal mucosa and mucilage that softens it. Other astringent foods are quince, apple, caimito (star apple), pomegranate, and loquat. Persimmon: a glossy, orange red skinned fruit is an excellent source of vitamin A, and  a good source of vitamin C, and rich in fiber. The entire fruit is edible except for the seed and calyx. It is rich in health promoting nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that are vital for optimum health. Medicinal Health Benefits of  Persimmon It is used as a traditional Chinese remedy for hiccups. Persimmon cake is also used as a  remedy to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, lung infections and asthma.  To make the cake click here & read Health Benefits of Persimmon  The astringent taste of persimmon can help stop diarrhea, reduces sweating, and slows or stops bleeding. Persimmons can help prevent the risk of cancer because it is high in vitamin A .( Beta carotene, the precursor to vitamin A found in vegetables, has antioxidant properties, which means it protects cells from the daily toxic damage of oxidation. It contain compounds known as shibuol and betulinic acid that are thought to have anti-cancer properties. Studies conducted in Japan showed that the skin of the persimmon contains phytochemicals known as proanthocyanidins which may protect cells against oxidative damage associated with aging. Source: Foods that Health by George D. Pamplona-Roger,M.D.: Wickipedia the free Encyclopedia;  MedlinePlus More information at CDC- Center for Disease...

Diuretics: Celery increases urine production, helps in the function of the kidney and reduces edema (swelling) Other foods that work as diuretics are egg-plant, melon, water-melon, leeks and asparagus. Click on the picture of asparagus, water- melon, leeks and the eggplant for  more health benefits information. Celery is related to anise, carrots, parsley and parsnips. Celery is available year round. Select celery that is compact in shape where the ribs feel firm and crisp and the leaves are green. Avoid celery that is bruised or discolored. Sources: George D. Pamplona-Roger,M.D. Foods that Heal Center for Disease Control and...

Plant based foods, like medicinal plants  contain substances that produce pharmacological effects that are similar to any other medication BUT with these advantages: (a). They prevent and correct the tendency toward disease, in addition to having curative properties. (b). Generally speaking, they have No Side Effects like medications. Here are some of the healing properties of vegetables and  fruits.  Medicinal Benefits we derived from eating vegetables and fruits are listed below.  Diuretics Astringents  Urinary Antiseptics Hepatic Tonic Mineral Restorers Hypolipidemic Antioxidants Anticarcinogens Digestives Antianemics Laxatives  Source: Foods that Heal, Medical Encyclopedia, Plants that...