Where the “modest” heroes of spring help
Succulent, fragrant, and a vibrant deep yellow or orange color, loquats are in full bloom from late April to mid-June. This is the time when we find them abundantly in the local market, grocery stores, yards and sidewalks, even in Athens!
But what we don’t know is that, in addition to being delicious (with its hard-to-remove and slightly bitter skin), loquat is very rich in antioxidants, in other words, substances that help protect cells. from injuries and diseases.
They are also particularly rich in carotenoids strengthen the immune system.
Carotenoids are also important precursors for vitamin A healthy vision and cell growth.
And there are indications that loquats can help with both cancer prevention also in treatment of inflammation.
In addition, loquats contain folate and vitamin B6, which are important for energy production and blood cell formation.
They also contain magnesium and potassium, which are essential for them nerve and muscle functionalso manganese, supporting bone health and metabolism.
In addition, loquats contain small amounts of vitamin C, thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), copper, iron, calcium and phosphorus.
Cancer prevention
Early research suggests that the leaves and stems may help prevent cancer.
Antioxidants in loquats can help suppress the growth of cancerous tumors.
For example, a test tube study showed that an extract from the peel of the fruit significantly inhibits the growth and spread of bladder cancer cells.
In addition, certain substances in the skin and flesh of loquats, including carotenoids and phenolic compounds, are known to have anticancer properties.
Beta-carotene has shown cancer-fighting effects in both test-tube and animal studies, while psychogenic acid (a phenolic compound) has been shown to inhibit tumour growth in multiple test-tube studies.
In addition, human studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits provides significant protection against cancer.
However, it should be noted that the anticancer activity of loquacity in particular has been demonstrated in animals and at the cellular level, but has not been studied in humans.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Loquat leaves, seeds and fruits reduce inflammation, the body’s overreaction to irritants such as microbes or allergens. Loquat leaves have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries to treat diseases caused by inflammation, such as bronchitis and asthma.
A number of substances in loquacity, such as tricentennial acids, reduce inflammation in the body.
Food value
Loquacity contain flavouring and carotids, which act as antioxidants that help reduce the risk of serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
They also contain:
- calcium
- magnesium
- phosphorus
- potassium
- vitamin C
- Vitamin A
Nutrients per serving
A 100-gram portion of loquacity (the size of a medium banana) contains:
- Calories: 47
- Protein: 0.43 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.1 grams
Risks
Loquacity can cause allergic reactions. Reactions can be mild, but in severe cases can cause loquacity prophylaxis.
Care should also be taken with the seeds: although rarely, they can cause mild poisoning when eaten raw.
And a tip for easier enjoyment
Chef Nona Smirnoff offers a great tip for cleaning this difficult fruit, as it is often relatively difficult to remove both the skin and the seeds: Steam well-washed whole pastilles for 4-5 minutes and leave to cool. We can also “dry” them a little in the oven at 170°C for 6-8 minutes. Either way, cool them and remove the skins and seeds with their membranes (easier). If we can easily clean them raw, sprinkle the flesh with a little lemon juice so that it does not darken.