Benefits and Medicinal Importance of Loquat 

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.

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.

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. 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.