The loquat tree is often found in rural areas. Not only is it used as an ingredient in various dishes, but loquat fruit also has many health benefits. Studies have shown that loquat fruit contains glucose, sucrose, quinic acid, trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium… as well as vitamins C, B1… These substances bring about various benefits for health.
Regulating blood sugar levels
The American Diabetes Association states that loquat fruit, due to its high fiber content, is very effective in controlling diabetes. The high potassium content in loquat fruit helps stabilize blood sugar levels by regulating insulin levels for diabetic patients who need regular insulin injections. Thanks to this, diabetic patients can live a normal life.
For people with low blood sugar levels, it is important to limit the consumption of loquat fruit as it may lower blood sugar levels, causing dizziness, headaches, tremors, etc.
Treating kidney stones
Folic acid in loquat fruit can combine with calcium in the body to form kidney stones. Therefore, kidney patients are advised not to consume too much of this fruit. However, loquat fruit is actually beneficial for the treatment of kidney stones and gallstones if used properly.
Scientific studies have researched the compounds in loquat fruit such as glucose, sucrose, quinic acid, trace elements (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, etc.) that help support the treatment of kidney stones, soften and help dissolve the stones. Afterwards, the stones will be excreted through urine (if it is a kidney stone) or excreted into the intestines through the bile duct (if it is a gallstone).
Loquat fruit also contains compounds with strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. The formation of stones can cause inflammatory reactions at the site of friction. At that time, the special components in loquat fruit have anti-inflammatory effects, thereby helping to limit severe inflammation. However, to ensure safety, patients with kidney disease should consult a doctor before using loquat as a support for treatment.
Good for bones
Loquat fruit contains high levels of antioxidants and fiber. Research has shown that loquat fruit is rich in calcium, about 3.2 times higher than other fruits. Every 28g of loquat fruit provides 5% of the necessary calcium intake for the body in a day. Moreover, the relatively high levels of potassium and vitamin K in loquat fruit helps the body counteract the excretion of calcium through urine caused by a high-salt diet, which helps retain calcium and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Anti-cancer properties
The abundant fiber in loquat fruit not only helps maintain a healthy digestive system but also effectively prevents and fights against certain types of cancer. Studies have shown that loquat fruit completely inhibits the growth of cancer cells and is 10 times more effective than other treatment methods.
In addition, the resin of green loquat fruit has inhibitory effects on the development of many other types of cancer cells such as connective tissue cancer, spontaneous breast cancer, lymphoblastic lymphoma… It also effectively slows down the metastasis process.
Good for digestion, promotes bowel movements
According to research, the fiber component in loquat fruit is a necessary food source that helps nourish beneficial microflora in the intestines. As a result, consuming loquat fruit contributes to improving the digestive process and preventing conditions such as bloating, abdominal pressure, indigestion, or constipation. Thanks to the fiber in loquat fruit, food moves faster in the intestines and helps soften the stool.
Antioxidant properties
Thanks to the presence of vitamins A and C, loquat fruit has strong antioxidant properties. Additionally, the polyphenols in the flesh of the fruit contribute to the antioxidant effects in the body. Structurally, polyphenols have many hydroxyl groups and benzene rings in their molecules, which allows them to counteract harmful free radicals in the body.