Loquats: Allies To Heal The Liver?
Medlars, also known as “Japanese medlars” or Eriobotrya japonica, are fruits known for their showy yellow or orange color. In addition to having a delicious flavor, they stand out for their content of bioactive compounds, used in natural medicine to improve health.
In particular, and as compiled in an article published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences , they concentrate sugars, organic acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and vitamins whose assimilation promotes well-being. Is it true that they help heal the liver? We will detail it below.
Nutritional properties of loquats
First of all, it should be noted that medlars have a very interesting nutritional composition. According to data published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), every 149 grams of the fruit contains the following:
- Calories: 70.
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams.
- Protein: 1 gram.
- Fiber: 3 grams.
- Provitamin A: 46% of the Recommended Daily Value (DRV).
- Vitamin B6: 7% of the VDR.
- Folate (vitamin B9): 5% of the VDR.
- Magnesium: 5% of the VDR.
- Potassium: 11% of the VDR.
- Manganese: 11% of the VDR.
In addition to this, a publication in Frontiers in Plant Science states that these fruits are abundant in carotenoid antioxidants, associated with better visual health and disease prevention. We will tell you more in the next space.
Medlar benefits
Due to their content of healthy compounds, loquats have been linked to good physical and mental health. In fact, although they are not a first-line treatment to combat diseases, they are considered an adjunct when it comes to improving cardiac and metabolic function.
Loquats to take care of body weight
Each medlar contains between 40 and 70 calories per 100 grams. That is, it is less caloric than other fruits such as apples (120 calories) or oranges (160 calories). Due to this, it is considered a good option for weight loss diets or whose purpose is to take care of body weight.
Its fiber content helps promote a feeling of satiety, which is key when it comes to losing weight. In addition, it helps prevent other metabolic disorders, such as high blood sugar levels.
Heart health
Without a doubt, these prodigious fruits are good allies for heart health. Due to its contribution of carotenoid compounds – in addition to potassium and magnesium – they favor the prevention of diseases such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides and death from heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory activity
Chronic inflammation is associated with many health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, brain conditions, among others. Medlars appear to have anti-inflammatory activity when assimilated into the body.
A study published in Food Chemistry found that loquat juice helped increase levels of an anti-inflammatory protein called “interleukin-10 (IL-10).” In turn, it served to reduce the high levels of two inflammatory proteins. For now, more evidence is lacking to verify this action.
Do loquats help heal the liver?
The answer to this question is no. Although medlars have become popular as a treatment to “cleanse” and “heal the liver,” there is no evidence to support these effects. Even so, it seems that they do contribute to the care of this organ, since they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, these fruits have hepatoprotective qualities. Its nutrient content helps reduce fat accumulation and minimizes the risk of conditions linked to inflammation.
In turn, an article published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy suggests that flavonoids, vitamins, minerals and organic acids reduce the risk of fatty liver.
Ways to consume medlars to take advantage of their properties
Loquats are versatile fruits that can be incorporated into a wide variety of recipes. However, when it comes to taking advantage of their properties, it is best to consume them naturally, preferably when they are ripe. Now, it is also recommended to take advantage of its leaves to prepare a tea. Write down the following recipe.
Ingredients
- 10 medlar leaves
- 4 cups of water (1 liter)
Instructions
- First, wash the medlar leaves.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Once it reaches its boiling point, add the medlar leaves and put them over low heat for 8 minutes.
- After this time, turn off the drink and let it rest for 5 more minutes.
- Strain and consume a cup before each meal.
Note: if you have any illness or are under drug treatment, consult your doctor before trying this drink.
Are loquats curative?
Due to its interesting nutritional composition, loquats stand out as a healthy fruit, ideal for improving the quality of the diet. However, that does not mean that they have healing or similar properties. Its consumption does not alleviate health problems nor should it entail a treatment.
Although some studies show that it helps to take care of the liver, the evidence remains limited. Therefore, in case of liver diseases, consultation with the professional should be prioritized.
