Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutrition FactsBenefitsWho Should Avoid Them?Preparation
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nutrition Facts
Benefits
Who Should Avoid Them?
Preparation
Loquat(Eriobotrya japonica) is a fruit grown on a tree native to China. It is now grown in warm climates around the world and is popular for its sweet fruit and health benefits.
This article will discuss loquat’s nutrition facts, various health benefits, and how to prepare thefruit.
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Loquat Nutrition Facts and Compounds
Loquats grow on fruit trees that originated in southern China. They have been grown for over 2,000 years and are now found in over 30 countries.
Fully ripe loquats are orange but can range from yellow to red in color. The fruit is popular due to its sweet, juicy taste, pleasant appearance, and high nutrient value.Loquats are a nutritious fruit, low in calories, and contain many vitamins and minerals.
One cup of cut-up raw loquat contains:
Loquat vs. KumquatAlthough they have similar names and both are small yellow-to-orange fruits, loquat and kumquat are different. Loquat is in theRosaceae(rose) family, as are apples, pears, and peaches.Kumquats are acitrus fruitin theRutaceaefamily.
Loquat vs. Kumquat
Although they have similar names and both are small yellow-to-orange fruits, loquat and kumquat are different. Loquat is in theRosaceae(rose) family, as are apples, pears, and peaches.Kumquats are acitrus fruitin theRutaceaefamily.
Loquat Fruit Compounds
One of the primary reasons loquats are so popular is their vitamin and mineral content. Vitamins and minerals found in 1 cup of loquat are:
Loquats providecarotenoidantioxidants. These compounds are responsible for the coloring of the fruit. In lists of nutrients, these are noted as “retinol activity equivalents” (RAE) since they are converted to vitamin A in the body.
Loquat Benefits
Loquats are nutritious fruits that have several health benefits. In addition, extracts from its leaves and seeds have been used in traditional medicine and are being explored for possible health benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory
Loquats have been studied for the many ways they can decreaseinflammationin the body.
Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s healing process. But when inflammation does not go away, it can become chronic. Chronic inflammation is considered a contributing factor to more than half of the deaths throughout the world.
A 2020 study looked at how triterpene acids, a compound that was separated from loquat leaves, reduced inflammation in those withchronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) from cigarette smoke.
A review from 2016 found that loquat leaf extract had anti-inflammatory effects. The review gave several examples, including less lung inflammation and improvement in allergic dermatitis. Many of the studies included in the review used animal subjects. More research is needed on humans.
The belief behind loquat’s anti-inflammatory effects is likely due to its high antioxidant content.
Antidiabetic
Several studies discuss how loquat may improve blood glucose and have anantidiabetic effect. Research has looked at how loquat leaf and seed extracts can lower blood glucose for those withtype 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
A 2019 animal study showed extracts from the loquat leaf could improve glucose, hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides), and insulin resistance (when cells in the body don’t respond well to insulin and can’t take up glucose from the blood, requiring the pancreas to make more insulin).The results are promising, but more research is needed involving humans.
A 2016 review discussed how loquat leaf extracts were used in traditional folk medicine. It covered many studies showing loquat’s glucose-lowering properties and improved insulin resistance.However, many of the studies referenced used animal subjects.
Anticancer
One of loquat’s potential benefits is its ability to protect against cancer. A 2016 study found that loquat leaf extract inhibited the growth ofbreast cancercells in animal subjects.
A 2017 study found the loquat fruit skin inhibited the growth ofbladder cancercells.
Loquat fruit is high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which may lower the risk of certain cancers.More research is needed to endorse loquat’s use to protect against cancer.
Antioxidant
Free radicals cause harm within the body as they interact with other molecules,damaging them through the process of oxidation and causing oxidative stress(an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants). This can contribute to chronic health conditions like cancer and cardiovascular problems.Antioxidantsare molecules that can protect the body from free radical damage.
Loquats contain a high number of antioxidants due to the beta-carotene content within the fruit.
Research points toward the antioxidant benefits of loquats, but more research is needed to confirm the findings.
Cultural Uses of LoquatTheCompendium of Materia Medica, a book written before the 16th century that contains traditional Chinese medicine, describes loquat’s origin, cultivation methods, and medicinal value. The fruit has been used to treat cough, bronchitis, diabetes, and inflammation.
Cultural Uses of Loquat
TheCompendium of Materia Medica, a book written before the 16th century that contains traditional Chinese medicine, describes loquat’s origin, cultivation methods, and medicinal value. The fruit has been used to treat cough, bronchitis, diabetes, and inflammation.
Should Anyone Not Eat Loquat?
Loquat is generally considered a safe fruit to eat. Intact seeds are generally not a hazard, but the kernel inside the seed contains the poisonous compound cyanogenic glycoside.People should avoid eating a large quantity of cracked seeds.
There is one older study from 2004 discussing a person who developedtoxic myopathy(muscle damage) after drinking 2 liters (about 2 quarts) of loquat leaf extract per day for two weeks.
If you think you are sensitive orallergicto loquat, don’t eat it again until you contact a healthcare provider.
Finding, Slicing, and Preparing Loquat
Loquats are grown in warmer (subtropical) climates and may be found at local grocery stores or farmers markets.
In most parts of the United States, the trees are grown as an ornamental since the fruit does not develop enough sugar for it to be palatable when eaten raw.In Florida, the fruit may ripen enough to be harvested.
In colder climates, loquats may be more difficult to find but may be found in specialty grocery stores. Look for ripe loquats that are yellow to orange in color. The fruit should be firm but slightly soft when pressed.
Loquats can be eaten raw.Many people prefer to peel away the skin, slice up the fruit, and remove the seeds. The fruit can then be eaten as is. Ways to incorporate loquat into everyday meals include:
Summary
Loquat is a fruit grown in warm climates that has a yellow- to orange-colored skin. The inside fruit is sweet and is popular not only for its delicious taste but also for its health benefits. Many of its health benefits stem from its high levels of beta-carotene. Loquat can be eaten peeled, with seeds removed, and cut up in a salad or blended into a smoothie.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Liu Y, Zhang W, Xu C, Li X.Biological activities of extracts from loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.): a review.IJMS. 2016;17(12):1983. doi:10.3390/ijms17121983
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.Inflammation.
Xu S, Wang G, Peng W, et al.Corosolic acid isolated from Eriobotrya japonica leaves reduces glucose level in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, zebrafish and rats.Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):4388. doi:10.1038%2Fs41598-019-40934-7
You MK, Kim MS, Jeong KS, Kim E, Kim YJ, Kim HA.Loquat (eriobotrya japonica) leaf extract inhibits the growth of MDA-MB-231 tumors in nude mouse xenografts and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells.Nutr Res Pract. 2016;10(2):139. doi:10.4162/nrp.2016.10.2.139
Shin SS, Hwang B, Lee SB, Kim WJ, Moon SK.Ethanol extract of loquat fruit skin inhibits the proliferation and metastatic potential of EJ human bladder carcinoma cells.Animal Cells and Systems. 2017;21(5):323-331. doi:10.1080/19768354.2017.1358665
Mount Sinai.Beta-carotene.
North Carolina Extension.Eriobotrya japonica.
Fruit and Nut Research and Information Center.Loquat fact sheet.
University of Florida IFAS Extension.Loquat growing in the Florida home landscape.
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