“16 Health Benefits of Loquat Fruit”

We are moving into spring and loquat fruits are starting to appear at the markets. Loquats have been around for 1000 years and originated from Asia and have disseminated all over the globe. Loquat fruits are very healthy and sweet, and have a wonderful flavor which works well for all kinds of culinary dishes and for making wine.

Taste and Other Names - Loquat fruit or Eriobotrya japonica tastes a bit like sweet apricots with a bit of a tang at the back of the tongue. And it’s also known as Chinese plum, Japanese Medlar and Japanese plum.

Where They Grow - Loquat grows in China, Japan, Indonesia, Chile, Australia, Afghanistan, India, Iraq, Kenya, South Africa, New Zealand, Israel, Brazil, Tonga, South America, Central America, Mexico, Europe, and also in the US in California, Florida, Luisiana, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other warmer states. The tree is small from 6 to 12 feet tall, but smaller 5 or 6 feet trees are more common. And they are easy to grow and needs warmth to mature the fruit… and the fruits contains from 1 to 3 seeds inside.

Small Tree with Lots of Fruit - This small tree is very prolific with lots of fruits all over the fruit. In fact in California I would see people with trees in their yard and all the fruit dropping to the ground and going to waste… because there were so many loquats on one little tree.

Preventing Colon Cancer - Loquats fruit contains a large amount of pectin which is great for gathering together toxins and removing them from the body. Also pectin is a good fiber that helps to create a wonderful environment for the growth of probiotic bacteria. Thus helping to boost our immune system and prevent disease.

Lowers Blood Sugar - Loquats help the pancreas to create more insulin thus helping those who suffering from diabetes by lowering blood sugar. And loquat leaf tea is also good for lowering blood sugar.

Prevents Other Cancers - Loquats also contain agents which help to protect against oral cancers and lung cancers.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine - In Traditional Chinese Medicine loquats are used to sooth away sore throats and as expectorants for getting rid of phlegm and mucus. In Japan the leaves are brewed into a alcoholic beverage which is great for healing asthma and other lung problems. And the leave are also good for treating skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

Antioxidants - Loquats are full of great antioxidants that help to prevent and repair DNA damage and thus help to prevent disease.

Blood Pressure Regulation - Loquats are a good source of potassium which is important for blood pressure regulation, heart contractions, and water regulation.

Lowers Cholesterol - Loquats contain pectin which helps to prevent fats from being absorbed thus lowering cholesterol.

Weight Loss - Because loquats contain lots of pectin, they also give a person a feeling of being full and thus help with weight loss.

Great for Insomnia - Eating a large handful of loquat fruit just before bedtime can create a relaxed feeling which allows one to rest easy at night, and that relaxed feeling can last up to 24 hours… and it also helps with stress.

Promote Red Blood Cell Formation - Loquats contain lots of great agents such as Vitamin’s C, A, B’s, iron, copper, magnesium, and manganese which are all important for red blood cell formation.

Cough Drops - Many times loquats are used in the making of cough drops because they are soothing for the throat.

Anti-inflammatory - Loquats are anti-inflammatory thus helping with redness, pain, and swelling.

Strong Bones - Loquats help to prevent osteoporosis by building strong bones.

Eye Health - Loquats contain lots of Vitamin A which helps to prevent macular degeneration and other eye diseases such as cataracts.

Antiviral - Loquat leaves contain 2-alpha-hydoxyursolic acid which has been shown to have a mild capacity to prevent and heal certain types of viral diseases such as HIV.

Good Food - Loquats are fat free, cholesterol free, and sodium free food, which is important for great health.

Culinary Uses - Loquats are great for making jams, jellies, can be used in cooking beef, fish, lamb, and poultry. And loquats are used in stir fries and salads, and make great chutney, pies, tarts, candy, and syrup. And can be used in casseroles, soups, and stews, and they can be dried for later use. And they are used in all kinds of great food around the world in many different cultures. Also the fruit makes a great wine and liqueur which is well known in Italy.

Finding - Look around for yards that have loquat trees… lots of people let them go to waste. Also the the fruit can be found at Asian and Latin Markets, and the seeds for growing loquat trees can be ordered on-line. And lots of nurseries around the world have loquat trees for sale, and they can be ordered on-line.

Seeds are Not Edible - The seeds are not edible and some are poisonous.

Enjoy Great Tasting Loquat Fruit and Stay Healthy!

It’s one of my favorites!

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist