The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), a tree hailing from China and belonging to the rose family, is celebrated for its delectable fruit. This small, round fruit typically appears in clusters, showcasing a vibrant palette ranging from yellow to a rich red-orange, depending on the particular variety. Notably, loquat fruit, along with its seeds and leaves, is rich in beneficial plant compounds, having been utilized in traditional medicine across various cultures for millennia. Recent studies indicate that loquats may provide an array of health benefits, including potential protective effects against certain diseases.

In this article, we explore seven unexpected health advantages of loquats that you might find intriguing.

1. Rich in Nutrients

Loquats, or Eriobotrya japonica, are delightful low-calorie fruits that offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals, making them an exceptionally nutritious choice. These small fruits pack a punch when it comes to their health benefits.

In a serving size of 100 grams of cubed loquats, you can expect the following nutritional profile:

• Calories: 47
• Carbohydrates: 12 grams
• Protein: 0.8 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Provitamin A: 31% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin B6: 5% of the DV
• Folate (Vitamin B9): 4% of the DV
• Magnesium: 3% of the DV
• Potassium: 6% of the DV
• Manganese: 8% of the DV

These fruits are particularly abundant in carotenoid antioxidants, which help to avert cellular damage and may offer protective benefits against various diseases. Carotenoids are also vital precursors to vitamin A, essential for maintaining healthy vision, robust immune function, and promoting cellular growth.

Moreover, loquats are rich in folate and vitamin B6, both of which play crucial roles in energy production and the formation of blood cells. Furthermore, they supply magnesium and potassium, which are key to supporting nerve and muscle function, along with manganese, a mineral that contributes to bone health and metabolic processes. Additionally, loquats also contain trace amounts of vitamin C, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), copper, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. In essence, loquats are low-calorie fruits that deliver an impressive array of nutrients, including provitamin A, multiple B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, making them a fantastic addition to any diet.

2. Abundant in Beneficial Plant Compounds

The health benefits of loquats (Eriobotrya japonica) can be attributed to their rich composition of plant compounds. Notably, these fruits serve as a remarkable source of carotenoid antioxidants, with beta carotene being a prominent example. Darker varieties, especially those in vibrant red or orange hues, generally contain a higher concentration of carotenoids compared to their paler counterparts.

Research indicates that carotenoids can significantly bolster your immune system, diminish inflammation, and offer protection against diseases affecting the heart and eyes. In particular, diets abundant in beta carotene have been associated with a decreased risk of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal and lung cancer.

A comprehensive review encompassing seven studies revealed that individuals with high beta carotene intake faced a considerably lower risk of mortality from all causes, in comparison to those with minimal intake. Furthermore, loquats are also loaded with phenolic compounds, which are celebrated for their antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may contribute to a protective effect against various health issues, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

In summary, loquats are an outstanding source of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, offering a plethora of health benefits.

3. Potential Benefits for Heart Health

Loquats (Eriobotrya japonica) are considered beneficial for heart health, largely due to their rich array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These delightful fruits are particularly notable for their high levels of potassium and magnesium, which play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and ensuring the arteries function optimally. Additionally, the presence of carotenoids and phenolic compounds in loquats may offer protective benefits against heart disease by mitigating inflammation and averting cellular damage.

Carotenoids are well-known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute significantly to preventing the buildup of plaque within the arteries—a primary factor in heart disease and related fatalities. Research indicates that individuals who incorporate a higher intake of carotenoid-rich foods into their diets experience a markedly lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those whose diets lack these nutrient-dense options. With their abundant supply of potassium, magnesium, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds, loquats serve as a delicious addition that may enhance heart health and combat heart disease effectively.

4. Potential Anticancer Properties

Emerging research suggests that extracts derived from the skin, leaves, and seeds of the loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) may exhibit potential anticancer effects. For instance, a notable study conducted in vitro revealed that the extract sourced from loquat fruit skins significantly inhibited the proliferation and spread of human bladder cancer cells. In addition to this, the skin and flesh of loquats contain beneficial substances like carotenoids and phenolic compounds, both recognized for their anticancer attributes. Specifically, beta carotene has displayed cancer-fighting properties in various test-tube and animal studies, while chlorogenic acid — a type of phenolic compound — has been demonstrated to inhibit tumor growth in several laboratory investigations. Furthermore, human studies have indicated that a diet abundant in fruits can provide substantial protection against cancer. However, it is essential to note that further research focusing specifically on loquats is warranted to fully understand their potential. Overall, while loquats may possess promising anticancer properties, additional studies are crucial to confirm these findings.

5. Potential to Enhance Metabolic Health

The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) has shown promise in potentially enhancing metabolic health by decreasing the levels of triglycerides, blood sugar, and insulin—a vital hormone that facilitates the transport of glucose into the cells for energy utilization. Traditional Chinese medicine has utilized various parts of the loquat tree, including its leaves and seeds, for ages to address metabolic concerns such as elevated blood sugar levels.

In a compelling 4-week study, mice that were given loquat while on a high-fat diet exhibited significantly lower levels of blood sugar, triglycerides, and insulin compared to those solely consuming a high-fat diet. Additional studies involving rodents suggest that the extracts derived from loquat leaves and seeds may also contribute to lowering blood sugar levels. Despite these intriguing findings, further research involving human subjects is essential to validate these effects. While the loquat fruit, along with its leaves and seeds, may offer benefits to various facets of metabolic health, the current lack of human studies emphasizes the need for more comprehensive research in this area.

6. Potential Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Chronic inflammation is often associated with a variety of health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and diabetes. Recent studies indicate that loquats (known as Eriobotrya japonica in several regions) may possess significant anti-inflammatory properties. In laboratory tests, loquat juice demonstrated a remarkable ability to elevate levels of an anti-inflammatory protein known as interleukin-10 (IL-10), while concurrently reducing levels of two inflammatory markers: interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Furthermore, research conducted on rodents revealed that administering loquat fruit extract effectively decreased general inflammation triggered by high-sugar diets and led to a notable reduction in endotoxins—substances associated with inflammation—in the liver. The impressive anti-inflammatory effects observed can likely be attributed to the rich blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in loquats. However, further studies involving human subjects are essential to confirm these findings.

Both laboratory and animal studies suggest that loquats could exhibit significant anti-inflammatory properties.

7. An Adaptable and Delicious Fruit

Loquats thrive in semitropical climates, making them easily accessible through local farmers' markets or even home gardens in these regions. For those residing in colder areas, finding loquats can be a challenge, but they might be available in specialty grocery stores during certain seasons. The flavor profile of loquats is a delightful mix of sweet and slightly tart, with refreshing citrus undertones. When selecting loquats, opt for the fully ripe ones, which exhibit a vibrant yellow-orange hue and yield gently to the touch; immature fruits tend to be overly sour.

Due to their quick spoilage, it’s best to consume loquats within a few days after purchase.

There are numerous ways to incorporate loquats into your meals, such as:

• enjoying them raw, paired with cheese or nuts for a delightful snack
• adding them to a colorful fruit salad
• stewing them with maple syrup and cinnamon to create a sweet topping for oatmeal
• baking them into delicious pies and cakes
• transforming them into homemade jam or jelly
• blending them into a smoothie with spinach, Greek yogurt, avocado, coconut milk, and frozen banana
• mixing them with peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs to craft a tasty salsa
• cooking them as a sweet complement to meat or poultry dishes
• juicing them for refreshing cocktails and mocktails

If you're not ready to enjoy your loquats right away, refrigerating them can keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks. To further extend their shelf life, consider dehydrating, canning, or freezing them. The sweet and slightly tart flavor of loquats enhances a variety of dishes. Given their perishable nature, preserving them through freezing, canning, or dehydrating is advisable. Additionally, they can be transformed into delightful jams and jellies.

The Bottom Line

Loquats, known as Eriobotrya japonica, are not only delectable fruits but also provide a myriad of health advantages. These fruits are remarkably low in calories while being rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. Recent studies indicate that loquats may play a protective role against various ailments, including heart disease and certain types of cancer, in addition to potentially lowering blood sugar, triglyceride, and insulin levels. If you're intrigued, you can often find loquats at local specialty shops or explore options such as loquat tea, syrup, candy, and seedlings available for purchase online.