Loquats: Complete Vitamin Profile

Loquats ‐ Vitamin Information

Vitamins Found Inside of Loquats

Loquats, a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia and parts of Eastern China, serve as a great source of essential vitamins. The juicy, sweet aggregate fruits are harvested from December to April, with the peak season occurring during the months of March and April. As most grapes contain vitis vinifera species, loquats respectively belong to the family of rosaceae and genus eriobotrya japonica--which is what makes each individual fruity bite so unique. Research shows that due to their various minerals and vitamin content, consumption of loquats has a variety of health benefits for both children and adults. This paper will focus on the specific vitamins found inside of loquats and how they affect human health.

The first key nutrient found in loquats is Vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant which helps support the immune system by fighting off free radicals—or unstable atoms and molecules—that our bodies produce from over-exposure to environmental toxins. For example, research suggests that eating just one cup of halved loquats is equivalent to about 37 percent of the daily recommended value (DVR) of Vitamin A—meaning it’s relatively easy to consume enough this powerful nutrient. Emerging clinical studies also conclude that increased Vitamin A intake may be associated with disease prevention; specifically, lower risks of coronary heart disease, some cancers, and lung diseases such as COPD.

In addition to providing Vitamin A, consuming loquats can increase your overall magnesium levels. While magnesium isn’t classified as a “vitamin” per say, it serves as a vital mineral responsible for hundreds of biochemical processes within the body. One such process includes the healthy functioning muscle tissue, where magnesium acts as a regulator offering neuromuscular relaxation and electrical activity. Magnesium is known to offer protection against depression, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, among others. More recently, scientists have suggested that magnesium helps alleviate anxiety and stress through acetylcholine inhibition in the brain—however further research still needs to be conducted. Per 100 grams worth of fresh loquat pulp, there’s about 55mg of magnesium present—making them a very viable dietary option for those looking to meet the RDA of 350 mg per day.

Continuing on, consuming loquats will also inevitably up your calcium levels. Calcium plays a critical role in bone development and maintaining strong teeth, while also aiding in nerve signal transmissions throughout the body. Aside from being filled with 600 milligrams of calcium, loquats contain several other important nutrients to fight off deficiencies. Specifically, consuming more than 250g of raw loquats will provide your body with an impressive 41 mcg of biotin and 3.3 mg of copper. Both these substances are responsible for performing numerous metabolic processes largely related to chemical reactions circulating around cells, managing energy production and enzyme creation. Furthermore, the fiber content disclosed in the fruit will keep you feeling full longer between meals or snacks, thus supporting digestion and healthy bowels.

Overall, adding loquats into your diet will give your body many different sources of vitamins and minerals that bring long term health benefits. Consumption of loquats provides us with a natural boost of Vitamin A, Calcium, Biotin, Copper, and Magnesium, all of which aid in various aspects of healing and longevity. Even though their exterior looks fuzzy, the genetic make-up behind loquats gives people plenty of options to ensure optimum nutrition portfolio. Being able to tap into nature's medicine cabinet will put you one step closer towards achieving superior level of wellness.