Wishing you happiness for the holidays!

Just two more sleeps!!

>> Click on the pic to see the snow fall <<

Health and wellness, all wrapped up in a yummy yellow fruit.

Forget popping pills, pick a plum!

Conversations with friends about my love for loquat fruit – given that the tree in my back yard is abundant with this delicious Chinese plum – spurred me on to do a little investigation.

I’d gotten hooked on this sweet fleshy stone fruit in childhood, but was unintentionally educated on its many health benefits after being diagnosed with cancer.

Several researchers have revealed that loquat extracts are beneficial in cancer therapies due to its cytokine immune modulation moisture capabilities. Also, the laetrile in loquat is a known anti-cancer agent. Additionally, pectin in this little fruit, helps to retain moisture in the colon, and thus, functions as a bulk laxative. In this way it helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure to toxic substances, as well as binding the cancer causing chemicals in the colon.

Many other health benefits I’ve uncovered in my research include how this yellow wonder is an excellent source of Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. It contains almost all the B complex Vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folates and folic acid. Loquat also contain minerals like calcium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, selenium and carbohydrates. Possessing monounsaturated fats like omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids add to it’s appeal. The fruit is low in cholesterol and calories since it hardly contains any lipids or proteins. With properties like these, this fresh fruit is an important component of cell and body fluids, helping to control heart rate and blood pressure.

Loquat fruit is an excellent source of vitamin A (provides about 1528 IU or 51% of daily recommended levels of the vitamin per 100g), and phenolic flavinoid antioxidants such as chlorogenic  acid, neochlorogenic acid, hydroxybenszoic acid, feruloylquinic acid, protocatechuic acid, epicatechin, coumaric acids and ferulic acid. Ripened fruits have more chlorogenic acid concentrations.

This odd little stone friuit is a functional food for the prevention of diabeties and hyper lipidemia. Loquats release a set of natural body chemicals known as polysaccrides which help reduce diabetes by increasing insulin production. Its extract also support pancreas by supplementing insulin production.

But if you aren’t versed in all of the specific scientific terminology, you can be pleased in the fact that this not-well-known plum is a great addition to your diet to increase health and wellness. This a sweet taste and soft texture not every thing that is good for you has to be difficult to swallow.

Health Chart/Nutritional information:

Nutrient	Unit	1 Value per 100.0g	1. cup, cubed 149g	1.0 large 20g	1.0 medium 16g	1.0 small 13.6g
Proximates
Water	g	86.73	129.23	17.35	13.88	11.80
Energy	kcal	47	70	9	8	6
Protein	g	0.43	0.64	0.09	0.07	0.06
Total lipid (fat)	g	0.20	0.30	0.04	0.03	0.03
Carbohydrate (by difference)	g	12.14	18.09	2.43	1.94	1.65
Fibre, total dietary	g	1.7	2.5	0.3	0.3	0.2
Minerals
Calcium	mg	16	24	3	3	2
Iron	mg	0.28	0.42	0.06	0.04	0.04
Magnesium	mg	13	19	3	2	2
Phosphorous	mg	27	40	5	4	4
Potassium	mg	266	396	53	43	36
Sodium	mg	1	1	0	0	0
Zinc	mg	0.05	0.07	0.01	0.01	0.01
Vitamins
Citamin C (total absorbic acid)	mg	1.0	1.5	0.2	0.2	0.1
Thiamin	mg	0.019	0.028	0.004	0.003	0.003
Riboflavin	mg	0.024	0.036	0.005	0.004	0.003
Niacin	mg	0.180	0.268	0.036	0.029	0.024
Vitamin B6	mg	0.100	0.149	0.020	0.016	0.014
Folate	μg	14	21	3	2	2
Vitamin B12	μg	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
Vitamin A RAE	μg	76	113	15	12	10
Vitamin A IU	IU	1528	2277	306	2.44	208
Lipids
Saturated fats	g	0.040	0.060	0.008	0.006	0.005
Monounsaturated fats	g	0.008	0.012	0.002	0.001	0.001
Polyunsaturated fats	g	0.091	0.136	0.018	0.015	0.012
Cholesterol	mg	0	0	0	0	0

Casey Carlisle 2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.