FRUIT

Loquat

You Need To Know

This Month

The loquat is a large evergreen shrub or tree grown commercially for its orange fruit and for its leaves, which are used to make herbal tea. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant. The loquat is in the family Rosaceae and is native to the cooler hill regions of south-central China.

Medical Uses

Loquat fruit is especially high in vitamin A and beta carotene, an antioxidant. These nutrients lower the risk of colorectal, lung, and other cancers. The loquat leaf, seed, and fruit have been shown to reduce inflammation, the body's over-reactive response to an irritant like germs or allergens.

Benefits

Loquat promotes heart health, neurological health, and good digestion. It reduces inflammation, the risk of cancer, lowers cholesterol and diabetes, and reduces memory problems. Excessive consumption of loquat may lead to toxic myopathy.