What is a medlar?
Medlar is the fruit of the loquat, a species belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to the rain forests of the mountainous areas of southeast China, as well as southeast Europe medlar has since spread around the world.
What are the nutritional properties of Medlar?
100 g medlar (edible portion) make about 47 calories and:
- 0.43 g of protein
- 0.20 g of lipids
- 12.14 g carbohydrates
- 1.70 g of fiber
- 1 mg of vitamin C
- 0,293 mg of niacin
- 0,067 mg of thiamine
- 0.024 mg of riboflavin
- 0.019 mg of pyridoxine
- 14 micrograms of folate
- 1,528 IU of vitamin A
- 266 mg of potassium
- 27 mg of phosphorus
- 16 mg of calcium
- 13 mg of magnesium
- 1 mg of sodium
- 0.28 mg of iron
- 0.148 mg of manganese
- 0.05 mg of zinc
- 0.04 mg of copper
- 0.6 micrograms of selenium
The loquat is also a source of flavonoids, such as chlorogenic acid, neoclorogenico acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, epicatechin, coumaric acid and ferulic acid.
When should you NOT eat medlar?
No interactions of Medlar with drugs or other substances has been found.
Seasonality Medlar
Medlar is a fruit that grows during the winter months.
Possible benefits and contraindications of Medlar
Insoluble fibers of medlar, in particular pectins, can act as a laxative, reducing the absorption of cholesterol and protecting the colon from possible carcinogens. In addition, medlar is an excellent source of vitamin A, important for maintaining the integrity of the mucous membranes and skin. To it we must add numerous flavonoids from antioxidants which together with vitamin A may help protect against lung cancer and oral cavity. Potassium helps protect the cardiovascular health contributing to the control of heart rate and blood pressure, manganese is a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, and the iron and copper are needed for the production of red blood cells.
In traditional medicine the leaves of the medlar are also used, which in many parts of the world are used to prepare infusions.
The seeds of medlar contain many toxic alkaloids (such as cyanogenic glycosides) that can trigger severe and dangerous symptoms such as vomiting and breathing difficulties.
