15 Amazing Health Benefits Of Quince Fruit
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Fruits are an important part of a healthy diet. They are rich in vital nutrients that are needed by our body to stay healthy. While fruits like mangoes, oranges, bananas, pineapples, watermelons, grapes, apple, etc., are commonly eaten by all of us, there are certain fruits, which most of us are unaware of. Quince is one of those rare fruits, which are loaded with nutrients and can provide you with several health benefits.
Quince is basically a fragrant fruit belonging to the Rosaceae family, which also includes apples and pears. It is native to the warm temperate regions of Southwest Asia. Quince is a seasonal fruit and is available from autumn to winter. When ripe, this fruit is golden yellow in color and resembles a pear in shape. It has a fuzzy surface that is similar to that of peaches and a light yellow, gritty flesh with multiple seeds in the center. It has a tart flavor and is seldom eaten raw. It is often baked or frozen to eliminate its acidity. In fact, it is used in traditional recipes in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions where it is stewed with lamb, goat and pork. The Asian quince variety, being softer and juicier, is often used to make preserves and jellies. Sometimes, it is also used to impart tartness to the traditional apple pie.
[ Read: Benefits Of Pineapple Juice For Health ]
Health Benefits Of Quince Fruit
Like most fruits, quince is rich in nutrients like Vitamins A, B and C, fiber, as well as minerals like potassium, copper, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and magnesium. It is low in fat. The rich nutritional value of quince makes it beneficial for your health in the following ways:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Ripe quince fruit is a rich source of Vitamin C, contributing nearly 25% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Vitamin C helps to boost immunity and aids in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. It also possesses anti-allergenic properties. The fruit and its seed extract can be used to treat atopic dermatitis and cystitis. It can also be used in the preparation of food products for allergy sufferers.
2. Good For Weight Loss
Quince fruit is low in calories but high in dietary fiber. A 100 gram serving of fresh raw quince fruit contains just 57 calories. It is also low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol. All these qualities make it an amazing choice for weight loss and overall health.
[ Read: Pineapple Help In Weight Loss ]
3. Treats Ulcers
The phenolics present in Chinese quince have been found to be effective in relieving gastric ulcers. Quince juice is also beneficial for people suffering from gastric ulcers. It also helps in the treatment of peptic ulcers as it soothes the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Treats Stomach Ailments
Quince is an effective remedy for morning sickness. Quince, when mixed with honey, can help treat colitis, diarrhea, constipation, and intestinal infections. Quince syrup is used to treat hemorrhoids.
5. Antioxidant Benefits
This fruit boasts of amazing antioxidant properties due to the presence of poly-phenolic compounds. These antioxidants fight off the free radicals present in the body, slowing down the aging process as well as preventing cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
6. Treats Nausea And Vomiting
Boiled or baked quince relieves nausea and vomiting. Being a good diuretic, it helps to remove fluid build up.
7. Antiviral Properties
Research has shown that quince fruit is rich in anti-viral properties. The phenolics found in Chinese quince possess strong anti-influenza activity as well as antioxidant properties. It helps protect against colds, flues and other viral pathogens.
8. Lowers Blood Pressure
Being rich in potassium, quince fruit helps keep high blood pressure in check.
9. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Regular consumption of quince fruit helps to lower LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood, keeping the heart healthy.
10. Anticancer Properties
The antioxidant properties of quince help the body fight against free radicals and destroy malignant cancer cells. The granules in the pulp of quince fruit contain astringent compounds known as tannins i.e. catechin and epicatechin. These tannins protect your mucous membranes from cancers by binding to cancer-causing toxins and chemicals in the colon.
11. Relieves Stress
The various antioxidants in quince help in relieving stress and maintaining a calm mind.
[ Read: Benefits Of Pineapples For Health ]
12. Treats Liver And Eye Diseases
Regular consumption of quince is beneficial for those suffering from liver and eye diseases. In China, the soaked and boiled seeds of quince are used to prepare a jelly, which can soothe eye problems, sore throats and inflammation of the mucous membranes.
14. Benefits Of Quince Seeds And Oil
Quince seeds are effective in curing hoarseness of the throat and trachea as well as other ailments. Its oil prevents sweating, fortifies the heart and strengthens the liver and stomach.
15. Other Benefits
Quince juice is helpful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory ailments, anemia, and asthma. Regular consumption can help in the treatment of tuberculosis, dysentery and hepatic insufficiency too.
Like all other fruits, quince is also an effective addition to your regular diet. So, why not think out of the box and try something new?
Have you ever eaten quince fruit? Did you enjoy it? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
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