Medlars help digestion

Rich in minerals, medlars protect the intestines, colon, and liver. And they help with weight loss.

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benefits of medlars
Le medlar They are considered among the most "gut-friendly" fruits. Low in calories but rich in fiber and water, they aid digestion and intestinal transit. They are also hydrating and refreshing, strengthen the immune system, and help eliminate toxins.

Nutritional properties

Every 100 grams of medlars provide approximately 47 calories. And also:

  • 12,14 grams of carbohydrates
  • 0,20 grams of lipids
  • 0,43 grams of protein
  • 1,70 grams of fiber
  • 1 milligram of Vitamin C
  • 266 milligrams of potassium
  • 27 milligrams of Phosphorus
  • 16 milligrams of Calcium
  • 13 milligrams of Magnesium
Loquats contain about 80-85 percent water by weight.
 

Benefits

The first benefit of medlars, and perhaps the most important, is their significant support for digestion. But they also benefit the skin and eyes.

Medlars are rich in fiber and water, therefore they help the intestine to function better and combat constipation.  In a study published su International Journal of Biological Macromolecules), conducted mainly by a group of researchers from the Sichuan Agricultural University (China), has shown that medlar leaves have a “prebiotic” effect, and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), important for intestinal health.

  • They help you not to gain weight: They are low in calories and filling, making them highly recommended for weight-loss diets.
  • They have a diuretic effect and purifying, helping to eliminate toxins.
  • They hydrate and refresh: The huge amount of water makes them a very suitable fruit for cooling off when temperatures are high.
  • They strengthen the immune defenses, thanks to the significant content of vitamin A and C.  
  • Healthy skin and healthy eyes: These are two benefits of medlars linked to the vitamin A and carotenoids they contain.

How many medlars can you eat?

The maximum dose of medlars that can be eaten is 150-200 grams per day (equal to 5-8 medlars), with three recommendations: wait until the fruit is ripe, also because otherwise the flavor is sour and not sweet; never store medlars in the refrigerator, but always in a cool and out of the sun place, at room temperature; do not eat the stone, which, once chewed and crushed, releases substances called cyanogenic glycosides (similar to those found in apricot kernels or bitter almonds) which in turn contain cyanide, very toxic.

What are the varieties and best Italian medlars?

There are two main varieties of the medlar tree, both belonging to the Rosaceae family. The common medlar, whose scientific name is mespilus germanica, is a thorny shrub with conical, rusty-colored fruits. It is believed to be native to the East but is rarely cultivated. The Japanese medlar is instead theEriobotrya Japonica, has yellow fruits with smooth, somewhat tough skin and juicy, sweet-tart flesh; it is native to China and Japan and was introduced to the Mediterranean in the 19th century. Its fruits ripen from April to June. In Italy, it is grown in warmer regions. Its fruits, varying in color (from white to orange) and flavor (from sweet to tart), have not given rise to distinct species. As mentioned, the best Italian medlars are undoubtedly those from Sicily. However, very sweet and flavorful medlars are also found in Calabria and Campania. As for European medlars, the best are undoubtedly those from Spain.

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Controindicazioni

The main contraindications of medlars are linked to an incorrect level of ripeness.
  • Se unripe, in fact, they have an astringent effect (they can cause or worsen constipation).
  • Se too mature,  they can give bloating or mild laxative effect. 
They contain a lot of natural sugars and are therefore not particularly suitable for diabetics, and can cause bloating or fermentation in those with diabetes. irritable bowel syndrome. 

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