Journey of taste: Loquat is very beneficial for the heart, controls cholesterol, history is associated with China

Swad Ka Safarnama: Among fruits, loquat is one of the best fruits. This fruit, which looks like an apricot, is full of qualities. Lokat is considered extremely beneficial for the heart. One specialty of this fruit is that it also controls cholesterol. This fruit is not Indian. It originated in China and is believed to have arrived in India from Japan. Due to its specialties, its name is going on in the world for thousands of years. Many types of dishes can also be prepared from this fruit.

This fruit is helpful in many types of dishes

The taste of Loquats is considered sweet, acidic and mild. It is considered to be of the rose family and is comparable to fruits such as peaches, apricots and plums and similar to these in spoilage. But its price in the market is more than these fruits. Very attractive to look at and the seeds of yellow colored loquat are relatively large. As a fruit, it is eaten directly, many delicious dishes can also be prepared from it. Its good chutney is also made and salsa can also be prepared. It is also added in some non-veg dishes, so that the meat melts well.

It is used in ice cream, in some countries its wine is also prepared. As soon as the summer starts, it starts coming on the trees and gets disposed of within three months. Currently it is widely grown in more than 20 countries including China, Japan, India, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Italy, Spain, Turkey and USA. It is also known as Japanese plum.

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Born in China, came to India via Japan

Food historians confirm that Lokat first originated in China. It had grown there about 2000 years ago. After this it spread all over the world via Japan. Encyclopedia Britannica has also considered China as the original residence of Lokat and said that after that it reached Japan. Wherever the best varieties of Lokat are grown in the world, they have reached there only from Japan. According to the encyclopedia, loquat is rich in fiber, vitamin A and antioxidants. In the book ‘Fruits’ written by Prof. Ranjit Singh and Prof. SK Saxena, agronomists of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (Pusa), it has been told that Lokat came to India from Japan, where its cultivation has developed a lot. All its varieties in India are of Japanese origin. Although it is believed that it actually originated in China, from where it reached Japan.

Food historians also say that loquat was brought to the West in 1690 and soon began growing in warm climate regions around the world, including the Middle East, India, Spain, South America, South Africa and Mexico. The story of Lokat’s arrival in India is that when the British wrote the history of India, they informed that Lokat had reached here. Today about 14 varieties of Lokat are cultivated in India.

This yellow fruit keeps the heart normal

Talking about nutrients, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of loquat contains calories 47, carbohydrates 44 grams, fiber 1.7 grams, vitamin C 1 gram, vitamin B6 one gram, folate 14 milligrams, calcium 16 milligrams, magnesium 13 milligrams. , Phosphorus 27 mg, Potassium 266 mg and other elements are found. Lokat is known to be very effective for the heart and also controls cholesterol.

Lokat contains pectin which can lower the cholesterol levels. image-canva

According to food expert and nutrition consultant Nilanjana Singh, potassium is found in Lokat. It reduces stress on blood vessels. This potassium controls blood pressure. All these factors maintain the smooth functioning of the heart. The magnesium present in it also keeps blood pressure normal. Lokat contains pectin. It is the type of fiber that can lower cholesterol levels. It also has antioxidant properties, which reduce the risk of heart disease.

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Nervous system also maintains normal

Anti-inflammatory properties are also found in this fruit. There is also information that its intake strengthens the memory and keeps the nervous system normal. The reason for this is that its color and texture are pleasing to the mind and it has a different taste than other fruits. Digestible fiber is found in Lokat. This fiber keeps the intestines smooth, which keeps the digestive system healthy and helps in keeping away stomach related diseases. Lokat is not known to have any side effects if consumed in moderate amounts. Anyway, its taste is such that it cannot be eaten in excess. Even then if eaten in excess, it will make the mouth chatter. Nausea can also be suspected.

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Tags: food, Lifestyle