- Quince is a delightful autumn fruit.
- It is sweet and delicious, with a taste similar t a pear and an apple mixed together.
- Quince originates from southeast Asia, and was even mentioned in Greek and Roman times. It is also packed with health benefits.
- Let’s take a look at the health benefits of quince.
- Anemia:
- Quince is a good source of iron, which is great for preventing iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks an adequate amount of red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body’s tissues.
- Antibacterial properties:
- Quince contains antibacterial properties, and is often used to cure bad breath. Because it kills bacteria, it is also a great food for fighting colds and flu. Quince is often made into a skin cream to reduce blemishes and moisturize skin.
- Antioxidant rich:
- Quince is packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C.
- Antioxidants protect the body from the effects of oxidative stress, which may help strengthen the immune system and ward off diseases. Dr. Andrew Weil explains, “oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).” The effects of oxidative stress are often linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and many types of cancers.
- Cancer prevention:
- This fruit is rich in antioxidants called phenolics, which is believed to be an anti-cancer agent. A study from Aberdeen University in the UK showed that plant phenolics were potential cancer suppressor.
- Heart health:
- Quince is high in pectin fiber, which is known to lower levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the blood. According the American Heart Association, “high cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. As your blood cholesterol rises, so does your risk of coronary heart disease.”
- Immune booster:
- Quince is a very good source of vitamin C, providing 13.8 mg per fruit, which is 23% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin C is believed to boost the immune system and strengthen your bodies defense against disease.
- Weight loss:
- Quince is very low in calories, with only 52 per fruit, and high in dietary fiber, with 1.7g per fruit. Foods that are low in calories, low in fat, and high in fiber and considered great foods for a weight loss diet.
- TIP/RECIPE: Rinse 3 or 4 quince fruits. Cut in half. Drizzle with a little organic coconut oil and and a little coconut sugar. Add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
- Voila: You go a nutritional yet delicious dessert for the holidays.
- Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
- For the health benefits of apples.
- For an anemia fighting smoothie.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Quinces, Raw.” Self Nutrition Data. Self Nutrition Data, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013.
- 2. “Plant Phenolics in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013.
- 3. “Why Cholesterol Matters.” Heart.org. American Heart Association, n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2013.
- 4. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Iron Deficiency Anemia.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 04 Mar. 2011. Web. 28 Nov. 2013.