Q is for Quince
Quince, belonging to the same family as apples and pears, is regarded as their distant relative. Quince is very much like pear in shape and gets a golden-yellowish outer-layer, when mature. The longer the fruit will stay on its tree the softer and sweeter it will get, but it must be picked before the frosting begins. Apart from being eaten raw, quinces are commonly made into preserves and jellies as well.
Like many fruits, quince is good for overall good health, due to its high concentration of vital nutrients. In the following lines, we will provide you information on the health benefits as well as nutrition value of quinces. Go through them and increase your knowledge about the fruit.
Nutritional Value of Quince
Given below is the amount of nutrients present in 100 gm of quince:
| Carbohydrates - 15.3 gm | Sugars - 12.53 gm |
| Dietary fiber - 1.9 gm | Fat - 0.10 gm |
| Protein - 0.4 gm | Water - 83.8 gm |
| Vitamin A - 40 خ¼g | Niacin (Vitamin B3) - 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 - 0.04 mg | Folate (Vitamin B9) - 8 خ¼g |
| Vitamin C - 15.0 mg | Calcium - 8 mg |
| Iron - 0.7 mg | Magnesium - 8 mg |
| Phosphorus - 17 mg | Potassium - 197 mg |
| Sodium - 4 mg | Energy - 60 kcal (240 kJ) |
Health benefits of quince
Good for weight loss
The quince is low in calories, salt and fat, but high in fibre and vitamin C, so it's a satisfying and tasting food to include in a healthy diet. Quinces can be stewed or poached for a deliciously different dessert.
Antibacterial
Boil quince seeds in water, strain and cool. Use to treat bad breath, sore throats and mouth ulcers, or apply topically to burns. Splash on the skin to moisturise and heal blemishes. Eating quince can also protect against influenza and other congestive conditions.
Good for digestion
Quince can help heal gastric ulcers, relieve constipation and diarhhoea, and generally aid the digestion, due to the high fibre content in the fruit. Quince jelly as an accompaniment to meat and cheese makes it easier to digest these proteins.
Cancer fighting
Quince is rich in antioxidants called phenolics, which means quince can mop up the free radicals which cause cancer to develop. The antioxidants in quince are thought by some researchers to be more effective than antioxidants found in other fruits, although there is not enough conclusive evidence to support this.
Good for the heart
Quince contains the soluble fibre pectin, which is known to lower cholesterol. This protects against atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, as well as other coronary conditions. The potassium in quince helps lower blood pressure, and vitamin C guards against heart disease. The low salt content in quince guards against fluid retention, which can contribute to heart disease.
Good for the blood
The high iron content in quince makes it a good fruit to eat to avoid anaemia and other conditions of the blood. Good for the immune system
The high vitamin C content in quince gives a great boost to the immune system. Quince also has anti-aging properties.
Sources:
lifestyle.iloveindia.com
helium.com
Other links:
The Importance of Eating Celery
