Fruits have been for centuries one of nature’s healthiest foods , because they provide a large amount of nutrients that greatly favor the health of human beings and one of them is quince .
On this occasion, we share this article where we give you information about what quince is and what are the advantages it represents for your health.
What is quince?
The quince fruit is born from the tree called quince , with the scientific name Cydonia vulgaris of the Rosaceae family , medium-sized and native to the Caucasus region, in the warm southwest of Asia.
Note: Literature data describe this fruit as golden-yellow in color with shiny skin when ripe , shaped like a pear, 7-12 cm long and 6-9 cm wide; hard, sweet and very aromatic meat.
It should be noted that quinces in ancient Greece were consecrated to Aphrodite , goddess of love and that is why it was a fruit considered a symbol of love and fertility.
What benefits does the quince have?
Due to its contribution of vitamins , minerals and other compounds , quince offers the following advantages for people’s health:
1. Strengthens the immune system
Among the elements used by the immune system in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms are white blood cells , and the vitamin C content that quince has helps in the production of lymphocytes .
To highlight: Vitamin C has already been considered in scientific studies as an effective antioxidant , molecules that work against oxidative damage.
2. Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol
Another characteristic of quince is that it provides few calories in the diet, it also has a high content of soluble fiber, which regulates the absorption of cholesterol and sugar through the intestines, reducing its presence in the blood.
You should know: Both aspects directly affect the reduction of atheromas in the walls of the blood vessels and the heart , favoring the flow of blood and consequently avoiding arterial hypertension.
3. Improves digestive disorders
As previously indicated, quince fruits contain a soluble fiber called pectin, whose effect on the body is that it facilitates the transit of food through the small intestine, favoring its digestion.
Note: Dietary fiber also helps prevent gastrointestinal conditions such as gastritis , bloating, diarrhea , among others.
4. Controls allergic reactions
Another of the benefits of quince, used in traditional medicine thanks to its polyphenols , is as an anti-allergy , mainly in conditions that occur on the skin such as atopic dermatitis.
5. Contributes to weight loss
Quince is a fruit that does not contain cholesterol and its carbohydrate content is very low when consumed raw, so it represents a viable option for those people who are on a diet or who simply want to consume a low glycemic index food. .
To highlight : The quince only provides 42 kcal . per 100 grams of edible portion.
6. Improves skin and hair health
Malic acid, along with vitamin C and other antioxidants present in quince, promote skin health . Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of collagen , a protein that gives elasticity and firmness to the skin, as well as helps in wound healing processes.
Malic acid, for its part, favors the softness of the skin and is already used in various products of the cosmetic industry for its beautification.
You should know: The consumption of quince can prevent premature aging of the skin, thus avoiding the appearance of wrinkles.
7. Prevents some types of cancer
Another advantage derived from consuming quince is that thanks to its antioxidant compounds it prevents oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Although there is not enough scientific evidence for this point, certain randomized trials describe that the antioxidant components of this fruit may have inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth.
Note: A scientific article describes the anticancer action of polyphenols on health.
Quince nutritional properties
The health benefits derived from the consumption of quince naturally are due to its nutritional and chemical composition , which we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
The quince contains the following B complex vitamins : vitamin B1 ; vitamin B2 and vitamin B3 , as well as vitamin C and traces of vitamin A.
To highlight: Among the minerals present in this fruit are: calcium , iron , sodium , potassium , phosphorus and selenium.
2. Other compounds
Quince also contains carbohydrates, water, dietary fiber, vegetable protein, and polyphenols such as malic acid.
How do you eat the quince fruit?
The quince, as we have already stated, although it is not customary due to its strong bitter taste, it can be eaten raw to take advantage of all its nutrients and it is also prepared in the form of juice in traditional cooking.
You should know: It is also prepared in jams or quince jelly , a very popular option that contains abundant sugar, something that alters its caloric value, in addition to the fact that cooking decreases the value of its nutrients.
Key Findings
- The quince is a relatively bitter fruit , golden-yellow in color and pear-shaped.
- Quince consumption strengthens the immune system and controls blood pressure.
- Quince promotes intestinal health and helps in weight loss.
- The malic acid content in quince aids in skin health and is a powerful astringent.
- The quince is popularly consumed in jams or sweets.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.