LOQUAT-BETA CAROTENE
Consuming of fruits very significant for our
immune system. Vegetables and fruits strengthen our immune system and increase
our body resistance against diseases thanks to the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals
and phenolic compounds.
It is the
exact season to consume “Loquat” now. Origin of loquat tree from the Rosaceae
family and it has yellow or orange juicy fruit. In addition,
it
is a subtropic fruit. Subtropic fruits are generally less produced and less
known species in the world. It’s homeland is China, Japan and
North India. In our country, approximately 97.5% of the loquat is obtained from
the Mediterranean Region.
100 g loquat;
|
Energy |
46
kcal |
Fructose |
3.79
g |
|
Water |
87.6
g |
Glucose |
3.61
g |
|
Protein |
1.1
g |
Magnesium |
16
mg |
|
Fat |
0.54
g |
Potassium |
194
mg |
|
Carbohydrate |
8.14
g |
Calcium |
24
mg |
|
Fiber |
2.05
g |
Vitamin
C |
4.2
mg |
|
Beta carotene |
2110 µg |
Vitamin
A |
176
RE |
BETA CAROTENE
Fruits and vegetables contain color pigments
in addition to their nutritional value. Fruits contain special pigments that
provide vibrant and appetizer colors.
Beta
carotene has chemical formula C40H56
and gives red to orange color. This pigment is found only in plants.
Besides, beta carotene is found in trans form
in raw fruits, but in cooked fruits it is found in cis form. Cis isomers are shorter,
more stable and more bioavailable. Therefore, consuming of cooked loquat increases
the absorption of beta carotene. In Gaziantep region, loquat is consumed as
“Loquat Kebab” as cooked.
Beta carotene is important for
human health, because beta carotene turns into vitamin A in the human body, but
not all of it. Vitamin A is important for the skin, immune system and eyes. In
addition, beta carotene increases the activity of T cells which are important
for our immune system. T cells protecting our body against allergies, bacterias
and viruses.
Thanks to the fiber content of loquat, it
helps our digestive system and protect
the cells from damage by flavonoids.
REFERENCES
1.
https://www.academia.edu/13420214/Beta-carotene
2.http://acikerisim.nku.edu.tr:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/20.500.11776/1085/0050471.pdf?sequence=1
3. http://www.turkomp.gov.tr/food-yenidunya-401
4. https://ansiklopedi.halisinden.com/Yenid%C3%BCnya