The seasonal fruit recommended by nutritionist Julia Farré: it takes care of your eyesight, skin, and immune system.

Specific fruits and vegetables are produced at each time of year. This is what is known as seasonal foods , those that are picked and harvested at their peak. For example, fruits like cherries, melons, and figs are typical of summer in Spain.

This makes them easier to find in the market, more abundant, and more affordable. It also makes them taste better because they're at their peak ripeness . There's a not-so-well-known summer fruit that can provide many benefits, and nutritionist Julia Farré recommends it: loquats.

The fruit that takes care of your eyesight, skin and defenses

The loquat is the fruit obtained from the tree of the same name and is notable for its sweetness (although it also has a slightly acidic note that makes it even more special), but also for the large seeds it contains inside. It is orange-colored, both inside and out, and despite not being the most well-known summer fruit, it provides many benefits. Nutritionist Julia Farré highly recommends it on her social media, not only because it's a typical early summer fruit, but also because it's rich in beta-carotene.

Beta-carotenes are responsible for giving many vegetables their orange, yellow, or red color , but they have more functions than just adding color to our dishes. Beta-carotenes protect our brain and nervous system, strengthen the immune system, protect against cardiovascular disease, contribute to the formation and renewal of bone tissue, among many other functions.

They are a precursor to vitamin A , which is essential for proper bodily function, so they contribute to improving all bodily functions linked to this vitamin. They also "have great antioxidant power and are therefore linked to many health benefits, important during these times of heat and sun exposure."

Among their many benefits, Farré recommends loquats for three in particular: "They take care of your eyesight, boost your immune system, and protect your skin from sun damage." This last point is especially important during the summer months. "That's why nutritionists always recommend eating seasonal foods, because in each season we find foods that are right for our needs at that time."

Other benefits of loquats

Loquats are rich in potassium and calcium , and are a source of vitamins B1, B2, C, and folic acid. They contain a large amount of fiber, making them excellent for healthy digestion and reducing constipation, something that is enhanced by the pectin they contain. They are also rich in tannins, which are anti-inflammatory and promote the proper functioning of the digestive system . They also have diuretic effects.

Like all fruits, loquats are highly recommended as long as they are eaten in moderation and as part of a balanced diet . Overindulging is never recommended, as eating them in excess can prevent us from consuming other foods we also need. Furthermore, in some cases, it's important to be especially careful, such as if you're trying to control your blood sugar levels, because they contain a high amount of natural sugar, or in cases of gout or high uric acid levels, because of their potassium content.

References

Beta Carotene: MedlinePlus Supplements . (sf). https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/natural/999.html