The quince is the fruit of the quince tree, yellow in color and similar to a pear. It comes from a fruit tree family Rosacea native to southern Europe. In Spain we find plantations in Murcia, Extremadura, Andalusia and Valencia. Do you want to know its health benefits?
Nutritional composition
The quince, despite being a fruit, stands out for its low sugar content and for its low caloric intake. But its sour taste and hard texture mean that it is mostly eaten in the form of quince paste , to which sugars are added in its preparation and as a consequence the content of these increases considerably, as well as the caloric intake.
Its nutritional content is not very prominent in terms of vitamins and minerals, except for potassium. It is the fibers and tannins that give the quince its healthy properties.
Featured Nutrients
Potassium Fiber: pectins and mucilages
Quince provides a large amount of fiber , such as pectins and mucilage. The pectins and mucilages are a type of soluble fiber (s which when in contact with water forms a gel bulk substance type slows gastric emptying aiding in digestion, and is able to capture substances in the intestine plus soften and help eliminate stool).
Potassium
This mineral typical of vegetables is dispensable for the transmission and generation of the nerve impulse , it participates in muscle contraction, as well as in the water balance both inside and outside the cell. One of the consequences of the loss of electrolytes due to dehydration, can be suffering from cramps , so a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, legumes and nuts will help to obtain enough potassium to prevent cramps.
Health benefits
The healthy properties of quince are provided by the fibers, both the mucilages, the pectins and the tannins.
Astringent action
The pectin of ripe quince and sweet quince gives it astringent properties. This fiber, in contact with water, creates a gel that retains water, so that the liquid stools typical of diarrheal processes improve, becoming more dense, thus improving diarrhea . In addition, the tannins of the quince also have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties , and help to reduce inflammation of the mucosa of the intestine, enhancing the treatment against diarrhea.
Digestive problems
Pectins reduce gastric acidity, which is why its consumption is recommended in digestive disorders such as gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer , etc. and tannins help improve inflammation.
May improve cholesterol levels
Once again, the action of the fiber of the quince, by forming a viscous gel when it comes into contact with water, captures substances at the intestinal level, such as cholesterol , which reduces its absorption, thus improving blood values.
It is diuretic
Its high potassium content and low sodium content can lower the values of arterial hypertension or blood vessel conditions, as long as they are not associated with excess weight.
When to take or not
- Quince sweet can be ideal for athletes of all ages , people who need to gain weight or those who have no appetite. Provides an extra supply of calories in the form of simple sugars.
- Because it is consumed mainly in the form of sweet, it is not recommended in diabetic people , who suffer from hypertriglyceridemia and / or excess weight, since it provides 230 kcal per 100 grams of quince paste. It is also not recommended for people with kidney failure or who require potassium-controlled diets.
How to choose and keep it
The quince is a seasonal fruit, it is harvested in late September or early October and lasts until the end of January. Once harvested it can last between two and three months . We must choose those of yellow color, smooth and without bumps . If its skin is green, the quince is immature, but if, on the contrary, it is yellow with black spots, it is too mature. We can keep it in the fridge for several weeks, wrapped in paper and separately.
What you should know…
- Due to its sour and astringent flavor, quince is rarely eaten raw. It is usually taken in the form of quince paste, to which sugar is added in its preparation (80% of the weight of the meat of the quince).
- The healthy properties of quince are provided by the fibers, both the mucilages, the pectins and the tannins. The most remarkable property is that it improves diarrheal processes.
- The yellow color of the quince indicates that it is ripe, and if the skin of the quince is green, the quince is immature. On the contrary, when it is yellow with black spots, it means that it is excessively ripe.
