The quince is a well-known food used to prepare jams and sweets, as traditional marmalade. But did you know that it has many health benefits?
The fruit of the Cydonia oblonga tree, the golden apple, can be used to prepare quince tea, a very effective natural remedy to alleviate symptoms of respiratory problems, such as cough and sore throat.
On the other hand, fresh fruit is rich in various vitamins, minerals, and other phytochemicals that alleviate nausea during pregnancy, treat diarrhea, improve kidney function, and even reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
Amazing. Do you know what’s even better? Anyone can consume this fruit.
Table of Contents
8 Main health benefits of quince
Quince pulp is rich in several vitamins and minerals. On average, the C and a portion of 100g have 17 mg of vitamin C and 2 grams of fiber. Minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus can also be found in reasonable amounts. In this same amount of pulp, just over 170 calories are found.
1. Relieves symptoms of respiratory infections
This fruit provides relief from cough and sore throat symptoms. This is due to quince’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce irritation, inflammation, and pain. It simultaneously treats the cause of the problem, as it prevents the proliferation of harmful microorganisms in the body.
Furthermore, research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlighted that the fruit is rich in bronchodilator substances. The properties of these compounds help to increase the passage of airways, improving breathing and making it easier to expel the mucus that is bothering you and causing symptoms such as coughing and sneezing.
Quince sweets also can protect the mucous membranes, especially the throat, because of the presence of a dietary fiber called mucilage.
This fiber forms a “protective film” wherever it goes, such as the throat, which helps protect the area from the action of harmful organisms and irritation, the leading causes of sore throats.
2. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
Want another reason to start eating the quince now? It helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, the primary triggers for cardiovascular disease. Compounds that improve blood circulation and favor the elimination of toxins that contribute to the increase in blood pressure, a problem that overloads the heart, were found in the fruit pulp.
It prevents fat oxidation (degradation) and does not allow it to enter the bloodstream. In this way, it can reduce the chances of problems such as heart attack and atherosclerosis (clogged-up veins).
It’s not just that. Thanks to this improvement in circulation, consumption of the fruit also reduces the risk of thrombosis, a disease that occurs when clots form in the blood and clog the veins.
According to a scientific article published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, this is due to the presence of phytochemicals that help not only dissolve these clots but also prevent them from forming.
But it should be noted that there is no point in eating kilos of quince and being sedentary or eating only ultra-processed foods, two risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, always seek to adopt a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
3. Helps to treat diarrhea
Good news for golden apple lovers: the fruit is an excellent remedy for diarrhea. In its pulp are found substances known as tannins.
Not only can they relax the abdominal muscles and reduce intestinal spasms, which increase the number of times you go to the bathroom and cause pain, but they also prevent the release of enzymes that make the stool have a liquid consistency.
Other than that, the fibers present in it improve the consistency of the fecal cake. That is, they leave the stool with a firmer consistency and hydrated helping those who suffer from constipation.
4. Protects the body from infections
The antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of quince make it an excellent agent in preventing and treating various types of infections, preventing fungi and bacteria that cause intestinal and skin infections from multiplying in the body.
Researchers have also found that the golden apple is a natural immune system stimulant, primarily because of vitamin C, which increases antibody production.
These two actions combine to strengthen the body to deal with invaders, which cannot proliferate and are more easily eliminated by the body.
5. Improves kidney function
Do you often suffer from fluid retention or urinary infections? Well, know that quince is right for you, as it can increase urine production (diuresis). This benefit is derived from substances that stimulate the kidneys to work, thus increasing the number of times you pee.
With this, the organs can filter out more toxins, reducing swelling from fluid retention and preventing infections, as the bacteria cannot “climb” into the urinary tract.
Not only that, the fruit protects the kidneys from damage, which can be caused by microorganisms or problems such as high cholesterol and diabetes, by preventing the degradation of cells.
6. Help in preventing infertility
In natural or teas, the consumption of quince positively affects male fertility as it stimulates sperm production. The fruit also has several aphrodisiac properties and can increase sexual desire.
7. Relieves pregnancy nausea
Pregnant women can eat the quince at will. Its pulp can aid those suffering from morning sickness, as stated in a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and gynecology in 2017.
To reach this result, the researchers analyzed 90 pregnant women, where half of them consumed three tablespoons (of soup) of syrup made with the fruit for a week. The result was that the group that received the syrup felt less nausea than the control group and had no adverse effects on the development of the fetus.
8. Contain potent antioxidants
Quince fruit is a rich source of potent antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and vitamin C. Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals in the body, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells, proteins, and DNA.
Phenolic compounds, abundant in quince fruit, are known to have strong antioxidant properties. These compounds work by donating electrons to unstable free radicals, which stabilizes them and prevents them from causing damage to other molecules in the body.
Flavonoids are another class of antioxidants found in quince fruit. They also have strong antioxidant properties and can help to protect against a range of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Vitamin C, also present in quince fruit, is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and protect against oxidative damage to cells and tissues.
Overall, the potent antioxidants found in quince fruit can help to protect the body against oxidative stress and the development of chronic diseases. Eating quince fruit as part of a healthy diet can benefit overall health and well-being.
How to consume quince?
Quince is a fruit that has an astringent and acidic flavor, that rancidity that stays on the tongue, so it is more consumed in the form of sweets or jams.
When dried, they can prepare a tea that retains the plant’s medicinal properties and can be drunk regularly. See how to prepare these two recipes!
Marmalade
Ingredients
- 600 grams of sugar
- 1 kilo of quince
- Four tablespoons of water
- One teaspoon of lemon juice.
Preparation mode
Cut the fruit into four pieces and remove all seeds. Cook over low heat, along with the other ingredients, until the pulp is very soft. Process everything in a blender and put it back on the fire. Let it cook until it reaches the jelly point, constantly stirring well so as not to stick.
The candy must be stored in glass jars, properly sterilized, and in the refrigerator.
Quince tea
Ingredients
- One teaspoon of dried quince
- One cup of filtered water.
Preparation mode
Bring the ingredients to the fire and simmer for 5 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat and cover the pan, letting the infusion rest for another 10 minutes. Then strain and drink the tea, which can be consumed frequently without contraindication.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.