Have you ever heard about the loquat tree? Well, this tree is native to China but known as the Japanese plum. It’s mostly known for the amazing health benefits of its leaves and fruit.
It’s high in soluble fiber, pectin, antioxidants, vitamin A, and B-complex, and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. What’s more, it has a low glycemic index.
Thanks to its incredible content, loquat leaves provide numerous health benefits if used properly. They are especially good for people with diabetes, but also many other health conditions.
The best way to obtain their medicinal properties is in the form of tea. Before telling you how to make tea from loquat leaves, here are some of the best health benefits you’ll gain by drinking it.
Health Benefits of Loquat Leaf Tea
1. Diabetes
One of the most impressive benefits of loquat leaves is the ability to help with diabetes management. They produce triterpenes, one of which is the tormentic acid. This acid can boost insulin production in pancreatic cells, thus reducing diabetes symptoms.
What’s more, the Chinese government approved it as a blood-sugar supporter as it produces polysaccharides – natural compounds that improve the production of insulin.
2. Helps Prevent Loss of Bone Density
As we age, bone density decreases, especially in women during menopause. In this period, women lose estrogen which is the reason for their bone loss. Luckily, loquat leaf tea possesses anti-osteoporosis effects.
One mice study proved that the leaves from this tree can prevent bone loss in the abdomen, head, and lumbar area.
3. Prevents Viruses
Loquat leaves can help prevent standard viruses. Medical News Today, produces a wide range of acids with antiviral properties which produce antiviral agents – antigens. Moreover, the triterpene compounds help reduce the symptoms of the common cold.
4. Helps Detoxify the Liver
Loquat leaves contain Amygdalin – a substance that is believed to support the liver detox process and fight liver disorders. Moreover, these leaves are high in antioxidants which help neutralize harmful toxins.
So, besides supporting liver function, loquat leaves support the immune system as well.
5. Anti-cancer properties
In 2014, Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry published PIP which suggested loquat leaves provide anti-cancer effects. Researchers explain that loquat leaf tea destroyed human leukemia cells and stopped cancer cells from spreading.
Even though its ability to destroy cancerous cells is not entirely proven, researchers believe the tea disables their power center, not allowing it to generate energy.
How to Make Loquat Leaf Tea
One way is to put crushed loquat leaves in an infuser and let it steep in a cup of hot water for 3-5 minutes.
Another way is to use fresh leaves. Boil them for 5 minutes in a cup of water, and cool before straining.
Caution
This tea might interact with certain medications and cause side effects. Therefore, it’s best to consult your doctor before considering drinking loquat-leaf tea.
