11 Surprising Health Benefits of Quince

Quince health benefits includes preventing cancer, accelerating weight loss, fighting inflammation, alleviating symptoms of nausea and stomach disorders, supporting skin health, managing blood pressure, controlling allergic reactions, treating eye and liver diseases, boosting hair health and blood circulation, and treating throat issues.

What is Quince?

Fruits are crucial for a healthy diet since they are packed with essential nutrients that are required by our bodies to stay healthy. While fruits such as oranges, mangoes, pineapples, apples, grapes, bananas, etc. are widely consumed by most of us, there are certain fruits available that a lot of us are unaware of. Quince is one such rare fruit that is laden with nutrients and brings along various health benefits.

Quince is a fragrant fruit that comes from the Rosacea family, which also includes pears and apples. It is indigenous to the warm temperate areas of Southwest Asia and is a seasonal fruit that is available from fall to winter. When completely ripe, quince turns golden yellow in color and resembles a pear in shape. Its surface is fuzzy, similar to that of peaches and a gritty, yellow flesh with various seeds in the center.

Like the majority of fruits, quince is packed with nutrients such as Vitamins A, B, and C, minerals like copper, potassium, selenium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, as well as fiber. Furthermore, it is also low in fat content, but rich in certain organic compounds such as limonene, epicatechin, and several other key phytonutrients . The rich nutritional qualities of quince make it an incredibly healthy fruit.

In light of this, here are some exceptional benefits of this not-so-heard-of fruit that will compel you to run to the market and get a couple yourself:

11 Surprising Health Benefits of Quince

1. Prevents Cancer

It is no surprise that cancer is one of the most debated diseases in current history. Thus, anything that can minimize the possibility of developing cancer normally becomes quite popular. The high antioxidant level, including phytonutrients and phenolic compounds, found in quince is deemed very effective in eliminating or neutralizing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are harmful byproducts produced by the cellular metabolism that can lead to the death or mutation of healthy cells. The antioxidant elements found in quince have been directly linked to lower risk of developing various forms of cancer.

2. Accelerates Weight Loss

One of the most effective ways to maintain your weight and ensure a quick metabolism that will keep entire your system running smoothly is to better your digestion. Quince is a highly fibrous fruit, but the high levels of it mean that your gastrointestinal system works far more regularly and efficiently. The result is that you will have more energy and be able to keep your extra weight in check by improving your digestive health.

3. Anti-inflammatory Qualities

Ripe quince is an excellent source of vitamin C, contributing around 25% of the daily recommended intake of the vitamin. Vitamin C helps boost immunity and helps treat inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, it also has anti-allergenic qualities. The fruit and the extract from its seeds can be used to treat cystitis and external dermatitis. It can also be used to prepare recipes for people suffering with various food allergies and related health conditions.

4. Alleviates Symptoms Of Nausea And Stomach Disorders

Quince is a great remedy for morning sickness and an upset stomach. When combined with honey, quince can help treat diarrhea, colitis, intestinal issues, and constipation. The fruit syrup is also used to treat hemorrhoids.

5. Skincare

The high level of vitamins and antioxidants present in quince are super beneficial for maintaining the health of your skin. Antioxidants work to reduce the damage caused by harmful free radicals to the skin, thus minimizing wrinkles, fading blemishes, and protecting your skin against the harmful effects of UV rays.

6. Manages Blood Pressure

Potassium is one of the key minerals in the human body since it is vital for enabling effective transfer of fluids to the blood cells and also for regulating blood pressure. When it comes to blood pressure, potassium can make the arteries and blood vessels to relax, therefore lessening the pressure on the heart. This, in turn, can lower the possibility of developing conditions such as atherosclerosis, which can reduce your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and coronary heart troubles.

7. Controls Allergic Reactions

The fruit is well-known for its ability to manage allergic reactions. When applied as a gel or a salve to the skin, quince can help relieve symptoms of dermatitis and similar skin problems. The high vitamin C level also assists in controlling inflammation and enhancing the appearance and health of your skin.

8. Treats Eye And Liver Diseases

Frequent consumption of quince has proven beneficial for those experiencing liver trouble and eye issues. In China, quince seeds are boiled and soaked and are then used to make jelly for soothing eye conditions, inflammation, and sore throats.

9. Boosts Hair Health And Blood Circulation

The rich mineral content of this fruit includes zinc, iron, and copper. All these three minerals, in addition to several other trace compounds, are essential for the creation of healthy red blood cells. When the level of red blood cells in your body is high, the circulation throughout the body increases, meaning that oxygen effectively travels through the body. This results in increased blood flow to the scalp and skin, which then improves the health of hair follicle and accelerates hair growth.

10. Antiviral Properties

Studies suggest that quince is a fruit rich in antiviral qualities. The phenolics present in Chinese quince are known to possess powerful anti-flu activity along with antioxidant properties. Moreover, it helps guard the body against flues, colds, allergies and other disease-causing pathogens.

11. Treats Throat Issues

Quince seeds are an excellent source for curing throat problems such as trachea and throat hoarseness, along with other similar conditions. The oil extracted from quince seeds are effective at preventing sweating, and also help fortify the heart and strengthen the stomach and liver.

Word of Caution! Even though there is no concrete evidence regarding the risks or side effects of quince, one should keep in mind that quince seeds contain small traces of cyanide. This means consuming an excess of the seeds could prove to be troublesome.

Selection & Storage

In the markets, go for firm, well-developed fruits that a have tinge of golden-yellow. Avoid the immature, green ones since they are usually bitter and inedible. Moreover, steer clear of shriveled and bruised ones since they lack the flavor.

When at home, quinces stay fresh for around 7 days give or take a couple of day provided that they are kept in a cool, dry place. if you are planning to store them for several weeks then it is best to refrigerate the fruit.