Health Benefits of Quince

Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is an ancient fruit native to various parts of Asia and the Mediterranean. Mountainous area of North Caucasian near Turkey, Iran, and also hills in the New Zealand are their original and proper field area to plant. The fruit belongs to rose family with similar shape to apple and pear. The skin is quite pale yellow color with several black spots. The tree can grow up to 12-20 feet and has a very good smell when the fruits are ripe.

Its cultivation can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it served as a symbol of love and fertility. Quince name firstly appeared in ancient Greek manuscript about 600 BC as one of their must have item for marriage celebration. Although considerably less common today, quinces are close relatives of popular fruits like apples and pears.

Benefits of Quince:

They’ve been used in folk medicine for decades. Snce the fruits are very good for the infant growing in the womb, Greeks also saw quince fruits as the symbol of fertility. In some Europe countries, the fruit is believed to smooth the digesting system. 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.

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.

Visit here to see How to cook Quince Apple Recipe

Quince Health Benefits:

Quince as Antioxidant:

Quince contains the high levels of antioxidants, consisting of phytonutrient and phenolic compounds, which are effective in eliminating and neutralizing the free radicals in the body. Antioxidants reduce metabolic stress, lower inflammation, and protect cells against damage by free radicals. Free radicals are harmful byproducts produced by the cellular metabolism that can lead to the death or mutation of healthy cells.

Some research suggests that some antioxidants in quinces, including flavonols like quercetin and kaempferol, reduce inflammation and safeguard against chronic illnesses like heart disease.

According to a report published in the Nutrients Journal, “Polyphenols, found abundantly in plants, display many anticarcinogenic properties including their inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation, tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and inflammation as well as inducing apoptosis.” The high level of antioxidants, including phenolic and phytonutrient compounds, found in quince is very effective in neutralizing or eliminating free radicals in the body.

Quince for Digestive Disorders:

Research suggests that quince extract may protect gut tissue against damage related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis. In a study in rats with ulcerative colitis, those given quince extract and juice had significantly reduced colon tissue damage, compared with the control group.

Quince May Treat Stomach Ulcers:

Early research suggests that plant compounds in quinces may help prevent and treat stomach disorders. In a test-tube study, quince juice inhibited the growth of H. pylori, a bacterium known to cause stomach ulcers. Also, a study in rats found that quince extract was helpful in protecting against alcohol-induced stomach ulcers. Although these results are encouraging, additional research is needed.

Quince May reduce Acid Reflux Symptoms:

Studies suggest that quince syrup may help manage symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux.

A study on children found that supplementing with quince syrup daily was as effective as medication that’s traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of this condition. Also in a study on pregnant women it was found that a 10-mg dose of quince syrup taken after meals was as effective as traditional medication at relieving acid reflux symptoms.

Additionally, in a 4-week study in 96 children with acid reflux, using quince concentrate alongside traditional medication improved symptoms — such as vomiting, food aversion, burping, and abdominal pain, than taking the medication alone.

Quince Helps Manage Pregnancy Induced Nausea:

Some of the most common symptoms during early pregnancy are nausea and vomiting. Some research indicates that quinces may help relieve these symptoms. One study fond that 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of quince syrup was significantly more effective than 20 mg of vitamin B6 at reducing pregnancy-induced nausea.

Protection Against Allergic Reactions:

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

Quince also help to control inflammation and improve the health and appearance of your skin. When applied as a salve or gel on the skin, it can benefit atopic dermatitis and similar skin conditions. Quince are also believed to help general skin health and hair fall.

Quince Boosts Immunity:

Quinces may support your immune system. Several studies suggest that it has antibacterial properties that may help prevent the overgrowth of certain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and S. aureus.

Additionally as mentioned earlier, quince has a huge amount of antioxidants, and other vitamins, such as vitamin C and E also boost the immune system in various ways.

Quince for Weight Loss:

Quince is high in dietary fiber, like most fruits, and the significant levels of fiber mean that your gastrointestinal system works more efficiently and regularly. You will have more energy and keep your excess weight down by improving your digestive health.

It can also help prevent certain Gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The catechin and epicatechin contained in the fiber are likely to bind with certain cancer-causing toxins that are found in the colon, thereby protecting the mucous membrane of this important organ system. 

Word of Caution:

There is no definitive evidence of side effects or risks of quince, and all of the information seems to point towards it being a great addition to any diet. However, Quince Seeds do contain trace amounts of cyanide, so eating more than a few seeds could be troublesome.