Health
Serious side effects of metoprolol
- Discover the serious side effects of metoprolol.
- How does this medication work? What are its effects?
- Metoprolol belongs to the class of medications called beta-blockers. Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure and prevent symptoms of certain types of angina ( chest pain). It is also used to reduce the risk of death immediately after a heart attack. It works by reducing the needs of the heart during exercise.
- People who have had a heart attack take metoprolol to avoid having another heart attack. Metoprolol is often used in combination with other drugs that lower high blood pressure, such as diuretics (pills that increase urine output), when just one agent is not enough to control blood pressure.
- This medicine is available under various brand names or in different formulations, or both. A specific brand of this medication may not be available in all forms and may not have been approved for all of the conditions discussed here. Also, some forms of this medicine may not be used for all of the conditions mentioned in this article.
- Your doctor may have suggested this medication for a condition that is not listed in this Medication Information article. If you have not yet discussed this with your doctor, or if you are not sure why you are taking this medicine, consult your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
- Do not give this medicine to anyone, even someone who has the same symptoms as yours. This medicine could harm people for whom it was not prescribed.
- What forms does this medication come in?
- Apo-Metoprolol
- 25 mg
- Each white, oval, scored tablet, engraved “ME” over “25” on one side and “APO” on the other, contains 25 mg of metoprolol tartrate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silica dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.
- 50 mg
- Each white, round, scored tablet, engraved “APO” over “M50”, contains 50 mg of metoprolol tartrate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silica dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.
- 100 mg
- Each white, round, scored tablet, debossed with “APO” over “M100”, contains 100 mg of metoprolol tartrate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silica dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.
- Apo-Metoprolol (Type L)
- 50 mg
- Each pink, capsule-shaped, coated tablet, scored on one side and engraved “50” on the other, contains 50 mg of metoprolol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, colloidal silica dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, D&C aluminum lake red No. 30, sun yellow aluminum lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 3350, and sodium dioxide. titanium.
- 100 mg
- Each blue, capsule-shaped, coated tablet, scored on one side and engraved “100” on the other, contains 100 mg of metoprolol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, colloidal silica dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, indigotin aluminum lake (AD & C blue # 2), lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol 3350, and titanium dioxide.
- How should this medication be used?
- The usual maintenance dose of metoprolol ranges from 100 mg to 200 mg per day, however, this dose may be increased to 400 mg per day as needed to achieve symptom control. Immediate-release tablets are taken in 2 divided doses while slow-release tablets are taken once a day.
- This medication should be taken soon after a meal, but try to take it at the same time every day.
- Several factors can be taken into account in determining the dose a person needs: their weight, their health, and whether they are taking other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose other than those listed here, do not change the way you are taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.
- This medicine must be taken exactly as your doctor has told you. If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you notice the missed dose and resume treatment as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure of what to do after missing a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
- Do not dispose of medicines in the wastewater (eg not in the sink or in the toilet bowl) or with the household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused or expired medicines.
- In which cases is this medication not recommended?
- Do not use this medicine under the following circumstances:
- a condition such as right ventricular failure caused by high blood pressure in the lungs;
- is allergic to metoprolol or any of the ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to other beta-blockers;
- anesthesia caused by an agent having a depressant effect on the myocardium (eg ether);
- a history of heart attack accompanied by:
- a heart rate of fewer than 45 beats per minute,
- severe heart block
- very low blood pressure
- moderate or severe heart failure.
- slow heartbeat caused by problems with the heart rhythm;
- severe heart block;
- cardiogenic shock;
- significant circulatory disorders;
- proven heart failure;
- the presence of asthma or other obstructive airway conditions (only when it comes to metoprolol in intravenous form);
- a disorder referred to as “sinus dysfunction syndrome”;
- have untreated pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal glands).
- What are the possible side effects of metoprolol
- Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a drug when taken in normal doses. It can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
- At least 1% of people taking this medicine reported the following side effects. Many of these side effects can be managed and a few may go away on their own over time.
- Consult your doctor if you experience these side effects and if they are serious or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to give you advice on what to do if these side effects appear:
- changes in libido or sexual ability;
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- pain or discomfort in the abdomen;
- dizziness or light-headedness when changing from sitting or lying down to standin
- fatigue or unusual weakness brought on by activity;
- fatigue;
- headaches;
- nausea;
- hair loss;
- weight gain;
- dreams giving a powerful sensation;
- dry mouth;
- increased sensitivity of the skin to solar radiation;
- increased sweating;
- sleep disturbances;
- vomitings.
- Most of the side effects listed below do not happen very often, but they could cause serious problems if you do not see your doctor or receive medical attention.
- Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- slow heartbeat (especially less than 40 beats per minute);
- hearing changes;
- confusion;
- difficulty breathing or wheezing;
- back or joint pain;
- chest pain;
- hallucinations (the perception of phenomena that do not exist);
- tingling in the arms and legs.
- a feeling of coldness in the hands and feet;
- signs of depression (eg, lack of concentration, weight fluctuations, trouble sleeping, indifference to many activities, thoughts of suicide);
- signs of certain heart problems (e.g., increased or irregular heartbeat or pulse, chest pain, difficulty breathing, excessive fatigue, swelling of the feet, ankles, or part lower legs);
- signs of certain kidney problems (eg increased or reduced urine production, itching, nausea, vomiting, rash);
- signs of a bleeding disorder (e.g. unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, cough with bloody sputum, bleeding gums, cuts that keep bleeding) ;
- signs of liver problems (eg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools );
- a flare-up of psoriasis (eg, red spots the size of a pinhead on the skin; red, scaly, or crusty skin);
- a feeling of numbness or tingling in the extremities;
- symptoms of low blood pressure (eg, dizziness, fatigue);
- vision changes (eg blurred vision, dry eye, eye pain).
- Stop taking the drug and seek immediate medical attention if there is a response such as :
- coldness, discoloration, or pain in the fingers or toes;
- symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face or swelling of the throat, hives, or difficulty breathing).
- Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. See your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are using this medicine.
- Are there other precautions or warnings?
- Before using any medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies you may have, the medications you are using, and any other important facts about your health. Women should mention if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. These factors could influence how you should use this medicine.
- Respiratory disorders: In general, people with asthma, and certain other lung problems, should generally avoid taking beta-blockers such as metoprolol, as they can cause breathing difficulties. If you have breathing problems, and your doctor has prescribed metoprolol for you, it is probably in lower doses, and they will monitor you regularly while you are using this medicine. If you have breathing problems, talk to your doctor about how this medicine may affect your condition, how your condition affects the administration and effectiveness of this medicine, and whether medical supervision is needed. specific.
- Severe allergies: If you have allergies severe enough to cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction in which swelling of the face, lips, and throat makes it very difficult to breathe), talk to your doctor about what to do next. take if you have an allergic reaction. the use of metoprolol may make it more difficult to treat severe allergic reactions with epinephrine.
- Stopping the drug: People with heart disease who suddenly stop taking this drug may experience chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or a heart attack. If you have heart disease, do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor first. When this medication is to be stopped, it should be done gradually, under the supervision of your doctor.
- Diabetes: The signs associated with low blood sugar may be more difficult to see while you are taking metoprolol. People with diabetes may have a harder time regulating their blood sugar levels when taking this medicine. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your condition, how your condition affects the administration and effectiveness of this medicine, and whether medical supervision is needed. specific. You will be kept under medical supervision while taking this medicine and your doctor may need to adjust your doses of diabetes medicine.
- Dizziness or syncope: Metoprolol may cause side effects, including dizziness or fainting, soon after starting treatment. Do not drive a vehicle or do other potentially dangerous tasks until you know how this medicine works for you.
- Hyperthyroidism (high level of thyroid hormones): Metoprolol may mask the symptoms of a person with hyperthyroidism (high level of thyroid hormones).
- If you have hyperthyroidism, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your condition, how your condition affects the administration and effectiveness of this medicine, and whether it is appropriate to have it. specific medical surveillance. Stopping the medication suddenly could make this condition worse.
- Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function can cause this drug to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, talk to your doctor about how this medicine may affect your condition, how your condition affects the administration and effectiveness of this medicine, and whether medical supervision is needed. specific. Your doctor will monitor your liver function with regular blood tests while you are taking this medicine.
- If you notice symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, or swelling and itching of the skin, contact your doctor immediately.
- Kidney function: Taking metoprolol may affect kidney function. Your doctor will take this into account in his monitoring and will adjust your dose as needed. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, talk to your doctor about how this medicine may affect your condition, how your condition affects the administration, and how well this medicine works. , and the relevance of specific medical surveillance. If you notice swelling in your hands, feet, or face, an increase in your blood pressure, unusual muscle cramps, or a dark appearance of your urine, this medicine may be interfering with the proper function of your blood. kidneys.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
- Heart disease: Beta-blockers like metoprolol can worsen already present heart failure. It is essential to use metoprolol as prescribed by your doctor to reduce this risk. If you have a history of heart disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your condition, how your condition affects the administration and effectiveness of this medicine, and whether it is appropriate to use it. specific medical surveillance.
- Pheochromocytoma: This medicine may worsen the symptoms of pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland) if taken alone Talk to your doctor about how this medicine might affect your condition, how your condition affects your condition. administration and efficacy of this medicinal product, and the relevance of specific medical supervision.
- Surgery: If you are about to have surgery, tell all healthcare professionals who treat you that you are using metoprolol.
- Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, contact your doctor immediately.
- Breast-feeding: This medicine passes into breast milk. If you use metoprolol while you are breastfeeding your baby may feel the effects. Check with your doctor to see if you should continue breastfeeding.
- Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medicine have not been established in children
- Seniors: Normal doses of metoprolol for adults may lower blood pressure more than expected. Lower doses may be necessary for the elderly.
- Can other agents interact with this medication?
- There may be an interaction between metoprolol and any of the following:
- abiraterone acetate;
- acetylcholine;
- anesthetic agents;
- alpha agonists (eg, clonidine, methyldopa);
- alcohol;
- aldesleukin;
- aliskiren;
- alpha1-blockers (eg doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin);
- amifostine;
- amiodarone;
- amphetamines (eg, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine);
- serotonin antagonists (antiemetic drugs; eg dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron);
- tricyclic antidepressants (eg amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, trimipramine);
- antihistamines (eg, cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine, diphenhydramine);
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) eg. ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen);
- antimalarials (e.g. chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, mefloquine, quinine);
- antipsychotics (eg, chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone);
- asunaprevir;
- atomoxetine;
- other beta-blockers (eg, atenolol, pindolol, propranolol);
- azelastine;
- barbiturates (eg, butalbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital);
- beta-agonists (anti-asthma medicines, eg salbutamol, salmeterol, formoterol);
- calcium channel blockers (eg, verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, amlodipine);
- angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) eg. irbesartan, losartan);
- bortezomib;
- brimonidine;
- buprenorphine;
- bupropion;
- celecoxib;
- ceritinib;
- milk thistle;
- cholecalciferol;
- cimetidine;
- cinacalcet;
- clobazam;
- clotrimazole;
- cobicistat;
- cocaine;
- cyproterone;
- darifenacin;
- delavirdine;
- rye ergot derivatives (eg bromocriptine, ergotamine, methylergonovine);
- nitro derivatives (eg nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate);
- dextromethorphan;
- digoxin;
- dipyridamole;
- disopyramide;
- disulfiram;
- diuretics (pills to remove water; eg furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide);
- donepezil;
- doxorubicin;
- dronedarone;
- entacapone;
- epinephrine;
- grass pollen allergen extract;
- fentanyl;
- fingolimod;
- flecainide;
- floctafenine;
- galantamine;
- ginger;
- ginseng;
- guanfacine;
- imatinib;
- phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil, tadalafil);
- proton pump inhibitors (eg, lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole);
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) eg. captopril, ramipril);
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline);
- selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs (eg, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, venlafaxine);
- insulin;
- isoniazid;
- ketoconazole;
- lacosamide;
- lanreotide;
- levodopa;
- lidocaine;
- lomustine;
- cholesterol “statin” drugs (eg pravastatin, simvastatin);
- methacholine;
- methadone;
- methimazole;
- methoxsalen;
- methylphenidate;
- metoclopramide;
- midodrine;
- mifepristone;
- mirabegron;
- moclobemide;
- nefazodone;
- nevirapine;
- nilotinib;
- noradrenaline;
- octreotide;
- orphenadrine;
- oxybutynin;
- pasireotide;
- pazopanib;
- peginterferon alfa-2b;
- pentoxifylline;
- sodium phenylbutyrate;
- pilocarpine;
- pimozide;
- praziquantel;
- propafenone;
- quinidine;
- quinine;
- ranitidine;
- regorafenib;
- rifabutin;
- rifampin;
- rituximab;
- rivastigmine;
- ropinirole;
- sulfonylureas (eg gliclazide, glyburide, tolbutamide);
- temsirolimus;
- terbinafine;
- theophyllines (eg aminophylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline);
- ticagrelor;
- ticlopidine;
- tizanidine;
- tofacitinib;
- tolcapone;
- tranylcypromine;
- yohimbine.
- If you are taking any of the above medicines, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. In your case, your doctor may ask you to:
- stop taking any of the medications;
- replace one of the drugs with another;
- change the way you take one or both of the medicines.
- do not change anything at all.
- Interference of one medicine with another does not always mean that you stop taking one of them. Ask your doctor what to do with drug interactions.
- Drugs other than those listed above may interact with this drug. Tell your doctor everything you take, whether it is prescription or over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies. Do not forget to mention any supplements you take. If you consume caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or street drugs, you should tell your prescribing doctor since these substances can affect the way many drugs work
Health
Managing Chronic Pain: Integrative Techniques for Wellness
Key Takeaways
- Understanding chronic pain and its various treatment options is essential for effective management.
- Lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and sleep, can significantly influence chronic pain.
- Integrative techniques, including medical treatments and complementary therapies, are vital in tackling pain holistically.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a persistent type of pain that can last for months or years and may be caused by various factors. In contrast to acute pain, it can continue even after the original injury has healed. Healthcare professionals evaluate a patient’s self-reported pain level and the impact it has on their daily activities to address the complexity of chronic pain. When the underlying cause is unknown, multidisciplinary approaches are necessary to relieve pain.
The Role of Lifestyle in Chronic Pain Management
In the quest for relief, many find solace in discovering a reputable pain clinic near me that employs a range of treatment options. Diet and chronic pain have a significant, if not entirely understood, relationship. Pro-inflammatory foods, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars tend to exacerbate inflammation, potentially intensifying pain. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, greens, nuts, and seeds may help reduce inflammation and, as a result, pain. Consistent hydration and balanced meals can support the body’s natural coping mechanisms. Creating a personalized diet plan with a nutritionist or dietician can be a proactive step in managing chronic pain through lifestyle. Being physically active is critical to managing chronic pain.
Medical Treatments for Chronic Pain Relief
Medications often serve as the first line of defense in chronic pain management. NSAIDs, for example, are commonly used to alleviate inflammation and pain. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can also be prescribed for their pain-relieving properties. Caution must be taken, especially with more robust, potentially habit-forming medications such as opioids; these should only be used when necessary and with a strict plan for monitoring and tapering. Furthermore, patients are encouraged to ask their healthcare providers about potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
Beyond pharmacological measures, interventional treatments like nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation offer non-surgical pain relief for various conditions. In some cases, these targeted procedures may provide lengthy periods of relief and help patients engage in physical therapy and rehabilitation more effectively.
With chronic pain being such a dynamic and individualized issue, research into new therapeutic methods is ongoing. Treatments such as platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) and stem cell injections are emerging as potential alternatives. They focus on repairing damaged tissues and reducing pain naturally. However, consulting with experienced pain management specialists before considering these advanced options is essential.
Psychological Approaches to Pain Management
Chronic pain has deep psychological and emotional roots in addition to physical causes. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) address the thought patterns that can worsen pain perception and decrease the quality of life. Patients can learn to change these thoughts, engage in positive behaviors, and develop strategies to manage setbacks in their pain journey. Biofeedback is a technique that measures and provides real-time data on bodily functions, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature. It helps patients gain voluntary control over these functions, and mastering such autonomic processes can improve pain management and give a greater sense of personal power.
Emotional well-being is integral to pain management, as negative emotions can intensify pain perception. Healthcare providers may recommend therapy sessions to address the psychological impacts of chronic pain, helping individuals cope with associated feelings of frustration, depression, or isolation. These therapeutic approaches highlight the importance of treating chronic pain as a comprehensive, biopsychosocial condition.
Navigating the Healthcare System
The complexity of healthcare systems can add a layer of stress for those managing chronic pain. Advocacy is critical. Patients must feel empowered to ask questions and make informed decisions regarding their care. Understanding how health insurance works, what treatments are covered, and how to access necessary medications is imperative. Healthcare professionals can also be invaluable allies in helping patients navigate these systems and ensure that they receive appropriate and timely care.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pain Management
As we learn more about pain, there is hope for better pain management through new treatments and technologies. For example, virtual reality therapies can help distract patients from pain and reduce its intensity by immersing them in relaxing environments. Scientists are also exploring innovations in pharmaceuticals, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy apps to treat chronic pain more effectively. Additionally, personalized medicine, which considers an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors, is set to revolutionize pain management.
Health
Benefits of guava leaves Sensually
Table of Contents
Health
9 Health Benefits of Consumption Loquat
Table of Contents
- Loquat types
- Description and ecology
- Cultivation and uses
- How to eat loquat fruit
- 9 Health Benefits Of Consuming Medlar
- Precautions
- Loquat or commonly called medlar, scientifically known as Mespilus germánica, is a large shrub or small tree and named after the fruit of this tree.
The fruit has been cultivated since Roman times and is unusual in being available in winter, and in being eaten when marked.
It is eaten raw and in a variety of dishes. When the genus Mespilus is included in the genus Crataegus, the correct name for this species is Crataegus Germanica Kuntze.
If you’ve ever been walking through south-central China and stumbled across a small evergreen shrub or tree with bright orange fruit, then perhaps you are familiar with the medlar.
Scientifically known as Eriobotrya japonica, the medlar is popularly grown for its fruit, due to its delicious sour taste, sweet flesh, and delicious juices.
Pear-shaped and slightly larger than a plum, the taste of loquat fruit has been likened to a cross between mango and peach.
This particular type of fruit may be native to China, but it became naturalized in Japan over a millennium ago and has spread to other countries in Asia, the Middle East, North America, South America, and the Mediterranean region.
The medlar fruit is used to make jams and jellies and is also eaten in its plain or dried form.
The leaves of the plant have also been found to be beneficial when dried and brewed into tea, which is a popular traditional remedy in Japan.
Poultices and ointments can also be made from the crushed leaves, and when applied topically to wounds and pains.
Loquat fruits and leaves include pectin, iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, making them very effective in increasing overall human health.
Origins and related species
Despite its Latin name, or the scientific Germanic Mespilus meaning German or Germanic medlar, it is indigenous to Southwest Asia and also Southeastern Europe, especially the Black Sea coasts of Bulgaria and modern Turkey.
It may have been cultivated for as long as 3,000 years. The ancient Greek geographer Strabo refers to epsilon in Geographica, Book 16, Chapter 4.
The flower has long sepals that remain on the fruit. Flower bud showing petals and sepals Flower bud. The sepals are behind the petals.
Loquat types
Until recently, the Germanic Mespilus was the only known species of the medlar. However, in 1990, a new species was discovered in North America, now called Mespilus canescens.
The medlar (Eriobotrya japonica), is more distantly related than genera such as Crataegus, Amelanchier, Peraphyllum, and Malacomeles, but was thought to be closely related, and is still known as the “Japanese medlar.”
From an extensive study of the literature and plant specimens, Kazimierz Borowicz concluded that the true homeland of the medlar (Mespilus germanica) is only in the south-eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, in Asia Minor, in the Caucasus, Crimea, northern Iran, and possibly Turkmenistan as well.
Description and ecology
The Medlar requires warm summers and mild winters and preferably sunny, dry places and slightly acidic soils.
Under ideal circumstances, the deciduous plant grows up to 8 meters (26 feet) tall. In general, it is shorter and more shrub-like than a tree.
With a lifespan of 30-50 years, the medlar is quite short-lived. Its bark is grayish-brown in color with deep vertical cracks that form rectangular plates that tend to peel off.
The leaves are dark green and elliptical, 8-15 centimeters (3.1-5.9 inches) long and 3-5 centimeters (1.2-2.0 inches) wide. The leaves are thickly hairy (pubescent) underneath, turning red in autumn before falling off.
It is found in southern Europe, where it is generally rare. It is reported to have become naturalized in some forests in southeast England but is found in few gardens.
The flowers have five widely oval white petals. The flowers appear in late spring, they are hermaphroditic, pollinated by bees, and self-fertile. The flower is 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) wide.
The reddish-brown fruit is a pomace, 2-3 centimeters (0.79-1.18 inches) in diameter, with persistent, widely spreading sepals around a central pit, giving the fruit a ‘hollow’ appearance.
Cultivation and uses
The medlar was introduced to Greece around 700 BC and Rome around 200 BC. It was an important fruit plant during Roman and medieval times.
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, however, it had been replaced by other fruits and is rarely cultivated today.
Loquat seeds are one of the few fruits that become edible in winter, making them an important tree for gardeners who want to have fruits available year-round.
Medlar plants can be grafted onto the rootstock of another species, for example, pear, quince, or hawthorn, to improve their performance in different soils.
Loquat fruits are tough and acidic, but become edible after being softened, ‘scored’, frozen, or stored naturally long enough.
Once softening begins, the skin quickly takes on a wrinkled texture and turns dark brown, and the inside is reduced to the consistency and flavor reminiscent of apple sauce.
This process can confuse newcomers with loquats, as a softened fruit looks as if it has gone bad. Once marked, the fruit can be eaten raw and is often eaten for dessert, or used to make loquat jelly.
They are used in “Níspero cheese,” which is similar to lemon curd, which is made from fruit pulp, eggs, and butter. Medlar cultivars grown for its fruit include ‘Hollandia’, ‘Nottingham’ and ‘Russian’, the large-fruited variety ‘Dutch’ (also known as’ Giant ‘or’ Monsters’), ‘Royal’, ‘Giant of Breda ‘and’ great Russian ‘.
How to eat loquat fruit
What you don’t get is a lot to eat from each medlar (they contain several pretty chunky stones, the “nuggets” just don’t paint the right picture) and my favorite way to eat them is to scoop the meat straight from the fruit with a spoon.
It is a delicacy with wine, port, or cheese. You can also mix the pulp with sugar and cream, but I think this reduces its flavor. Adding it to yogurt for breakfast is a delight.
Medlars are probably best known, however, for being turned into gelatin or cheese, when the fruits are cooked whole and passed through a sieve.
You’ll need a fair number to make more than just a small glass, but the fun will be getting your friends to guess what it’s about.
9 Health Benefits Of Consuming Medlar
Let’s take a closer look at the many health benefits of loquat.
1.- Reduce blood pressure
One of the many nutrients found in good condition within the medlar is potassium, which acts as a vasodilator for the cardiovascular system.
By reducing stress and pressure on blood vessels and arteries, potassium can lower blood pressure and protect heart health.
Potassium is often considered a brain booster, due to increased blood flow to the capillaries in the brain, which can improve cognition.
2.- Prevents Diabetes
Loquat tea is often suggested as a means of preventing or treating diabetes, as it has been shown to lower blood sugar significantly in those who ingest it regularly.
The unique organic compounds found in loquat tea are capable of regulating insulin and glucose levels, helping to protect the body against diabetes.
Also, for those suffering from diabetes, avoiding spikes and drops in blood sugar is crucial, and this tea can help.
3.- Reduces the risk of cancer
In the medlar, several antioxidants are beneficial for human health. Antioxidants are capable of neutralizing free radicals in the body that are generated as a natural by-product of cellular metabolism.
These molecules with their unpaired electrons can cause healthy cells to mutate, leading to chronic diseases, including cancer. Loquat tea has been specifically linked to lower rates of lung and oral cancer.
4.- Respiratory system
Expectorant substances are important in treating colds and other respiratory infections. Loquat tea is used as an expectorant, either when drunk or gargled, as it can cause coughing and expulsion of mucus and phlegm.
This is where bacteria can live and grow while exacerbating other symptoms, so removing it from your airways can help you feel better fast.
5.- Increases immunity
Medlar is a wonderful source of vitamin C, which is a key component of everyone’s immune system. Vitamin C helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, the body’s first line of defense against pathogens, and it also works as an antioxidant to prevent chronic diseases.
In addition, vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, which helps the growth and repair of tissues throughout the body after illness or injury.
6.- Helps indigestion
Pectin is a particular type of dietary fiber found in loquat fruit, and it is often praised as a digestive aid.
Dietary fiber can accumulate stool and stimulate peristaltic movement, which helps with the regularity of bowel movements.
If you suffer from constipation, diarrhea, cramps, bloating, or other stomach disorders, dietary fiber can ease that inflammation and improve the health of your gut.
7.- Control cholesterol levels
Although the precise mechanism is not fully understood, research has directly linked loquat to lower cholesterol levels in those subjects who regularly consume fruit and tea.
This health benefit of medlar is very exciting, but also relatively unproven on a large scale, and studies to find out more are ongoing.
8.- Strengthens the bones
Loss of bone mineral density is a major problem for many people as they age, especially for women after menopause.
Fortunately, medlar has been shown to prevent loss of bone density in various parts of the body, due to its rich mix of vitamins, nutrients, and hormone-mimicking chemicals.
9.- Regulates the circulatory system
High levels of iron in a person’s diet are important if they want to avoid anemia and its brutal symptoms. Iron is found in high concentrations within the medlar, which is good news for your red blood cells.
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