"Edible Skincare" Starts with the Liver: Loquat's β-Carotene and Ursolic Acid - Combat Oxidative Stress at the Dining Table

Reasons for the Renewed Attention on Loquats

On September 13, Brazil's economic media InfoMoney featured "nêspera" as a fruit "rich in antioxidants and potentially beneficial for liver health." This refers to the loquat, familiar to Japanese people, originally from China. When fully ripe, it is yellow-orange with a thin skin and melt-in-your-mouth flesh. The article introduces the mechanism by which loquats, despite being low in calories, contain antioxidant components such as β-carotene, chlorogenic acid, and ursolic acid, which protect liver cells from oxidative stress. Nutritional composition per cup of flesh includes 113 μg of vitamin A (retinol activity equivalent), 396 mg of potassium, 24 mg of calcium, 19.4 mg of magnesium, and 1.5 mg of vitamin C.InfoMoney

Current Research: Human Evidence is Yet to Come, but Promising Signals

A cross-section of scientific literature shows that various parts of the loquat, including leaves, skin, and juice, are being studied for functionality. A 2024 study reported that loquat juice suppressed lipid accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the liver of mice on a high-fat, high-sugar diet, improving liver tissue appearance. Skin extracts also improved markers of lipid metabolism and liver oxidative stress. Reviews summarize that triterpenes (such as ursolic acid) and polyphenols derived from loquats are involved in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects, with recent attention on the immune and macrophage regulatory effects of ursolic acid. However, long-term human intervention trials are limited, and the optimal intake, safety, and efficacy points are not yet established. Setting "expectations" is crucial rather than making exaggerated functional claims.

The "nêspera Boom" Spread by SNS and the Temperature Difference

In Brazil, following news exposure, nutritionist accounts and wellness influencers on Instagram introduced loquats as "antioxidant support for the liver" and "fruit that suppresses inflammation." Practical voices such as "Where can I buy it?" and "How many should I eat a day?" followed in the comments. On the other hand, there were doubts about exaggerated efficacy expressions like "Is 'regeneration' with leaf extract tea true?" News sites and portals also followed with strong expressions like "liver function regeneration" and "protect the liver," expanding the topic—however, this is a summary of ongoing research findings for the general public, and clear causality in humans is yet to come.

How to Eat? Practical and Safe Ways to Incorporate

In practical terms, it boils down to "eating the flesh." Fully ripe loquats are rich in β-carotene and potassium, with about 70 kcal per cup (approximately 150g). They can be enjoyed fresh, in salads, smoothies, jams, or as oatmeal toppings, enhancing both color and aroma. Ideally, they should be consumed within a few days.Healthline

Mini Recipe Ideas

• Mozzarella + Prosciutto + Loquat: An appetizer with a contrast of salty and sweet.Healthline

• Sautéed Chicken Breast with Loquat Sauce: Light acidity softens the fats.Healthline

• Spinach, Yogurt, and Loquat Morning Smoothie: Satisfaction with β-carotene × protein.Healthline

[Important] DIY with "Leaves and Seeds" is NG: Public Institutions Also Issue Warnings

On SNS, health information about "loquat leaf tea" and "seed powder" is also spreading, but there is a pitfall here. The seeds contain cyan compounds (cyanogenic glycosides) such as amygdalin, and consuming them in concentrated forms like powders is dangerous. Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the National Consumer Affairs Center have clearly issued warnings, including recall cases of seed powders and related health teas. While the flesh can be safely eaten, the act of crushing and consuming seeds should be avoided.cyan compounds (cyanogenic glycosides)consuming them in concentrated forms like powders is dangerous.the act of crushing and consuming seeds should be avoided.Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

A Small Fruit with a Big Background—Deciphering the Mechanism

• Antioxidant: β-carotene and phenols neutralize reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative damage to liver cells.InfoMoney

• Anti-inflammatory: Triterpenes like ursolic acid adjust inflammatory pathways and macrophage activity.Frontiers

• Metabolic Regulation: Animal studies show positive effects of juice and skin extracts on lipid metabolism, liver enzymes, and body weight.MDPI

How Much Should You Eat?

From a nutritional balance perspective,aim for about 200g of fruit per day in a variety. Instead of relying solely on loquats, incorporate them into a rotation with seasonal fruits. Loquats are high in water content and have a mild sweetness. Aim for **100–150g (2–3 small pieces) per serving**, incorporating them into desserts or breakfast for easy continuation. With about 70 kcal per cup, they also help supplement potassium and β-carotene.Healthline

Conclusion: Expectations and Moderation, the Two Wheels

Loquats are a "fruit with great potential" that combines culinary advantages such as "delicious," "light," and "colorful" with scientific suggestions of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic support. While waiting for the accumulation of human trials, first enjoy the flesh safely and deliciously. Avoid concentrated supplements and seed powders, and use them wisely as a "supporting star" to enhance the overall quality of your diet.enjoy the flesh safely and deliciously.InfoMoney

References and Sources (Main)

• InfoMoney (Published on 2025/09/13): Explanation of the potential benefits of nêspera (loquat) for liver support, nutritional values, and key antioxidant components.InfoMoney

• Research Review and Recent Experiments: Liver protection and metabolic marker improvement by loquat juice and skin extracts, immune regulation by ursolic acid, etc.Frontiers+3

• Eating Methods and Nutritional Guidelines (General Guide): Healthline (2025 Revised).Healthline

• SNS Reactions and Spread Context (Examples): Nutrition-related Instagram posts and related articles from major Brazilian portals.Instagram

• Public Warnings in Japan: Risks of cyan compounds in seed powders and health teas.Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries