The Germanic medlar is a plant of the pink family. It grows in the southwestern part of Asia, in the south of Eastern Europe and in countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Therefore, it is often called the Caucasian medlar.
Medlar is a small red-brown fruit, the diameter of which does not exceed three centimeters. Despite the expanded sepals, giving the medlar a hollow appearance, the fruits are solid. Inside, there are bones in the pulp. The fruit has an astringent, sour taste. But if you keep it in the cold, then the medlar will become sweet and later it can be used in cooking.
100 g of German (Caucasian) medlar contains 525 kcal., 14 g of carbohydrates, pectin, vitamins A, C and group B. At the same time, proteins and fats are completely absent. Among the minerals are potassium, iodine, phosphorus, sodium, iron and others.
The medlar contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals, the lion's share is vitamin C. 100 grams of the fruit contains 17, 8% of the recommended daily intake of ascorbic acid. Therefore, it is very useful in the off-season. Regular consumption of medlar strengthens the immune system, helping the body to resist the effects of viruses and infections.
The potassium contained in the fetus has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, prevents the development of diseases in this area, improves the condition of blood vessels and reduces the risk of blood clots. Medlar fruits are able to normalize blood pressure and affect the quality of blood clotting. By consuming medlar, you can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
The fruits of the medlar contain organic acids, they have a beneficial effect on the functions of the liver and blood vessels, and normalize the functioning of the endocrine glands. The composition also contains tannins that have anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects. Indispensable benefits are provided by the fruits of the medlar in case of hypofunction, disorders of the nervous system, as well as in the prevention of cancer.
Medlar contains pectin. The main properties of the substance are cleansing the body of decay products, removing cholesterol, improving blood circulation and normalizing intestinal motility. Part of calcium, which in itself has a positive effect on the condition of bone tissue, and in combination with magnesium, it activates and normalizes the functioning of the muscle fibers of the nervous system.
A contraindication to the use of medlar can be an individual intolerance to the substances that make up the composition. It is forbidden to eat fresh fruits suffering from peptic ulcer disease, gastritis and diseases of the pancreas.
After freezing, the fruits of the medlar cease to be sour, lose their astringent properties, and become sweetish in taste. They can be eaten fresh or processed. Jams and preserves are made from medlar, compotes and juices are made, added to a wide variety of desserts.
Decoctions are prepared as a medicine. They are useful for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, disorders of intestinal motility and urolithiasis. The pulp of medlar infused with alcohol helps to cope with respiratory diseases, is useful during the treatment of bronchial asthma, helps to alleviate cough and remove phlegm.
