If you want to stay healthy and beat the heat, you should also focus on having a healthy, balanced diet that helps you stay cool. You can start by including seasonal, juicy fruits in your diet, such as ice apples. If you do not recognize the name “ice apple”, you may know this humble yet delicious fruit by other names such as toddy palm, palmyra palm, and wine palm, or taad gola, nungu, taala, and thathi munjalu in regional languages.
*Nutritional Value of Ice Apple:-
Nutrient Components Value/100 g
Energy 87 kcal
Fats 1.0 g
Proteins 2.8 g
Carbohydrates 18.5 g
The nutritional value of ice apple pulp per 100 grams.
Properties of Ice Apple:
The ice apple fruit contains different phytonutrients. These might contribute to various biological.
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Antibacterial
Wound-healing
Sedative (might calm and induce sleep)
Stomachic (may increase hunger)
Laxative (may relieve constipation)
Diuretic (may excrete water from the body)
Anthelmintic (might act against parasitic infection)
Immune response suppressing 1,2
Health Benefits :-
Good for skin problem During summer:-The health benefits of ice apple for the skin might be due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ice apple may be helpful in skin inflammation problems such as boils, prickly heat, and rashes. Ice apples may have cooling properties. You may use ice apple in the face pack; applying a thin layer of jelly on the affected area might be beneficial in soothing sensitive skin.
Good for Diabetes (Type 2Dm):-Ice apples are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and they might be good for people having diabetes type2.
An animal study conducted by Uluwaduge et al. in 2006 demonstrated that a steroid-like component of ice apple might have a beneficial effect in lowering blood glucose levels. In addition, their subsequent study also reported that dried ice apple fruit pulp (pinattu) might be used as an anti-hyperglycemic (glucose-lowering) agent.
Ice apples are a great choice for people with diabetes because they are low in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels, and individuals with diabetes need to limit their intake of these nutrients.
These remarkable fruits also contain a good amount of potassium. Maintaining adequate potassium levels is crucial because low potassium has been linked to high blood sugar levels. When potassium levels are low, insulin secretion decreases. Ice apples help balance this by providing a healthy dose of potassium, promoting increased insulin production and, in turn, lowering blood sugar levels.
Good for digestive problem:- The potential benefits of ice apple might demonstrate a solution for digestive problems and other ailments.
Ice apple may be used as an aperient to relieve constipation and might benefit the digestion process.
Anthelmintic:-The anthelmintic properties of ice apple might be helpful in dealing with a worm infestation.
Good for cough:- It may be used as an expectorant (cough syrup), which might help expel the mucus during cough.
*Good for Body Hydrated during summer:-During the hot summer seasons, eating ice apples might be helpful to keep the body hydrated. It might also help in replenishing the nutrients of the body.
*Obesity:-
Aids in Weight Loss:
Low in calories and rich in fibre and vitamins, Ice Apple benefits those struggling with slow weight loss. The water in the fruit helps you feel full and prevents overeating. The fruit’s water content keeps you feeling full, reduces cravings, and assists in weight management.
*Anti-inflammatory:-
*Energy booster:-
When it comes to Ice Apple benefits, we can’t forget that this fruit is a natural energy superhero, as it is loaded with natural sugars and lots of nutrients. It gives you a quick and natural boost of energy. It’s the perfect snack for anyone needing a little pick-me-up during the day.
*Fights Ageing:-
Ice apples have anti-aging benefits, all thanks to the phytochemicals they contain. These plant compounds work wonders! The antioxidants in Ice Apple have anti-inflammatory properties, leading to a gradual but noticeable anti-ageing effect. It is also one of the special Ice Apple benefits.
Ice Apple Benefits *Healthy Skin:-
While less known, ice apples are good for the skin due to their antioxidant richness. They also have Vitamin C, being the Ice Apple’s main benefit. This nutrient supports the skin in producing collagen, a protein crucial for maintaining the shape and structure of the skin. Vitamin C also combats damage caused by free radicals, contributing to healthier and more resilient skin.
Supports Liver Health
Ice apples are high in potassium, benefiting liver health and treating irregularities. The fruit also aids in removing toxins from the body, acting as a natural cleanser for the liver, which is the primary Ice Apple benefit.
Boosts Immunity
An ice apple is great for boosting the immune system. This wonderful fruit contains essential nutrients that your body needs, including a mix of vitamins like A, C, and B-complex, along with important minerals such as potassium, iron, and calcium. Moreover, there’s a good dose of dietary fibre in there too. These nutrients are crucial in supporting your overall health and ensuring that your body functions at its best. They contribute to various bodily functions, helping you stay in tip-top shape.
*How to have Ice Apple during summer:-
☆Juices:- The tender pulp of ice apple contains sweet juice, which you can drink like coconut water.
☆Fruit-You can have like fruits or fruit salad (take some pomegranate (half cup ,Grapes 10pcs,roasted almond ,sesame seeds ,flaxseed ,salt ‘black pepper, mint ,curry leaves, mix all have like a salads
☆Jam
☆candy
☆Smoothie.
DR. RAMA MITRA
BNYS, NCYC