During the sizzling summer months, Ice apple is one fruit that’s available abundantly and is a gift from Mother Nature to help us stay cool, hydrated, and refreshed. To know what an ice apple is, ice apple benefits, uses, side effects, and more, you must read this article until the end.
Ice apple in hindi is called tadgola and in Tamil language it is called Nungu. Ice apple is scientifically called Borassus flabellifer. A tropical robust tree, palmyra palm from the Arecaceae family, gives you the Ice apple fruit. The tree bearing the Ice apple fruit is native to Southeast Asian countries and the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia. [1]
Let us explore the tadgola benefits also known as ice apples.
What do ice apples look like?
The Ice apple fruit has a diameter of about 4-7 inches, and the outer shell of the fruit is brownish-black. When the fruit ripens, it takes a spherical shape. Beneath the shell, is the whitish translucent fruit pulp filled with sweet, watery juice. The fruit resembles litchi in texture and tender coconut in taste and the benefits of ice apple are numerous. [1]
Nutritional profile of ice apple
There are many Ice apple benefits for health. The nutrients in Ice apples include many constituents like ice apple calories, ice apple proteins, ice apple fats, ice apple fiber, and many more.
| Fat | . 1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Carb | 10.9 g |
| Protein | . 8 g |
| Water | 87.6 g |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 27 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Phosphorous | 30 mg |
| Riboflavin | .02 mg |
| Thiamin | .04 mg |
| Niacin | .3 mg |
Properties of Ice Apple [2]
Ice apples have many phytonutrients. These could be involved in several biological characteristics that are advantageous to human health.
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Heals wounds
- Sedative (Promotes sleep)
- Stomachic (Increases appetite)
- Laxative (Relieves constipation)
- Diuretic (Removes bodily water)
- Anthelmintic (Prevents infection by parasites)
Ice apple Benefits
1. Keeps you hydrated
Ice apples have high fluid content and can maintain the water level in your body. Thus, one of the benefits of eating ice apple includes its ability to keep dehydration and electrolyte imbalances at bay. [1]
2. Helps you lose weight
Ice apple calories are low and it is rich in fiber. That helps manage weight by curbing appetite. So, for the weight watchers, this is a great fruit.
3. Prevents skin issues
Ayurveda mentions numerous ice apple benefits for skin. The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of the fruit can treat skin rashes effectively. It is a good remedy for acne and prickly heat. A jelly prepared from Ice apple can be applied on the skin areas affected by prickly heat to get relief. [2]
4. Prevents constipation
The high fiber content of the ice apple fruit can add bulk to your motion and allow easy bowel movements. The fruit is also known for its laxative properties. [2]
5. Lowers blood sugar
Ayurveda mentions that ice apples are good for diabetes. Certain steroid-like constituents in ice apples can lower blood sugar levels and restrict sudden sugar spikes. Thus, the ice apple is ideal for people with diabetes. [2]
6. Treats acidity
Ice apples can prevent the overproduction of acids in your stomach and relieve you from acidity symptoms. [1]
7. Delays aging
The powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids in Ice apples can slow down aging by preventing the damage caused by free radicals.
8. Treats nausea and vomiting
The cooling properties of ice apples can stop bouts of vomiting and the discomfort associated with it. [2] Ice apple in pregnancy can be used to combat the nauseous feeling.
How to Use Ice Apple
The juicy, fluid, and sweet flavour of an ice apple makes it an excellent fruit. The following are some applications for ice apples:
- Ice apple delicate pulp has a sweet juice that tastes like coconut water.
- You can pickle ice apples in vinegar.
- Desserts like sarbat, toffee, burfi, candy, peda, kheer, and squash juice are all made with ice apples.
- It may be boiled, roasted, or sun-dried.
- Roasting or boiling the ice apple is a common way to consume its outer shell.
- Jams and candies are also made with it.
Side effects of Ice apple
No major ice apple side effects have been reported against ice apples, but it has been seen that eating too many overripe ice apples can cause stomach pain in some. Also, if someone is pregnant and wishes to take ice apples, she must first consult a doctor to rule out the possibilities of adverse side effects.
FAQs about Ice Apple
1. What does Ayurveda say about Ice Apples?
According to Ayurveda Ice apples can alleviate the Pitta dosha due to its cooling effect. Pitta is associated with heat in Ayurveda. So, taking ice apples can treat heat-related health issues such as boils, prickly heat, acidity, heat strokes, etc.
2. How to make a nourishing summer milkshake with an ice apple?
Ice apple milkshakes can be delicious. Preparing this milkshake includes sliced ice apple fruit, milk, sugar, saffron strands, and chopped almonds. [1] To prepare, peel and cut the ice apples into slices, put them into the mixer jar, add milk and sugar, and run the mixer. Once the milkshake is ready, garnish it with chopped almonds and saffron strands. You can serve it immediately or store it to relish later.
3. Why the name ‘ice apple’?
The peeled fruits look like spherical, glassy balls of ice. This is probably the reason for such a name. It is loaded with immense nutritional value as even Ayurveda mentions several benefits of eating ice apple.
Conclusion
Ice apples are loaded with nutrients and are highly beneficial for your health. The icy look of the ice apple fruit attracts all in the first place. The cooling look of the fruit and its cooling attribute makes it an ideal summer fruit. To experience ice apple benefits to the fullest, you may include this delicious fruit in your diet.
Disclaimer: This article has been written to enhance your knowledge of ice apples and is not an alternative to medical prescription. If you wish to use ice apples for treating any health issue, you must first consult a doctor.
