Ice Apple: Nutrition, Health Benefits and Tips to add in Diet
April 25, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in Nutrition Facts
Ice apple, also known as nungu, taal or thati mungalu, is a fruit that is found in tropical regions. It is a type of palm fruit that grows on the Borassus flabellifer tree. The fruit is round or oval-shaped and is about the size of a tennis ball. The outer covering of the fruit is brown and fibrous, while the inside is white and fleshy with a slightly jelly-like texture.
Ice apple is a popular summer fruit in India, Sri Lanka, and other countries in Southeast Asia. It is often eaten as a refreshing snack during hot weather, and is believed to have cooling properties that help to reduce body heat. The fruit is also rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In some parts of India, ice apple is used to make a sweet drink called nungu sherbet, which is made by blending the fruit with water, sugar, and lime juice. The drink is believed to have a number of health benefits, including improving digestion and boosting the immune system.
Nutrition
Ice apple is a low-calorie fruit that is rich in nutrients. Here is the approximate nutritional values per 100 grams of ice apple:
- Calories: 38
- Carbohydrates: 9.2g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Vitamin C: 6.4mg
- Calcium: 8mg
- Iron: 0.6mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Magnesium: 10mg
Ice apple is also a good source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help to protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Additionally, ice apple is rich in electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which help to maintain fluid balance in the body and regulate blood pressure. Overall, ice apple is a nutritious and healthy fruit that can be a great addition to a balanced diet.
Health Benefits
Ice apple, also known as nungu or taal, is a fruit that offers several health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of ice apple:
1. Hydrates the Body
Ice apple is a great source of electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which help to maintain fluid balance in the body and keep it hydrated. Consuming ice apple during hot weather can help replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
2. Helps with Digestion
Ice apple is rich in fiber, which can promote regular bowel movements and improve digestive health. It also contains enzymes that can aid in digestion and reduce the risk of digestive issues such as constipation and bloating.
3. Boosts the Immune System
Ice apple is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C helps to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which fight against infections and diseases.
4. Reduces Body Heat
Ice apple is believed to have cooling properties that help to reduce body heat and provide relief from heatstroke and other heat-related ailments.
5. Lowers Blood Pressure
The electrolytes in ice apple, particularly potassium, can help to lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium and regulating fluid balance.
6. Antioxidant Properties
Ice apple contains antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help to protect the body against cell damage caused by free radicals. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
How to Add Ice Apple to Diet?
Ice apple is a versatile fruit that can be added to your diet in a number of ways. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate ice apple into your meals and snacks:
- Eat it as a snack: Ice apple makes a great refreshing snack during hot weather. Simply peel off the outer covering and eat the fleshy, jelly-like interior.
- Add it to fruit salads: Ice apple can be a great addition to fruit salads, adding a unique texture and flavor. Cut it into small pieces and mix with other fruits such as pineapple, mango, and papaya.
- Make nungu sherbet: In some parts of India, ice apple is used to make a sweet drink called nungu sherbet. To make this drink, blend ice apple with water, sugar, and lime juice, and serve chilled.
- Use it as a topping: Ice apple can be used as a topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or oatmeal. Cut it into small pieces and sprinkle over your favorite breakfast bowl.
- Blend it into smoothies: Ice apple can be blended into smoothies to add a refreshing taste and texture. Try blending ice apple with coconut water, banana, and spinach for a delicious and nutritious green smoothie.
- Use it in desserts: Ice apple can be used to make a variety of desserts, including ice cream, sorbet, and jelly. Look for recipes that use ice apple as a key ingredient.
Overall, ice apple is a tasty and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Be creative and experiment with different recipes to find your favorite way to add ice apple to your diet.
Overall
It is a coconut-like fruit with a juicy mass of white fibre coated with orange or yellow pulp. The pulp of mature ice apple is eaten directly from the wiry fibre of peeled fruits. The fleshy ice apples are packed with translucent, juicy liquid and may have exceptional cooling properties.
Overall, ice apple is a nutritious and refreshing fruit that can provide several health benefits. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.