Ice Apple also known as palm fruit is a summer fruit that is native to Indian subcontinent and is also widely available in Southeast Asian countries. This juicy, succulent fruit filled cooling properties goes with the scientific name Borassus flabellifer is also known as doub palm, toddy palm, palmyra palm, tala palm, taati munjelu in Telugu and nungu in Tamil.
Ice apple grows within the clusters in Palmyra fruit measuring up to 3.9 inches to 7.1 inches in diameter and the top portion is removed to extract this sweet smelling, pale-pink colour fruit, filled with water and fleshy white pulp.
Though it looks similar to lychee in texture, it tastes more like tender coconut and is often recommended for beating dehydration in hot summers and replenishing lost electrolytes. Being low on calories, it is an ideal choice for the weight watchers. Each 100 grams of this fruit offers up to 43 calories, rich in calcium, magnesium and carbohydrates. Ice Apple also provides vitamins C, K, A, E, B7 and iron in ample amounts.
If you are in a tropical region, ensure eating this seasonal fruit daily throughout the season for deriving the following health benefits.
Natural Thirst Quencher:
Ice Apple is a Mother Nature’s gift on a hot afternoon for quenching the thirst instantly. It’s amazing cooling properties not only bring down the body temperature but also pump in energy and aids in staying active.
Maintains Electrolyte Balance:
Loss of electrolytes can cause severe health problems. Consume ice apples to replenish lost minerals like sodium, potassium and for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Aids in Digestion:
Hot summer weather can cause various gastrointestinal issues and indigestion is one common problem faced by many. If you are suffering from constipation, acidity and stomach ulcers, ice apple serves as an excellent home remedy in easing various stomach related ailments.
Smoothes Skin:
Palm fruit is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can flush out toxins from within the body, delaying the signs of ageing. Apply the water and flesh of ice apple on skin rash and sunburn for instant relaxation and to feel soothing effect.
Helps Lose Weight:
Ice apple is low on calories and is ideal for those hoping to lose weight. This fleshy, succulent fruit keeps you satiated for longer hours, killing midday hunger pangs.
Contradictions:
Make sure you wash this fruit properly before consuming. Do not eat super ripe fruit as it can cause stomach ache and diarrhoea. Since this fruit is highly perishable in nature, eat within a day after harvesting.
