Ice apple or tadgola is the fruit of Palmyra palm tree has a sugary taste giving the eater the taste of refreshing water. As natural and healthy as a fruit can be, the palm fruit is completely devoid of any fats or cholesterol, making it extremely healthy and suitable for all ages.
Summer is at its peak and you must be unable to bear the scorching heat. This tan-colored skinned juicy fruit is the fruit of Palmyra palm tree, scientifically known as Borassus flabellifer. The fruit is called tadgola in Hindi, nungu in Tamil, taati munjalu in Telugu and Taati lingu in Kannada.
Ice apple to the summer rescue
It is translucent and pale white in colour from inside and resembles lychee in texture. It has a sugary taste giving the eater the taste of refreshing water. Ice apples or tadgolas are found a lot in coastal parts of India during the peak of summer. Biting into one is the most rejuvenating thing to do in the rising heat.
As natural and healthy as a fruit can be, the palm fruit is completely devoid of any fats or cholesterol, making it extremely healthy and suitable for all ages. Though being a low-calorie fruit, it is a powerhouse of carbohydrates, phytonutrients, and calcium. It is a very rich source of Vitamin B (thiamine and riboflavin), Vitamin C, A, E, K, and a range of minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, calcium & phosphorus that help regulate fluids in the body and quench thirst.
The phytochemicals present in fruit include polyphenols, organo-sulfur compounds, carotenoids, alkaloids, triterpene and saponins. Due to the presence of these bioactive ingredients, the plant possessed anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. However, it is not recommended to consume overripe ice apples as they tend to cause stomach aches.
Health benefits of ice apple/tadgola
- Weight Loss: One of the most fascinating benefits of Ice apple or tadgola is that the fruit aids in getting rid of extra pounds from your body. It contains a lot of water which aids to keep your tummy full and aids in weight loss naturally.
- Nausea: Ice Apple or Tadgola is beneficial in relieving the feeling of nausea. It is in fact one of the best benefits of Ice apple.
- Ice Apple or Tadgola during Pregnancy: There are also some wonderful benefits of ice apple or Tadgola to pregnant women. Ice Apple helps in improving digestion and aids with constipation and acidity problems which actually are common symptoms during pregnancy
- Treats Constipation: Constipation can be treated well by adding Ice apple or Tadgola to your diet. You can take the fruit or make a juice out of it and consume on an empty stomach.
- Treats Liver Problems: One of the major health benefits of Ice Apple or Tadgola is that it slowly gets rid of several liver problems as it cleanses out the toxins with the rich amount of potassium present in
- Reduces Prickly Heat Pimples: Ice apple or Tadgola aids in cooling the body during summer season and provides relief from the prickly heat pimples.
- Enhances Energy: The best health benefits of Ice apple is that it keeps the glucose levels high and provides the right balance of minerals and nutrients to the body.
- Other Benefits: The fruit is rich in phytochemicals and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Among other benefits of the fruit, are the benefits slowing down the effects of aging, lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, reducing mortality from several cardiovascular diseases, preventing arterial clotting etc.
Seeing that, cut and drained ice apple is receptive oxidation, consider using it for immediate consumption, else the fruit’s flavour begins to change. You can preserve them in the refrigerator, only by a day or so. Hence, the fruit should be eaten within a day. Biting into one is the most rejuvenating thing to do in the rising heat.
Jayashree Bafna
Consultant Dietician
Family tree clinic. Bangalore
