Fret not, if the Sun hits hard and leaves you dehydrated this summer! This season also brings a number of seasonal fruits to beat the heat. Palm fruit also known as ice apple is one of them.
This juicy fruit has different names in different parts of the nation. In Odia, it is called ‘tala saja’ while in Bengali, it is known as ‘taal shaansh’. In Marathi it is known as ‘tadgola’ and ‘nongu’ in Tamil. The tree is largely found in and around coastal regions of our country and tender ice apple is available only through May to June.
The outer cover of ice apple is gelatinous. Inside the pod there is a jelly like substance that resembles the taste of sugary coconut water which can be quite refreshing in scorching heat. Both the jelly like substance and the fluid are consumed.
These are the five reasons why you should dig into this fruit this summer:
It hydrates naturally
Consumption of every hundred grams of palm fruit gives a nearly 87g of water. It not only quenches your thirst, but also is friendly with your stomach.
It heals some ailments
Ice apple is known for its inherent healing properties. While it is recommended for treating digestive disorders, pregnant women are encouraged to take this as it eases normal stomach disorder. It is also consumed to keep prickly heat and summer acne at bay.
A good source of vitamins and minerals
The fruit is a rich source of antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and B complex, and not to mention minerals like zinc, iron and potassium. Zinc and iron maintain a balance of salt and electrolyte in our bodies as we lose a lot of water thorough sweat. Potassium content helps keep our liver healthy. It has no trace of fat.
It replenishes lost energy
Apart from preventing dehydration, ice apple’s glucose content helps keep our energy level high. It also fights fatigue, making it for a healthy summer drink.
A rich source of phytochemicals
Ice apple is a rich source of phytochemical anthocyanin, making it an antioxidant. Consumption of ice apples gives a slew of other advantages like slowing down the effects of aging, preventing arterial clotting and thus lowering risk of heart disease.
PNN/Agencies
