Cooling Delight: Exploring the Health Benefits of Ice Apples

shares a texture reminiscent of lychee and a flavor akin to tender coconut. This tropical fruit serves as a refreshing treat during the scorching summer months, offering a perfect blend of minerals and sugars to replenish the body. 

Nutritional Profile of Ice Apple 

Ice apple is a low-calorie fruit, providing approximately 43 calories per 100 grams, with 11 grams of carbohydrates. It’s notably rich in calcium and phytonutrients, while also containing essential dietary fiber, proteins, and vitamins such as C, A, E, K, B7, and iron, contributing to a range of health benefits. 

Benefits of Ice Apple 

1. Natural CoolantIce apple effectively cools the body during hot weather, regulating body temperature and providing a refreshing energy boost to combat summer fatigue.

2. Electrolyte Balance Rich in sodium and potassium, ice apple helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, preventing dehydration and fatigue.

3. Digestive Health Ice apple serves as a natural remedy for digestive ailments, aiding in relieving constipation, promoting bowel movements, and alleviating acidity and stomach ulcers. It also soothes minor stomach issues and nausea, particularly beneficial during pregnancy.

4. Antioxidant Propertie Phytochemicals present in ice apple exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help slow down aging and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

5. Skin Relief Applying ice apple flesh to heat rashes and prickly heat provides relief from itchiness and offers a soothing effect, combating common summer skin problems.

6. Detoxification Potassium-rich ice apple aids in cleansing toxins from the body, promoting heart and liver health.

7. Weight Management Being a low-calorie, hydrating fruit, ice apple helps in weight loss by keeping you satiated for longer periods.

8. Caution Overripe ice apples may lead to stomach discomfort. Due to their perishable nature, they should be consumed within a day.

Ice Apple Kheer Recipe 

Ingredients 

– 4 medium-sized tender ice apples 

– 2 cups milk 

– ½ cup sugar 

– 10 blanched almonds 

– ¼ tsp cardamom powder 

– A few strands of saffron 

Method 

1. Peel and chop the ice apples.
2. Blend blanched almonds, cardamom powder, and a little milk into a smooth paste.
3. Cook the almond mixture with milk until thickened, then add sugar and stir well.
4. Allow the mixture to cool, then add chopped ice apples and refrigerate for an hour.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with saffron strands and almonds.

Nutrition Facts 

This delectable ice apple kheer offers a cooling effect on the body, enriched with the nutritional benefits of milk, almonds, and aromatic cardamom. It provides essential proteins, calcium, and phosphorus for bone and teeth health, while almonds contribute omega fatty acids, protein, and calcium, promoting memory and overall well-being.