Water Apple: Astonishing Health benefits and nutritional values

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What is a Water Apple? 

Water apple is a tasty tropical fruit from South East Asia, which is renowned for its ability to quench thirst. Its ripe fruit is bright red in colour and has a crisp texture. This sweet fruit is also rich in fibre, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C

Water Apple is also referred to as Rose Apple, Java Apple, Chambakka or Jambaka fruit, Wax Apple and Watery Rose Apple. 

Their effectiveness in quenching thirst comes from the abundant water content in them. Making pickles, jellies or syrup from unripe green fruits is common. Unripe green water apples can be used in dishes as well as eaten raw with a sprinkle of salt. 

Ripe water apples can be consumed raw or chopped into salads. They go great with feta cheese, cucumber, cilantro, cucumber chips, various tropical fruits and chilli flakes.

In contrast to actual apples, they don’t have a core, although the portion close to the fruit’s widest point is inedible. 

Nutritional Value of Water Apple 

The nutritional value of 100 g of Water apple as per USFDA is as follows.

  • Energy – 25 Kcal
  • Carbohydrates – 5.7 g
  • Fats – 0.3 g
  • Proteins 0.6 g
  • Copper – 0.016 mg
  • Calcium – 29 mg
  • Iron – 0.07 mg
  • Zinc – 0.06 mg 
  • Magnesium – 5 mg
  • Potassium – 123 mg
  • Phosphorus – 8 mg 
  • Vitamin A – 17 g 
  • Vitamin B1 – 0.02 mg 
  • Vitamin B2 – 0.03 mg 
  • Vitamin B3 – 0.8 mg 
  • Manganese – 0.029 mg. 

Health Benefits of Water Apple 

Bolsters Immune function 

Active components in rose apples have been linked to having anti-microbial and anti-fungal effects. It can strengthen the immune system to fight off several diseases and can protect the skin from acquiring multiple infections

White blood cell formation is increased by vitamin C, which also helps in their functioning. Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it reduces oxidative damage and improves overall functioning. The immune system is efficiently strengthened by vitamin C to ward off colds.

Good for Diabetes 

Jambosine, an alkaloid found in water apple, prevents the conversion of starch to sugar and controls blood sugar levels. Due to their potent antihyperglycaemic properties, water apples help people with Diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. 

They have a low glycaemic load of 2, which helps the body metabolise sugars from food more gradually and prevents blood glucose levels from rising high. People with Diabetes can have water apples in moderation. 

Improves heart health 

Minerals that are vital for heart health are abundant in water apples. The rose apple’s high potassium and sodium content aid in lowering cholesterol. Water apples are rich in fibre and minerals that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, lower the chance of atherosclerosis and guard against cardiovascular issues like heart attacks, strokes and heart disease.

Helps in digestion 

Dietary fibres in this fruit aid in preventing bloating and constipation. The water apple’s seeds also control digestive issues that result in vomiting and diarrhoea

Water apples are excellent for controlling the movement of food through the digestive tract due to their high fibre content. This aids in the treatment of numerous health issues, including constipation. The seeds of rose apples have also been used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery.

Removes toxins from kidney and liver 

For many years, water apple decoction has been used as a diuretic. This has helped to improve our body’s overall health and metabolism while clearing toxins from the liver and kidneys. 

Excessive alcohol consumption, fasting, anaemia, infection and hepatotoxic medicines bring about numerous illnesses which can result in liver damage. Hepatoprotective compounds found in Watery Rose Apple aid in the efficient treatment of liver diseases.

Reduces risk of cancer 

Early medical research proves that consuming water apples can reduce the risk of developing prostate and breast cancer. 

Rose apples are vitamin-rich that can guard the body against many cancer risks. Among these are vitamins A and C, which prevent the growth of tumours and cancerous cells. Thus, including water apples in the diet regularly may lower the risk of developing cancer.

Keeps you hydrated 

It’s crucial to keep the body well-hydrated. The rose apple has a lot of water, which aids in controlling body temperature and renders adequate hydration.

Uses for sunstroke

90% of the weight of water apples is water. Water apples are a great option for fruit during the hot, humid summers since they may assist in quenching the thirst. Sunstroke may also be treated successfully with it. By warding off the summer heat, it may assist in alleviating the negative effects of dehydration.

Heals your skin and promotes hair growth 

Rose apples moisturise and rejuvenate the skin. One can apply water and apple juice all over the face and wash it off after it dries. This can balance oil production and act as a moisturising mask.

The UVB-blocking substances in rose apples help shield us from harsh sun rays. The fruit also has additional anti-burn and anti-peeling properties.

Research has revealed that rose apple extract has anti-acne benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

Procyanidin B-2, a substance found in rose apples, promotes hair growth and thickness. Its extract can be used to prevent balding and hair loss.

Water apple during pregnancy

Water apples possess vital vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and iron, which help fulfil the increased nutritional requirements during pregnancy and help deal with discomfort sensations.

The leaves also have analgesic properties, which reduce a woman’s postpartum discomfort and soreness.

Additionally, certain medical issues are unavoidable during pregnancy, like nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. Water apples assist in keeping them hydrated.

Ways to use water apples in your food 

Water apples are a vibrant, delightful fruit with a rose-like scent and a sweet, wonderful flavour. These are some of the applications for water apples.

  • Most often, water apple is taken as raw fruit.
  • Water apples can be used to make jellies and juice.
  • They make an excellent inclusion to a fruit salad.
  • It can be used to make jams, pickles, sweet drinks and squash.

Possible side effects 

Water apple consumption has certain adverse effects.

  • The leaves, seeds and roots of water apples contain excess cyanide or prussic acid, which is harmful to human health. 
  • The stems, leaves and roots of water apples are toxic because they contain minute levels of the poisonous hydrocyanic acid, even though they are sold commercially as fully grown fruits.
  • One should be cautious while eating organic products, like water apples, that are obtained from farms.
  • Except for its skin and flesh, consuming too much of this fruit is not advisable.
  • Never eat a water apple without first consulting a doctor if you’re on medication. It is also advisable to purchase a water apple from a known vendor or a known source.
  • Remember to only consume water apples in defined portions since consuming too many can lead to toxicity in the body owing to a buildup of the trace mineral metallic compounds that are contained in the fruit.

Conclusion 

Water apples often referred to as rose apples or watery rose apples, are incredibly rich in powerful antioxidants, trace minerals and macronutrients that are crucial for human health. In addition to being essential in treating many diseases like Diabetes, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders, they impart positive attributes to improve physical and mental wellness. 

Additionally, they offer women a host of important benefits during and after pregnancy and childbirth. Water apple is best when eaten raw. It can also be incorporated into various recipes and exotic desserts that enhance their taste.

FAQs 

How are water apples consumed? 

Water apple is primarily consumed raw. Jellies and juice can be made using it. They can also be included in fruit salads. Water apple also tastes better when made into jams, pickles, sweet drinks and squash.

What are the other names of water apples? 

Water apple is known by different names, such as watery rose apple, water apple, java apple and bell fruit. 

What are the medicinal uses of water apples? 

Potassium is present in good quantity in water apples. It makes muscles stronger and reduces cramping due to low potassium levels. The fruit’s vitamin C may strengthen the immune system and increase the generation of white blood cells in the blood.

Is it safe to eat water apples during pregnancy? 

During pregnancy, they provide women with vitamins and iron. The leaves and seeds might be useful for treating fevers. Eating rose apples regularly sharpens the mind.

What is the taste of water apple? 

When ripe, these delicious water apple fruits taste extremely sweet and naturally crunchy. The unripe green water apple does have a distinctively astringent flavour.


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The Information including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other material contained on this blog are intended for education and awareness only. No material on this blog is intended to be a substitute for professional medical help including diagnosis or treatment. It is always advisable to consult medical professional before relying on the content. Neither the Author nor Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd accepts any responsibility for any potential risk to any visitor/reader.

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