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Ice Apple (Nungu): Uses, Health Benefits, and Nutrition

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Sparshi Srivastava, last updated on 3 January 2024| min read
Ice Apple (Nungu): Uses, Health Benefits, and Nutrition

Quick Summary

  • Ice apple is a fruit that is high in nutritional value and can help you lose weight
  • It is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, and is rich in fibre and protein
  • Regular consumption can enhance immunity, boost metabolism, and aid digestion

Are you looking for a fruit that looks and tastes good, is high in nutritional value and can help you lose weight? If yes, then ice apple, also called Nungu in Tamil Nadu or other southern Indian regions, is the fruit you should try.

Loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, it is rich in fibre and protein. Regular consumption can enhance immunity, boost metabolism, and aid digestion. The taste of Nungu fruit or ice apple fruit resembles the refreshing flavour of tender coconut water. If you're eager to know more about the benefits and side effects of ice apple, read on.

What is an Ice Apple?

An exotic coastal fruit, tadgola, also called ice apple fruit in English, is known for its sweet and luscious taste. It is exclusively found in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and various parts of Eastern India. 

The seed comprises a transparent yellowish pulp enclosed within a coconut-like shell. It gives it the appearance of a frozen gem with a square-like shape. Ice apples offer various health benefits and side effects depending on the individual and the consumption amount.

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Health Benefits of Ice Apples

Obtained from the ice apple trees, the fruits offer several benefits to people of all ages and walks of life. Some of the many benefits of this exotic food include:

  1. Hydration: Ice apples are rich in water content, promoting hydration and preventing heat stroke. It can help regulate body temperature, making them particularly refreshing in hot weather and potentially preventing heat-related discomfort and illnesses.

  2. Digestion: The fibre in ice apples supports digestive functioning. This is done by regulating regular bowel movements and alleviating digestive issues like constipation.

  3. Rich in Nutrients: Ice apples are a valuable source of essential minerals and vitamins. It significantly fulfils major nutritional requirements and promotes overall bodily functions and vitality.

  4. Heart Health: The higher potassium content and low sodium, contributes to heart health. This is done by maintaining adequate blood pressure levels and minimising risk of cardiovascular problems.

  5. Skin Health: The nutrients in ice apple benefits the skin significantly, providing essential vitamins and minerals that promote a radiant and healthy texture.

  6. Removes Fatigue: Consuming ice apples can boost energy levels, making them an excellent choice for a quick, revitalising snack.

  7. Good for People with Diabetes: Ice apples have a low glycemic index. This makes them a suitable choice for individuals with diabetes as they are less likely to cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

  8. Nausea Relief: They may help alleviate nausea and vomiting, relieving individuals experiencing digestive discomfort.

  9. Intestinal Health: Ice apples possess anthelmintic properties that can assist in addressing worm infestations and promoting intestinal health.

  10. An Expectorant for Cough: Ice apples can potentially help to expel mucus during coughing and relieve respiratory symptoms.

  11. Alleviates Urination Discomfort: The ice apple benefits in relieving painful urination and reducing enhancing overall well-being.

  12. Combat Malnutrition: Ice apples can be a valuable resource for managing malnutrition in children and adults, providing essential nutrients to support overall health and growth.

Nutritional Value of Ice Apples

A highly nutritious food, ice apples must be a part of your everyday diet for all the good reasons. Following is a table of the ice apple nutrient content in 100 gms: 

Calories

38 calories per 100 grams.

Carbohydrates 

9.2g

Fibre

1.1g

Protein 

0.6g

Fat 

0.1g

Potassium 

150mg 

Sodium 

20mg

Magnesium 

10mg

Calcium 

8mg

Vitamin C

6.4mg

Iron 

0.6mg

Ice Apple Uses or Consumption

Ice apples are excellent for health. Its regular consumption can be beneficial in more ways than one can imagine. Here are some of the potential ways through which ice apples can be used: 

  1. Drink: The tender pulp of ice apples is a sweet juice similar to coconut water.

  2. Pickle: Ice apples can be preserved through pickling in vinegar and canning.

  3. Beverages: They are versatile ingredients, finding their way into delectable creations such as squash juice, sharbat, toffee, burfi, candy, peda, kheer, and more.

  4. Dried: Ice apples can be sun-dried (known as punatoo) or prepared through roasting or boiling methods.

  5. Condiments: The outer layer of ice apples is often consumed by roasting or boiling, and they are also used to craft jams and cordials.


Side Effects of Ice Apples

Even though ice apples are excellent for the body with diversified advantages, overconsumption can be problematic. The following are the ice apples disadvantages or side effects that one must be aware of:

  1. Affects Liver: Due to its ethanol content, excessive intake of ice apple can harm the liver by disrupting the lipid metabolism. It leads to fat accumulation in the liver, affecting its proper functioning, particularly in pregnant women.

  2. Causes Hypertension: Increased consumption shows similar effects as that of alcohol and can raise the risk of hypertension. It can lead to increased heart rate, breathlessness, and cardiovascular activity.

  3. Affects Nerves: Excessive consumption of Ice apple kernel may result in neurological symptoms such as muscle stiffness and contractions. It can also weaken the nervous system when consumed in excess. 

Storage of ice apples

Ice apples are a seasonal delicacy typically found in India from March to June. It is advisable to enjoy them when they are fresh, ideally within a day of purchase, as they have a short shelf life.

Proper storage involves keeping them in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight.Before consumption, it's essential to wash them thoroughly to eliminate any impurities or insects.

Conclusion

Ice apples, with their tender pulp and sweet juice, offer a  refreshing taste. Beyond their delightful flavour, they provide several benefits and boast high nutritional value. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, ice apples contribute to overall health and well-being. Their versatility in culinary utilisation highlights their significance in regional cuisine. 

For more of such valuable information, HexaHealth is an excellent platform. Log on to HexaHealth to pave your way towards a better and healthier lifestyle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ice apple is a luscious and nutritious fruit that offers numerous health advantages. Being a seasonal fruit, it helps in detoxifying the body and regulating its natural temperature. Predominantly found in the southern regions of India, it is widely regarded as the ideal summer fruit.

The following are the ice apple benefits: 

  1. Relieves digestion

  2. Assists in skin-related problems 

  3. Improves constipation and digestive issues 

  4. Good for patients with diabetes 

  5. Helps in weight loss and weight management 

For those wondering if we can eat ice apples during pregnancy, the answer is yes. It is safe to eat ice apples during pregnancy. The fruit helps pregnant women deal with nausea, stomach cramps, stomach aches, etc.

The approximate calories in ice apple of about 100 gms is 38. This fruit comes loaded with many other nutritional benefits.

Ice apples are rich in anti-inflammatory and cooling attributes, making them an excellent choice for skincare. They effectively address skin inflammation problems such as prickly heat, boils, and rashes. Furthermore, the phytochemicals contained in ice apples can delay ageing and combat the damaging effects of free radicals on the skin.

If you are wondering whether ice apple is good for diabetes or not, then the answer is yes. They are beneficial because:

  1. Low carbohydrate content and higher concentration of vitamins and minerals make them an excellent choice for diabetes patients.

  2. Their abundant potassium content supports insulin production, reducing blood sugar levels.

    Clinical trials have even shown that mild diabetic individuals who incorporated dried ice apples into their diet observed improvements in fasting blood glucose levels (8). Adding one to your morning routine can enhance your overall health.

The ice apple's nutrient content is exceptionally high, delivering the essential balance of nutrients that the body requires. The ice apple nutrients include:

  1. Calcium 

  2. Carbohydrates

  3. Calories 

  4. Protein

  5. Fibre 

  6. Phytonutrients 

  7. Vitamins

  8. Iron

The ice apple fruit is highly perishable, and therefore, it should be consumed fresh. Consuming an over-ripened iced apple fruit can cause stomach-related problems.

Yes, the nutritional content of ice apples is very high, and the nutrient content of 100 gms of ice apples can be explained in the following way:

Calories

38

Carbohydrates 

9.2g

Fibre

1.1g

Protein 

0.6g

Fat 

0.1g

Potassium 

150mg 

Sodium 

20mg

Magnesium 

10mg

Calcium 

8mg

Vitamin C

6.4mg

Iron 

0.6mg

Even though there are no significant ice apple disadvantages, overeating this fruit can cause some problems. These include: 

  1. Liver problems

  2. Hypertension

  3. Nerve problems

The following are the ice apple or tadgola fruit benefits:

  1. Ice apples are good for pregnant women 

  2. Aids digestion 

  3. Controls blood pressure 

  4. Manages diabetes 

  5. Aids in weight loss 

  6. Relieves stomach-related ailments 

If you wonder if ice apples provide heat or cold to the body, you must know it is the latter. Ice apples have a high content of sodium and potassium that manages the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. It is an excellent fruit for people living in hot areas and avoiding heat strokes.

Yes, the consumption of ice apples for diabetes is a great choice.

  1. Ice apples, with their low carbohydrate content and abundant vitamins and minerals, offer significant benefits to individuals with diabetes. 

  2. Their high potassium levels stimulate increased insulin production, effectively lowering blood sugar levels.

  3. Patients who included dried ice apples in their diet witnessed a decrease in fasting blood glucose levels.

There are no significant ice apple disadvantages. However, eating in excess amounts and eating over-ripe ice apples can cause some problems in the body. These can be related to the stomach, liver, nerves, etc.

There are many easy and effective ways through which ice apples can be used every day. These include:

  1. Consume raw 

  2. Use in salads, chats, and raitas 

  3. Use them as a pudding

  4.  Make a refreshing drink or smoothie

Yes, consuming ice apple during pregnancy can be very good.

  1. Ice apple is good for pregnancy as it may alleviate digestive problems and relieve stomach issues.

  2. Additionally, ice apples can potentially reduce the occurrence of morning sickness and enhance the quality of breast milk for nursing mothers.

Ice apple, a fruit with a history in traditional medicine, serves various therapeutic purposes:

  1. Ice apple is believed to have properties that can relieve vices, stomach ailments, and gonorrhoea.

  2. The soft roots of the ice apple tree are recognised for their diuretic and anthelmintic qualities and are used for specific respiratory conditions.

  3. Combining the bark of the ice apple tree with salt is utilised as a gargle and mouthwash, while charcoal derived from the bark serves as a dentifrice.

  4. The sap of the ice apple tree is employed in treating skin disorders, eye infections, earaches, and wounds.

Yes, Munjalu/Munjulu or ice apple in English has a primary effect on weight management. This includes:

  1. Ice apple (Nungu) is an ideal option for weight management due to its high water content, promoting a sense of fullness and reducing the urge to eat between meals.

  2. Its satiating properties aid in curbing cravings and preventing overindulgence, supporting weight loss efforts.

  3. The cooling effect of ice apple makes it a refreshing post-workout snack, helping to rehydrate and replenish essential nutrients.

It would not be wrong to say that ice apple health benefits remain unparalleled and unquestioned. Some of the many health benefits of this superfood include:

  1. Loaded with phytonutrients, ice apples are a rich source of antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress in the body.

  2. Its phytochemicals possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts as an antioxidant, contributing to a slower ageing process and lowering the likelihood of severe diseases.

  3. The cooling properties of ice apples are beneficial in preventing heat strokes and the occurrence of skin rashes.

The Nungu fruit or the Munjal fruit can contribute to a healthy lifestyle in the following ways:

  1. Weight management 

  2. Hydration 

  3. Regulating high blood pressure and diabetes issues

  4. Improve skin and hair health 

Yes, ice apple nutrient content is very high. It comes loaded with specific nutrients that promote good health.

  1. Calcium: Promotes strong bones and teeth. Also supports proper muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.

  2. Carbohydrates: An excellent source of energy for the body. Carbs allow the body to perform everyday activities and are also good for cardiovascular health.

  3. Vitamins: Ice apples, rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, are crucial for the body biochemical processes and overall health and well-being.

  4. Proteins: These are the building blocks of the body. They are crucial for tissue repair, muscle growth, and the production of enzymes and hormones. 

  5. Iron: It is vital for red blood cell production in the body. It also carries oxygen throughout the body. 

With their endless advantages to physical health like skin benefits and high nutrient content, ice apples are definitely a superfood. One must consume these fruits appropriately for a fit mind and body. 

References

All the articles on HexaHealth are supported by verified medically-recognized sources such as; peer-reviewed academic research papers, research institutions, and medical journals. Our medical reviewers also check references of the articles to prioritize accuracy and relevance. Refer to our detailed editorial policy for more information.


  1. What is Ice Apple? What makes this rare Indian fruit a superfood? The Times of India [Internet]. 2022 Apr 19 [cited 2023 Nov 4]; link
  2. Amazing benefits of ice apple in summer; ways to consume it [Internet]. Hindustan Times. 2023 [cited 2023 Nov 4]. link
  3. Anju D, Rajan S, Sunny M. FORMULATION AND NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF ICE CREAM FORTIFIED WITH ROSE APPLE (Syzygium jambos). International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 Jan 3];9:2320–882.link
  4. Reddy M, Konda S, Telangana L, Reddy K. Acta Scientific AGRICULTURE (ISSN: 2581-365X) Processing of Nungu (Ice Apple) into Milk Shake [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2024 Jan 3].link

Last Updated on: 3 January 2024

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES

12 Years Experience

Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More

Author

Sparshi Srivastava

Sparshi Srivastava

B.Tech Biotechnology (Bansal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow)

2 Years Experience

An ardent reader, graduated in B.Tech Biotechnology. She was previously associated with medical sciences secondary research and writing. With a keen interest and curiosity-driven approach, she has been able to cont...View More

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