Borassus flabellifer, commonly known as doub palm, palmyra palm, tala or tal palm, toddy palm, lontar palm, wine palm, ထန်းပင် (htan-pin) or ice apple,[rx][rx] is a fan palm native to South Asia (especially in Bangladesh, East India, and South India) and Southeast Asia.[rx] It is reportedly naturalized in Socotra and parts of China.[rx][rx]
Borassus flabellifer is a robust tree and can reach a height of 30 metres (98 ft). The trunk is grey, robust and ringed with leaf scars; old leaves remain attached to the trunk for several years before falling cleanly. The leaves are fan-shaped and 3 m (9.8 ft) long, with robust black teeth on the petiole margins. Like all Borassus species, B. flabellifer is dioecious with male and female flowers on separate plants. The male flowers are less than 1 centimetre (0.39 in) long and form semi-circular clusters, which are hidden beneath scale-like bracts within the catkin-like inflorescences. In contrast, the female flowers are golfball-sized and solitary, sitting upon the surface of the inflorescence axis. After pollination, these blooms develop into fleshy fruits 15–25 centimetres (5.9–9.8 in) wide, each containing 1-3 seeds. The fruits are black to brown with sweet, fibrous pulp and each seed is enclosed within a woody endocarp. Young palmyra seedlings grow slowly, producing only a few leaves each year (establishment phase), but at an as yet undetermined time, they grow rapidly, producing a substantial stem.[rx]
Ice apple is a less known tropical fruit of the palmyra palm tree. It is widely available in the hot sizzling summer seasons. It is scientifically known as Borassus flabellifer and belongs to the family Arecaceae. Ice apple fruit is a deep brown to black in appearance and spherical upon ripening. It is a coconut-like fruit with a juicy mass of white fibre coated with orange or yellow pulp. The pulp of mature ice apple is eaten directly from the wiry fibre of peeled fruits.
The fleshy ice apples are packed with translucent, juicy liquid and may have exceptional cooling properties. It provides a perfect mixture of vitamins and minerals required for the body during summers. The palmyra tree grows in tropical countries such as India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia.1,2
So, let’s gather more information about this less-known fruit. In this blog, you will find the uses and health benefits of ice apples.
Did You Know?
- The United States imports approximately 90% of its Ice Apple supply. source: USDA
- Ice Apple is commonly used in the United States for making desserts and beverages. source: Food Network
- The consumption of Ice Apple in the United States has been steadily increasing over the past decade. source: Statista
- Ice Apple is low in calories, with an average serving containing only 80-100 calories. source: Eat This, Not That!
- The United States is one of the largest consumers of Ice Apple globally. source: World Atlas
Nutritional Value of Ice Apple:
Ice apples are considered a hydrant due to the high water content. The ice apples are rich in vitamins such as A, B, and C and minerals such as zinc, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, etc.3 The nutritional value of ice apple is as follows:
| Nutrient Components | Value/100 g |
| Energy | 87 kcal |
| Fats | 1.0 g |
| Proteins | 2.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18.5 g |
| Fibre | 15 g |
| Sugars | 14 -16 g |
Did you know that India has the highest number of Palmyra trees in the world? That is approximately 85.9 million trees. Out of these, around 60% of the Palmyra trees are located in Tamil Nadu alone
Properties of Ice Apple:
The ice apple fruit contains different phytonutrients. These might contribute to various biological properties that may benefit human health.1 Ice apples may have the following properties:
- Antioxidant
- infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Wound-healing
- Sedative (might calm and induce sleep)
- Stomachic (may increase hunger)
- Laxative (may relieve constipation)
- Diuretic (may excrete water from the body)
- Anthelmintic (might act against parasitic infection)
- Immune response suppressing1,2
Potential Uses of Ice Apple for Overall Health:
Various parts of the palmyra tree, including the ice apple fruit, might have beneficial properties, which may be contributed by its phytochemicals.2 Some of the potential uses of ice apple are described as follows:
Potential uses of ice apple for skin:
The health benefits of ice apple for the skin might be due to its infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory properties. Ice apple may be helpful in skin inflammation problems such as boils, prickly heat, and rashes. Ice apples may have cooling properties. You may use ice apple in the face pack; applying a thin layer of jelly on the affected area might be beneficial in soothing sensitive skin. It may ease the itchiness associated with prickly heat.2
These studies are insufficient, and further studies are necessary to support the potential use of ice apples to manage skin-related problems in humans.
Potential uses of ice apple for insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes:
Ice apples are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and they might be good for people having insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes.2
An animal study conducted by Uluwaduge et al. in 2006 demonstrated that a steroid-like component of ice apple might have a beneficial effect in lowering blood glucose levels. In addition, their subsequent study also reported that dried ice apple fruit pulp (pinattu) might be used as an anti-hyperglycemic (glucose-lowering) agent. A previous clinical trial conducted with mild diabetic patients also suggested that eating dried ice apples might be helpful in lowering serum glucose levels.4
These studies, however, are insufficient, and more research is needed to prove the effectiveness of ice apples in managing insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes-related issues in people. Therefore, before using ice apples for diabetes, it is best to speak with a doctor.
Based on my understanding and research, I have come across some studies that suggest Palmyra products have potential anti-arthritic properties. This means that these products may help in reducing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis-related symptoms and provide relief from joint pain and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation
These fruits have a dark brown husk with jelly-like, translucent flesh within. The unhusked fruits resemble lychees and have sweet, juicy flesh and a taste similar to tender coconut.
The Palmyra Palm Fruit grows wild from the Persian Gulf to the Cambodian-Vietnamese border, is commonly cultivated in Asia, Papua New Guinea, Africa and in some warm regions including Hawaii and southern Florida.
Cures liver problem
The greatest health benefit of Ice apple is that it slowly gets rid of liver problems as it cleanses the toxins with the high content of potassium in the fruit.
Heals stomach ailments and digestive problems
If you face stomach ailments like constipation, bloating, and nausea regularly then you should try ice apple because it is an effective natural remedy to cure such issues related to digestion.
Reduce weight
Palm fruits or ice apples are very low in calories, making them an ideal food for weight loss. It is also rich in dietary fibre, which ensures satiety and prevents you from overeating.
Prevent insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes
Ice apples are low in carbohydrates, making them suitable for consumption by insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes patients. Patients with Diabetes can consume Ice Apples without guilt. A range of nutrients available in palm fruit keeps the immune system strong and healthy.
Good for skin
It is no wonder that Ice Apples can also benefit the skin. Common summer skin issues like rashes and prickly heat can be warded off with Ice Apple consumption.
The flesh of an Ice Apple can be applied to the affected areas to relieve itchiness, which soothes and cools the skin.
Vitamin C in the ice apples is beneficial for skin health. The nutrient helps the skin produce collagen, a protein that helps maintain the form and structure of the skin. Vitamin C also preserves skin health by preventing free radical damage.
it also acts as an anti-ageing agent with all of the powerful nutrients. It thus aids in the reduction of common summer skin problems and heat-related rashes.
Strengthens hair
Hair loss is common in the summer months because of the dryness it causes to the hair due to the heat. Dealing with hair loss is difficult with the rising temperature. Ice Apples are our saviour to combat this.
The palm fruit keeps the hair from becoming dry and dull. It acts as a natural conditioner and strengthens the hair. Heat-related issues such as split end, early hair greying, sun damage and premature baldness can be easily treated with Ice Apple.
Helps cool the body down
In the summers, when there is significant water and electrolyte loss, ice apples come in handy. These fruits are high in water content so they prevent dehydration. They also replace minerals that are lost through sweat and maintain the electrolyte balance of the body. The sweet fruit also provides energy and prevents heat strokes.
Boosts the immune system
The fruit is high in vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient that strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C supports the cellular functions of the immune system, boosting its ability to fight disease-causing pathogens.
Other potential uses of ice apple:
- The potential benefits of ice apple might demonstrate a solution for digestive problems and other ailments.
- Ice apple may be used as an aperient to relieve constipation and might benefit the digestion process.
- Ice apple may be suitable for dealing with nausea and vomiting.
- The anthelmintic properties of ice apple might be helpful in dealing with a worm infestation.
- It may be used as an expectorant (cough syrup), which might help expel the mucus during cough.
- During the hot summer seasons, eating ice apples might be helpful to keep the body hydrated. It might also help in replenishing the nutrients of the body.
- The benefits of ice apples might help with painful urination and tiredness in the body.
- Ice apple may be also beneficial for dealing with malnutrition in children and adults.2
Though studies show the benefits of ice apples in various health conditions; this information is insufficient. Therefore, further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of ice apples on human health are necessary.
In my experience, incorporating different parts of the plant, like leaves, bark, and roots, into your diet can provide disease prevention and overall health benefits. These plant components contain valuable substances such as polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and proteins that have positive effects on our well-being. Including them in your meals can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and potentially help prevent certain diseases.
How to Use Ice Apple?
Ice apple is a delicious fruit with a juicy fluid and sweet taste.4 The uses of ice apple are given as follows:
- The tender pulp of ice apple contains sweet juice, which you can drink like coconut water.
- Ice apples can be pickled in vinegar. They are also canned.
- Ice apples are used to make refreshing delicacies like squash juice, sarbat, toffee, burfi, candy, peda and kheer, etc.
- It can be sundried (punatoo), roasted or boiled.
- The outer layer of ice apple is often eaten by roasting or boiling it.
- It is also used to make jams and cordials (candy).3,4
You should consult a physician before taking herbal supplements. Do not change or discontinue your ongoing medicine with any herbal or Ayurvedic preparations without consulting a physician.
Side Effects of Ice Apple:
There are no significant reports suggesting side effects of eating ice apples. Therefore, more studies are required about the side effects of ice apples on human health.
However, if any side effects are seen upon eating ice apple, immediately contact your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed you to have it. They will give you the correct advice.
Precautions to Take With Ice Apple:
Ice apple may be safe when eaten in a small amount. However, general precautions must be followed.
- There is insufficient information available to suggest the safe use of ice apples for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Hence, it is crucial to take advice from a doctor before taking ice apple as a herb.
- You need to be extra cautious while giving it to older adults and children because their immunity is not very strong, and they might develop some reactions in the body.
- It is advised that one should never use any herb to self-medicate, especially without the advice of a physician.
Interactions With Other Drugs:
There is not enough scientific information about the interaction between ice apple and other drugs. However, one should not assume that there are no interactions at all.
Thus, it is better to take the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor who will prescribe the best way to have the ice apple.
