What Is Wood Apple?
The wood apple is an herb with the botanical name Limonia acidissima. It has other names like elephant apple, and monkey fruit. In some parts of the world, this fruit is called elephant apple because it is a favorite food of elephants, while in other areas, it gets the name wood apple because of its hard wooden shell. It is considered sacred by Hindus and is widely cultivated and eaten in India.
The wood apple tree is native to India but is also found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other regions in the southern part of Asia. The tree can grow up to 30 feet in height and the edible fruits are 5-9cm in diameter. Their shells are tough, and the inside consists of a brownish pulp and small white seeds. The pulp can be eaten raw, but it is popularly scooped out and frozen or made into jam. It can also be mixed with coconut milk for a delicious, healthy beverage or frozen into an ice cream.
Nutritional Value Of Wood Apples
The vast array of health benefits attributed to wood apples are mainly due to their nutrients, vitamins, and organic compounds, including tannins, calcium, phosphorous, fiber, protein, and iron.
Health Benefits Of Wood Apples
This fruit has great medicinal value for those who consume it. Let’s take a closer look at the extensive health benefits of this interesting fruit.
Aid in Digestion
Wood apple is great for digestion because it helps destroy worms in the intestine and is a good remedy for digestive disorders. It is also recommended as a remedy for chronic dysentery. The trunk and branches of wood apple trees contain a gum-like substance called ‘Feronia gum’. It is commonly used [2] in curing diarrhea and dysentery. Wood apple fruit is also recommended for people with peptic ulcer or piles since wood apple tree leaves contain tannin, which is known to reduce inflammation. The laxative property of wood apple also helps to avoid constipation and the subsequent, pain, discomfort and associated health risks of that condition. These, combined [3] with the antifungal and antiparasitic activities, make this fruit ideal for enhancing the digestive health.
Purify the Blood
As little as 50 mg of wood apple fruit juice mixed with warm water and sugar is recommended [4] for blood purification and removal of toxins that cause extensive damage to the body. This reduces the strain on the liver and kidneys, which are the normal lines of defense against toxins.
Effective for Ear Aches
The root of the wood apple tree is integral to the management and treatment of ear conditions [5] and pain.
Prevent Scurvy
Deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) causes [6] scurvy, a potentially life-threatening condition. Since this fruit is rich in vitamin C, it can prevent the development of scurvy. This high level of vitamin C also increases the strength and potency of the immune system, thereby protecting people who consume wood apples from a variety of microbial and viral infections.
Control Diabetes
The ‘Feronia gum’, in the trunk and branches of the wood apple tree, counteracts diabetes by reducing the severity of the condition. It also helps in managing the flow, secretion, and balance of sugars in the bloodstream. By managing [7] the insulin and glucose levels, it prevents the spikes and plunges that can be dangerous to diabetics.