Apples Health benefits , side affects

Apple is a delicious and nutritious fruit that comes in many varieties and colors. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds that can support your health and well-being. In this article, we will explore some of the benefits and side effects of eating apples, as well as the best time to enjoy them in Bengaluru.

Benefits of Apples

Apples have many health benefits that make them a great addition to your diet. Some of the benefits are:

• Apples may support weight loss. Apples are high in fiber and water, which can help you feel full and reduce your appetite. They also contain polyphenols, which may have anti-obesity effects by regulating blood sugar and insulin levels.
• Apples may lower your risk of heart disease. Apples are low in sodium and high in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and prevent fluid retention. They also contain soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel function.
• Apples may protect against cancer. Apples contain antioxidants, such as quercetin, catechin, and phloridzin, which can scavenge free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to cells. These antioxidants may also modulate inflammation and inhibit tumor growth.
• Apples may improve your brain health. Apples contain flavonoids, such as epicatechin and procyanidin B2, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and enhance cognitive function. They may also protect against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Apples may boost your immune system. Apples are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for the production of white blood cells that fight infections. They also contain zinc, copper, manganese, and other minerals that support immune function.

 

Side Effects of Eating Apples

Apples are generally safe to eat for most people, but they may cause some side effects or interactions with certain medications or conditions. Some of the possible side effects are:

• Allergic reactions. Some people may be allergic to apples or their components, such as latex or cyanogenic glycosides. Symptoms of an apple allergy may include hives, itching, swelling, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or anaphylaxis. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating apples or apple products (such as juice or cider), seek medical attention immediately.
• Digestive issues. Eating too many apples or eating them on an empty stomach may cause digestive problems for some people. Symptoms of apple-induced digestive issues may include bloating gas abdominal pain cramps diarrhea constipation or acid reflux. To avoid these problems try eating apples with other foods or drinking plenty of water.
• Drug interactions. Eating apples may interact with certain medications that affect blood clotting (such as warfarin) or blood sugar levels (such as insulin). This is because apples contain polyphenols that can inhibit platelet aggregation (the process by which blood clots) or increase glucose absorption (the process by which sugar enters the bloodstream). If you take any medications that affect these processes consult your doctor before eating apples.

Best Time to Eat Apples in Bengaluru

Apples are available throughout the year in Bengaluru but they peak season from October to March when they are harvested from different regions such as Kashmir Himachal Uttarakhand etc. The best time to eat apples depends on your personal preference but generally speaking:

Eating fresh apples is best when they are ripe but not overripe because they have the best flavor texture color aroma etc. You can tell if an apple is ripe by looking at its color firmness texture smell etc. A ripe apple should be slightly soft but not mushy; it should yield slightly when pressed but not collapse; it should have a sweet fruity aroma but not a sour one; it should have a slight browning on the skin but not a dark one.

Taati Ningu or Ice apple , Know its Health benefits and side effects

Ice apple or taati ningu is a seasonal fruit that grows on the palmyra palm tree, which is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The fruit is also known by various names such as nungu, tadgola, taal, and doub palm. The fruit has a black husk and a translucent, jelly-like flesh that resembles litchi in texture and coconut in taste. The fruit is a popular summer delicacy in India, especially in the southern states, where it is sold by street vendors and consumed as a natural coolant.

Nutrition

Ice apple or taati ningu is a low-calorie fruit that is rich in water, calcium, phytonutrients, and several vitamins. According to The Global Statistics, one ice apple or taati ningu contains about 87% water, 0.7 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, 9.9 grams of carbohydrates, 1.2 grams of fiber, 14 milligrams of calcium, 0.8 milligrams of iron, 0.1 milligrams of vitamin C, and 0.01 milligrams of vitamin B1. The fruit also contains traces of other minerals and vitamins such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.

 

Health Benefits and Side effects

Ice apple or taati ningu has many health benefits, such as:

• It helps to prevent dehydration and heat stroke by replenishing the body fluids and electrolytes lost due to sweating
• It boosts the immune system and fights infections by providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
• It improves digestion and relieves constipation by adding bulk and moisture to the stools
• It regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels by lowering the sodium and increasing the potassium intake
• It enhances skin health and beauty by hydrating, nourishing, and protecting the skin from sun damage and aging
• It supports bone health and prevents osteoporosis by supplying calcium and other minerals
• It aids in weight loss and diabetes management by providing a low-calorie, high-fiber, and low-glycemic snack that keeps the hunger pangs and blood sugar spikes at bay

However, ice apple or taati ningu also has some side effects, such as:

• It may cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to the fruit or the palm tree sap. The symptoms may include itching, swelling, rashes, hives, or difficulty in breathing
• It may interact with certain medications or supplements that affect blood pressure, blood sugar, or blood clotting. Therefore, people who are taking such drugs or supplements should consult their doctor before consuming the fruit
• It may contain harmful bacteria or parasites if the fruit is not washed or stored properly. Therefore, people should avoid buying or eating the fruit from unhygienic sources or places

Season

Ice apple or taati ningu is a seasonal fruit that is available only during the summer months, from March to June, in Bengaluru. The fruit is harvested from the palmyra palm trees that grow abundantly in the rural and suburban areas of the city. The fruit is usually sold by the roadside vendors or in the local markets, where it is cut open and served fresh to the customers. The fruit is best consumed within a few hours of cutting, as it tends to lose its freshness and flavor quickly.

Average price

The average price of ice apple or taati ningu in Bengaluru varies depending on the quality, quantity, and location of the fruit. Average price can range from Rs. 8 to Rs. 10 per piece, or Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per dozen. The price may also fluctuate depending on the demand and supply of the fruit in the market. The fruit is usually cheaper in the rural and suburban areas, where it is grown and sold locally, than in the urban and central areas, where it is transported and sold by middlemen. The fruit is also cheaper in the early and late summer months, when it is more abundant, than in the peak summer months, when it is more scarce.

Natural Food and tips to increase Memory power

The guru of all organs of the human body , our brain is continuously exercised every second to handle our emotions & thinking. 

Even when we sleep , we still make use of it for our dreams ! Just Imagine a situation you are stuck in some accident and you need to memorize back an important contact number and if you are not able to get it , what pathetic state you may encounter ! 

Keeping this vital organ in proper health and smooth function is very critical. Educating our children with proper foods intake to help its growth is very important at early stages.

In this post we share our collection of natural foods and tips which aid to maintain , increase human brain health & its memory power.  

• Drinking Gourds (ಸೋರೆಕಾಯಿ) juice everyday
• Using Brahmi / Gotu Kula (ಒಂದೆಲಗ) leaves is very effective 
• Methi leaves , Raddish smashes mixture with Salt , Pepper , Jeera  sausage may be either taken raw or boiled
• Having a glass of Grey Pumpkin (ಬೂದು ಕುಂಬಳಕಾಯಿ)  juice 
• A glass of pure cow milk with a spoon of Honey daily 
• Having Jeera decoction daily
• Having dry ginger , Jeera , Sugar stone mixture not only increases tongue taste but also aids memory power
• Oil bath once a week
• Regular use of Amla fruit gradually increases memory strength
• Don't use a big pillow while sleeping. Use a medium sized pillow
• A glass of manjo juice with a spoon of honey 
• Cardamom powder milk shake with a spoon of honey served hot
• Regular use of white onions
• Vegetables of Blue , Red , Green colors are good for brain functioning - Brinjal , BeetRoot , Onions , Spinach helps in increasing brain functionality
• Those having fish , the omega 3 content available in sea fish aids to brain strength
• Children must not be just restricted to studies and should be left open to other cultural activities like Music , Theater , Instruments etc. 
• Occasional picnics , learning new things during picnic.
• Outdoor Play / Dance / Aerobics till you sweat.
• Regular use of cereal / grains Sprouts , Grapes , Pumpkin seeds , Akrut similar dry fruits
• A glass of milk everyday
• Having chocolates once or twice in a week

Do follow this and share your experience with us . There may be many more such remedies - if you have one do share your comments and help other folks.