Health benefits of tadgola (ice apple) and neera

Ice apples or  tadgolas are available across coastal regions of India during summer. The fleshy and juicy fruit of the sugar palm tree is probably the only thing you need to eat on a hot sunny summer afternoon. It is translucent and pale white in colour and resembles a lychee in texture. The fruit is called tadgola in Marathi and Hindi, Nungu is Tamil and Taati Munjali in Telugu.

Not just the fruit, the sap from the trunk is also very healthy and refreshing. The sap/ juice that is collected early in the morning has a sweet sugary taste. It is usually sold as a refreshing drink and is also called by different names in different states. Nira in Maharashtra, Thaati Kallu in Telugu and PathaNeer in Tamil. The sap that is collected in the afternoon or evening is fermented and is sour or astringent in taste and is sold as raw liquor.

Here are a few benefits of the fruit and the sap 

Health benefits of tadgola (ice apple)

Regulates body temperature–The fruit acts like a natural coolant and helps in maintaining the body temperature during summer.

Rich in micronutrients–Dr Neha Sanwalka says that Tadgolas have a good balance of micronutrients like sodium and potassium, which helps in maintaining the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. This property of tadgolas is especially helpful during the summer to prevent dehydration andfatigue.

Health benefits of neera

Prevents dehydration–The fresh sap collected in the morning is refreshing and like the fruit, a glass or two a day can help in preventing dehydration.

Good source of energy–The sap is high in calories and can keep your energy levels high for a long time and can prevent fatigue due to heat in summer.

However, Dr Sanwalka warns against drinking the sap or juice if you are on a weight loss diet since it is rich in sugar and has a high number of calories. She says, instead of drinking this sap, one should drink plain lemon water with a pinch of salt without sugar.

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