Talking about rose apples, the first thing that comes to mind is whether the fruit is related to roses or apples. Rose apples are not related to either of them but are closely related to guava. This bell-shaped, red-colored fruit offers a host of health benefits. It is used both as a food item and in medicines. It is also popularly known as the water apple.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Rose Apple or Water Apple
Rose apples have been used in traditional medicine by people across the world. The fruit and its bark are also used for medicinal purposes in the sub-Saharan African regions. Ayurveda, too finds the use of rose apples and is used for a lot of preparations. Let us discuss the various health benefits of water apples.
1. Boost the Immune System
The high vitamin C content in rose apples can help your immune system perform effectively and efficiently against foreign pathogens. As per Research, the fruit has active and volatile components with antimicrobial and anti-fungal effects. The skin can especially benefit from these compounds, making it healthy and glowing. [1]
2. Fights free radicals repair the damage
Water apple leaves have antioxidants, preventing free radicals from oxidizing the cells and thus causing damage to the body. Free radicals can cause many serious diseases, and it is necessary to have food rich in antioxidants to restrict molecular oxidation. Both the leaves and the bark of the rose apple tree have some antioxidant properties, but further research is required. [2]
3. Good for LDL cholesterol
The ‘bad cholesterol’ or low-density lipoprotein can lead to a buildup of fatty, waxy deposits in your arteries and puts your heart at risk. Cardiovascular complications associated with high LDL cholesterol levels include strokes and coronary heart diseases. However, the nutrients and fiber in rose apples can affect the bad cholesterol positively, boosting heart health and overall well-being. [3]
4. Helps in constipation
Given our fast-paced lifestyle and poor food choices and habits, constipation is a significant problem battled by many of us. A survey by the Times of India concluded that over 14% of people in urban India suffer from chronic constipation. Including the fantastic water apple as a part of your daily diet regime can provide the necessary fiber required to have smooth bowel movements. The digestive health subsequently gets a boost as well.
5. Beneficial for skin
Skin is the biggest organ of our body. Rose apples have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat skin conditions such as acne vulgaris. The leaves can also treat skin infections of the rose apple plant. Rose apples are also believed to have preventive actions on skin infections. Anti-oxidants in rose apples help maintain optimal skin health by reducing the damage caused by stress, pollution, and poor diet. Eating water apples regularly can give you soft and supple skin and eliminate wrinkles.
In a study of water jambu leaves it was found to have rich cosmeceutical properties. The leaf extract was found to be rich in phenolic compounds that are protective against free radicals. Further research could make it one of the important ingredients in skin care cosmetic products. [4]
6. Prevents muscle cramps
The condition of hypokalemia is caused due to low levels of potassium in the body – which forms an important electrolyte for nerve and cell functioning. The kidneys control the levels of potassium in the body, but some potassium-wasting agents can cause more potassium to get lost through urine. Rose apples are abundant in potassium and regular intake can strengthen the muscles, thus preventing muscular cramps.
7. Rose apples reduce toxins
Given the diuretic properties of rose apples, they are traditionally used in many decoctions to effectively clear liver and kidney toxins. Toxic chemicals in the body can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Water apples can remove toxic substances from the body, thus boosting a person’s overall health and well-being.
8. Water apples for diabetes
Diabetic patients can benefit from the leaf extract of the rose apple plant. As per a study done at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, the extract and its bioactive compounds showed insulin-like effects. In the study, it showed to enhance adipogenesis, increase adiponectin production and revitalize glucose uptake in the 3T3-L1 cell line. Further research is required for its medical applications and usage in the proper drug. [5]
9. Reduced risk of strokes
Dangerous heart ailments such as inflammation, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure can be effectively dealt with with a regular intake of rose apples. Thanks to the abundance of vitamin C in water apples, they can lower the dangers associated with oxidative health damage and cardiac issues, specifically the risk of strokes.
10. The presence of niacin boosts HDL
Rose apples have niacin that can boost the high-density lipoproteins in the body, which is essentially the HDL or the good cholesterol. Niacin also has the added advantage of lowering triglycerides, fats in the blood that can increase the risk of heart strokes. Rose apples have a generous amount of niacin, and regular consumption can improve good cholesterol levels.
11. Use as traditional medicine
Rose apples also find use in traditional medicines across Southeast Asian countries, but due to limited research on the subject, their efficacy and safety are often questioned. It has been found to –
- Treat thrush with a decoction of rose apple bark in Malaysia
- Enhance liver and brain functions in India
- Reduce pain when the seeds are consumed, according to folklore medicine in Colombia
- Treat epilepsy in Cuban traditional medicine
- Leaves of rose apples contain tannins, and natives of some countries use it to treat dysentery and diarrhea, among other diseases.
Nutritional Value of Rose Apples
Renowned for its rich amount of iron, calcium, proteins, and vitamin A, a 100 gm has the following nutritional composition:
- Calories – 25
- Water – 93 gm
- Protein – 0.6 gm
- Carbohydrates – 5.7 gm
- Dietary fiber – 1.5 gm
- Calcium – 29 mg
- Potassium – 123 mg
- Sulphur 13 mg
- Magnesium – 5 mg
- Phosphorus – 8 mg
- Iron – 0.07 mg
- Vitamin A – 339.00 IU
- Vitamin C – 22.3 mg
As is evident, this red, smooth, and thin-skinned fruit contains various minerals and vitamins.
FAQs for Rose Apple
What is a Rose Apple?
Native to tropical lands, like the ones in Southeast Asia, water apples spread over most of the world as an ornamental plant. It is quite an invasive species and is technically referred to as Syzygium Jambos. It quickly spreads across lands and takes over the local flora cultivations. Known by many names, rose apples or water apples, or bell fruits find themselves most commonly known as Jambu, which rhymes with the Indian name of plum, Jamun.
The French call the water apple Jambosier D’eau or Pomme D’eau; the Japanese call it Mizu Renbu, and in Spanish, it is Manzana De Agua. The Southeast Asian names of rose apples are Machomphu-Pa in Thai and Jambu Chili or Jambu Ayer in Malaysia.
Though rose apples do resemble guava, they are structurally and biologically different. The texture, flavor, and odor of rose apples differ from that of guavas. Moreover, water apples have one or two seeds, while guavas have numerous tiny seeds.
Much like guavas and apples, rose apples can be eaten raw. The bell-shaped, brightly colored fruit can also be made into many dishes and desserts.
How can I include Rose Apples in my diet?
Rose apples can be eaten raw as normal apples. Decoctions with the fruit are also made, and they are also made into jams and jellies. Rose apples can are used in culinary preparations across the world. It is served as a sweet treat in some cultures in India after the birth of a baby in a family.
What are the Side effects of Rose Apples?
The seeds, leaves, and roots of rose apples are known to possess mysterious amounts of cyanide or prussic acid, or hydrocyanic acid that could be fatal for humans. Excessive consumption beyond the skin and flesh of the fruit is not advisable. Always consult a medical practitioner if you have any doubts.
References
- Jules-Roger Kuiate, Simplice Mouokeu, Hypolyte K. Wabo, Pierre Tane – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2039
- Islam MR, Parvin MS, Islam ME – https://www.ddtjournal.com/article/577
- Brown Lisa, Rosner Bernard, Willett Walter W, Sacks Frank M – https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(22)04224-1/fulltext
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Sunway Campus, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46100 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21284663
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23122070
