Elephant Apple

The elephant apple, or wood apple, is a tropical acidic fruit native to Southeast Asia. The fruit is eaten in both ripe and unripe stages, and it is common in chutneys and other pickled dishes. The fruit comes into season in the fall months, depending on the region, with maturity in October and November in Malaya and a longer harvesting period, October through March, in India. The elephant apple is an acquired taste: in addition to being very mealy, it has an odor that some consumers find offensive.

Health Benefits of Elephant Apple

• Good for digestion: Bel fruit is good for digestion. It helps to destroy worms in the intestine. Bel juice is a good remedy for digestive disorders. It is also recommended as a remedy for chronic dysentery. The trunk and branches of bell trees have a gum called ‘Feronia gum’. They are used for curing diarrhea and dysentery. Bel fruit is recommended for people with peptic ulcer or piles. Bel leaves contain tannin, which reduces inflammation. The laxative property of wood apple helps to avoid constipation.
• Blood cleanser: 50 mg. of the juice of bel fruit mixed with warm water and sugar is recommended for blood purification.
• Prevents scurvy: Deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) causes scurvy. Since Bel fruit is rich in vitamin C, it is antiscorbic.
• Good for diabetic patients: The ‘Feronia gum’, contained in the trunk and branches of the tree, counteracts diabetes by reducing the severity of the condition.
• Relief in respiratory problems: Leaves of Bel fruit tree help avoid repeated colds and related respiratory conditions. They also help in curing sore throat. Wood apple is also effective in treating chronic cough.
• Cure snakebites: In Ayurveda treatment, all parts of the wood apple plant are used to cure snakebites.
• Energy Booster: Hundred grams of Bel fruit pulp provides 140 calories and is therefore, a good energy booster.
• Good for kidney patients: Regular consumption of wood apple is recommended for people with kidney complaints.
• Effective for ear-aches: The root of the bel tree is used to check different kinds of ear problem.