Sunday, January 7, 2018

Atis or Star Apple, a Superfruit

It's a fruit you can't eat without pulping each seed.
Dr Abe V Rotor
It's a fruit you can't eat without pulping each seed,
      tongue and palate passing through first,
with lips gleaning each chamber the sweet flesh hid
      then like blowgun each seed dispersed. 

                                            Atis (Anona squamosa), Family Anonaceae 
                                                                      harvested at home in QC


Atis is native to the West Indies and tropical Americas like Mexico, Central America, and Peru. Spanish and Portuguese traders are credited with first bringing it to Asia. In the Philippines, it is called the atis; in Burmese, it is the aajaa thee; in Bengali, it is ata; in Nepalese it is aati; and in India, it is the custard apple. It is also called sweetsop.

The atis fruit is considered a juicy and creamy fruit with a white pulp and up to 40 black seeds. Also, the exterior is knobbly, rough, and grayish-green.

Atis Fruit Nutrition Facts
Sugar apple pulp is rich in carbohydrates, phosphorus, vitamin C, and calcium. It also has a sugar content ratio of 50% glucose and 50% sucrose. Other micronutrients found in atis fruit include:
· Vitamin B1
· Vitamin B2.
· Macronutrients
· Carbs
· Fiber
· Protein 

· Iron 

· Magnesium
· Vitamin B3
· Vitamin B6
· Copper
· Vitamin A
 
Atis fruits in bunch.  Another popular member of Anonaceae is guyabano (Anona muricata).
Other members are anonang, and ilang=ilang which bears fragrant flowers (Internet photos)

10 Benefits of Atis Fruit
1. Can Improve Heart Health
2. May Help Prevent Asthma Attacks
3. May Help Lower High Blood Pressure
4. Can Boost the Immune System
5. Contains Anti-Cancer Properties
6. Promotes Good Brain Health
7. Can Reduce Risk of Arthritis
8. Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels
9. Great for Hair and Skin Health
10. Benefits Pregnant Women


Reference: From Foods for Better Health, Internet 

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