Health Benefits of Velvet Apple
Velvet apple, also known as Diospyros blancoi, Mabolo, or “kamagong” in the Philippines, is a rare tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Its velvety, reddish skin and pungent cheese-like aroma set it apart from more conventional fruits.
But beneath the unique exterior lies a nutritional goldmine brimming with health benefits.
Though not as widely consumed as apples or berries, velvet apples pack an impressive punch in terms of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals that support immunity, cardiovascular health, digestion, skin care, and even cancer prevention.
Benefits of Velvet Apple including:
1. Benefits of Velvet Apple: Rich in Antioxidants: Cellular Protection and Anti-Aging
The vivid red to purplish hue of the velvet apple is a clue to its antioxidant content. The fruit is loaded with polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids that help neutralize free radicals in the body. These compounds reduce oxidative stress, a major contributor to aging, cellular damage, and chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and neurodegeneration.
Anthocyanins protect the brain and vascular system.
Catechins are known to reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
Vitamin C further enhances the fruit’s antioxidant potential, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis.
2. Benefits of Velvet Apple: Supports Cardiovascular Health
Velvet apple contributes to a healthy heart through its fiber, potassium, and flavonoid content. The soluble fiber helps lower LDL cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the intestines and promoting its excretion.
Potassium regulates blood pressure by countering the effects of sodium.
Flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol help improve endothelial function and reduce arterial inflammation.
Regular consumption may help reduce the risk of hypertension, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
3. Benefits of Velvet Apple: Enhances Digestive Health
One of the standout benefits of velvet apple is its high dietary fiber content, especially pectin, a soluble fiber that promotes gut health:
Prevents constipation by increasing stool bulk.
Serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
Reduces risk of colorectal cancer by improving bowel motility and reducing carcinogen contact time.
In traditional Filipino and Malaysian medicine, velvet apple pulp and bark are also used to treat diarrhea and stomach ulcers due to their astringent and antimicrobial properties.
4. Benefits of Velvet Apple: Boosts Immunity
Velvet apple is rich in vitamins and phytochemicals that strengthen the immune system:
Vitamin C enhances white blood cell function and promotes the production of interferons that combat viruses.
Tannins and phenolic acids have antimicrobial effects against common pathogens, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
In folk medicine, velvet apple leaves and fruit are used to fight respiratory infections and skin irritations, hinting at broader antimicrobial actions.
5. Benefits of Velvet Apple: Skin Health and Anti-Aging Properties
The vitamin A and C content in velvet apple, along with antioxidant phenolics, makes it beneficial for skin:
Vitamin C supports collagen production, reducing wrinkles and sagging.
Vitamin A aids in skin cell regeneration and reduces acne.
Antioxidants neutralize UV-induced free radicals, slowing down photoaging and pigmentation.
Some local communities even apply mashed velvet apple pulp as a topical remedy for rashes and burns due to its soothing properties.
6. Benefits of Velvet Apple: Natural Cancer-Fighting Properties
Emerging studies suggest that velvet apple’s polyphenols and tannins may inhibit tumor growth. These bioactive compounds can:
Induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
Suppress angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) essential for tumor growth.
Inhibit DNA mutations through antioxidant activity.
Although clinical trials are limited, lab studies on Diospyros species show strong anti-proliferative activity against breast, colon, and prostate cancer cell lines.
7. Benefits of Velvet Apple: Regulates Blood Sugar and Supports Metabolic Health
Velvet apple has a low glycemic index and is fiber-rich, making it suitable for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes:
Slows glucose absorption in the gut, preventing spikes in blood sugar.
Polyphenols enhance insulin sensitivity and improve beta-cell function in the pancreas.
Improves satiety, aiding in weight management and reducing food cravings.
It’s a great addition to diabetic-friendly diets when consumed in moderation.
8. Benefits of Velvet Apple: Improves Respiratory Function
The traditional use of velvet apple bark and fruit in treating cough, asthma, and bronchitis is supported by its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties:
Helps reduce mucus accumulation in the airways.
Polyphenols soothe inflamed bronchial passages.
Rich in vitamin C, it supports lung immune defense and protects against oxidative damage from pollution or smoking.
9. Benefits of Velvet Apple: Strengthens Bones and Teeth
Although not calcium-rich, velvet apple contains boron, magnesium, and vitamin C—cofactors necessary for collagen matrix formation in bones and connective tissues.
The fruit’s antioxidant properties also help mitigate oxidative bone loss associated with aging.
10. Benefits of Velvet Apple: Eco-Friendly and Medicinal Applications
Beyond its edible fruit, the kamagong tree is revered for its hard, dark wood used in furniture. Medicinal uses of its bark and leaves include:
Decoctions for urinary tract infections.
Poultices for wounds, ulcers, and fungal infections.
Teas for menstrual pain and fever.
This dual utility—nutrition and healing—makes velvet apple an exceptional plant in holistic wellness systems.
Precautions and Considerations
The aroma of velvet apple, while therapeutic for some, may be off-putting due to its cheese-like scent.
The skin contains tannins that may cause mild astringency—peeling or cooking can reduce this.
As with any traditional remedy, consult a healthcare provider before using it medicinally, especially for pregnant women or those with kidney disorders (due to potassium content).
Nutritional Profile of Velvet Apple
Velvet apples are low in calories and high in fiber and essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown per 100 grams of edible portion:
Benefits of Velvet Apple
Conclusion
Velvet apple is a remarkable, underutilized fruit offering a wide spectrum of health benefits—from antioxidant defense and heart protection to digestive support and anti-cancer properties. Its unique sensory profile may be polarizing, but its nutritional and therapeutic potential is beyond doubt.
As research into exotic fruits gains momentum, velvet apple stands poised to gain recognition as a superfruit with both culinary and medicinal value.