Crabapple – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, August 29, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Crabapples, also known as wild apples, are small and glossy fruits that belong to the rose plant family. An article posted on the Luonto Porrti website notes that crabapple trees are thorny shrubs native to the temperate regions of North America, Asia, and Europe. They are primarily cultivated in South India, Madras, and Sri Lanka. The fruits are characterized by their rough and plushy skin and white pulp. Crabapples are sought after table fruits due to their slightly tarty and tasty flavor.

List of known nutrients

Crabapples are valued for their rich nutrient content. According to separate entries posted on Herbpathy.com and the SELF Nutrition Data website, these essential vitamins and minerals include:

Amino Acids
Calcium
Citric Acid
Copper
Flavonoids
Iron
Karyotin
Magnesium
Mallic acid
Manganese
Niacin
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Pectin
Phosphorus
Potassium
Riboflavin
Sodium
Tannins
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C

Medicinal uses for crabapple

Crabapples are used as a remedy for various digestive disorders. Ripe crabapples are found to contain powerful digestive agents that facilitate digestion, while eating unripe fruits without the seeds can alleviate diarrhea and piles. Giving 30 to 60 grams of ripe crabapple pulp may also help treat stomach issues in children.

Likewise, the tree’s wood crust can be ground into powder and consumed either directly or added to hot water to address excessive bile production. A special paste made from crabapples and some choice ingredients — such as dried ginger, salt, honey, and black pepper — is found to alleviate hiccups, gum diseases, and throat diseases as well.

In addition, the plant is shown to reduce the risk of uterine cancer and address infertility issues stemming from progesterone deficiency. Mixing ground wood crust with pure Ghee of cow and a tablespoon of honey is found to stave off complications after child-birth. The leaves of the crabapple tree can also be dried and ground into powder to be taken by people who suffer from infertility issues. According to the Hubpages website, consuming powdered leaves with an equal amount of sugar is touted to address premature ejaculation in men.

The high vitamin A content in crabapples is known to keep prostate cancer at bay, an article on the Healthy and Natural Life website says. Likewise, the plant’s ample vitamin A supply is beneficial in maintaining eye health and preventing premature aging.

Crabapples are shown to fortify the immune system too. The fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C that effectively staves off infections such as flu, fever, colds and other medical conditions. The fruits are also found to keep cardiovascular diseases at bay.

Moreover, crabapples are notably rich in iron that helps boost pregnancy health in women as well as endurance among athletes. The fruits are contains abundant levels of vitamin D and calcium that strengthen the bones and reduce the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Body systems supported by crabapple

Crabapples, whether eaten ripe or unripe, aid in digestion and alleviate related conditions. Likewise the plant is found to strengthen the body’s overall immunity and bolster bone strength and integrity. The medicinal plant is also essential in maintaining eye and heart health. Crabapples support both male and female reproductive health as well.

Ways to use crabapple

Crabapples can be eaten as a common table fruit and maybe used in preparing juices and jellies. An entry posted on the BBC Good Food website features a step-by-step guide in making crabapple jelly.