Health Benefits of Atis
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Oct 29, 2021 • 3 min Read
Atis, also known as sugar apple is sweet, delicious, and nutritious. It is a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In the Philippines, atis is consumed fresh as a dessert and used as herbal medicine. It is said that atis leaves possess healing properties.
You may eat the fruit raw and fresh. Some enjoy juicing it and freezing it as a dessert. Here are some of the amazing benefits of this exotic fruit:
1. High in Antioxidants
Atis is loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body. High levels of free radicals can cause oxidative stress, associated with many chronic illnesses including cancer and heart disease. Atis’ carotenoid antioxidants, such as lutein, may be particularly powerful. Research shows that foods rich in carotenoids may boost eye health and reduce your risk for heart disease and certain cancers.
2. May Benefit Eye Health
Consuming lutein-rich foods such as atis may support eye health and reduce the risk of conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
3. May Prevent High Blood Pressure
Atis is high in nutrients that help regulate blood pressure, such as potassium and magnesium. Notably, 1 cup (160 grams) of the fruit boasts 10% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for potassium and over 6% of the RDI for magnesium.
4. May Promote Good Digestion
One cup (160 grams) of atis offers almost 5 grams of dietary fiber, which is over 17% of the RDI. It may protect against inflammatory conditions that affect your digestive tracts, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. By supporting healthy bowel movements and nourishing gut bacteria, atis and other fiber-rich foods can promote optimal digestive health.
5. May Have Anticancer Properties
Some of the compounds in atis may help fight cancer. Atis has flavonoids that have been shown to stop the growth of cancer cells in studies. One study found that treating bladder cancer cells led to significantly less cell growth and replication, compared with cells that did not receive this flavonoid. Another study observed that some flavonoids, including those in atis, stopped up to 100% of breast cancer cell growth. Additionally, a study suggests that individuals who consume diets rich in flavonoids have a lower risk for developing certain cancers, such as those of the stomach and colon.
6. May Fight Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of many illnesses, including heart disease and cancer. Notably, atis provides several anti-inflammatory compounds.
7. May Support the Immune System
Atis is loaded with vitamin C, a nutrient that supports immunity by fighting infections and disease. Consuming atis and other foods rich in this vitamin is an easy way to ensure adequate immune health.
8. May Boost Your Mood
Atis is an excellent source of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). In fact, 1 cup (160 grams) of the fruit contains 24% of the RDI. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the creation of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate your mood. Inadequate levels of this vitamin may contribute to mood disorders. By boosting levels of this important vitamin, eating foods like atis may help reduce your risk of depression related to vitamin B6 deficiency.
Indeed, atis is considered a superfruit. Start adding this unique fruit to your nutrient-dense, balanced diet.
Stay healthy and safe!
