What are the benefits of Vietnamese apples?

1. Characteristics and taste of Vietnamese apples

According to Dr. Nguyen Quang Duong, Department of Surgery, Tue Tinh Hospital, Vietnamese apples (also known as green apples or sour apples) have the following characteristics according to Traditional Chinese Medicine: Sweet taste, slightly sour, cool nature (when ripe) or slightly astringent (when unripe); they are associated with the Spleen, Stomach, and Liver meridians.

Thanks to these properties, jujubes have the effect of strengthening the spleen, generating body fluids, clearing heat, quenching thirst, and nourishing the blood. They are often used in tonic and health-regulating remedies.

2. Medicinal uses of Vietnamese apples

According to MSc. Dr. Nguyen Quang Duong, Vietnamese apples have the following effects:

2.1. Strengthens the spleen and aids digestion.

In folk medicine, the Vietnamese apple is used to improve symptoms of poor appetite, bloating, and fatigue, especially in people with weak spleen and stomach. Ripe apples stimulate digestion, increase gastric juice secretion, and support better nutrient absorption. For children or adults with mild digestive disorders, eating moderately ripe Vietnamese apples can help reduce bloating and improve appetite.

2.2. Clears heat, quenches thirst, and generates body fluids.

Vietnamese apples are cooling, rich in water and fiber, helping to clear heat and quench thirst, making them ideal for hot days or when the body is overheated, with dry mouth and thirst. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Vietnamese apples help generate body fluids, improving thirst and dry throat caused by depletion of yin fluids.

2.3. Nourishing the blood and supporting sleep.

Vietnamese apples, especially ripe or dried apples, are often used in traditional medicine to nourish the blood and calm the nerves. Folk remedies often involve boiling apple seeds (3 to 7 seeds) and drinking the decoction in the evening to promote restful sleep and reduce fatigue and mild anxiety.

Women recovering from illness, those with weakened bodies, or those experiencing mild anxiety or insomnia can use jujube as a natural remedy.

2.4. Supports blood pressure and cardiovascular health regulation.

According to folk wisdom and some modern studies, Vietnamese apples contain many antioxidants, potassium, and fiber, which are beneficial for the cardiovascular system, help regulate blood pressure, and reduce fatigue in the elderly.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, jujubes help to replenish qi and blood, and support cardiovascular function by nourishing the spleen, stomach, and blood vessels.

2.5. Supports detoxification and cools the body.

Vietnamese apples are also used for mild detoxification, supporting liver function, cooling the body, and reducing mild symptoms of internal heat such as boils and rashes; they are usually consumed as juice or eaten directly.

3. Some ways to use Vietnamese apples as medicine

• Eat fresh: 2–3 ripe local apples daily for nourishment and thirst relief.
• To make a drink: Boil fresh or dried apples in water, you can add a little rock sugar.
• Medicinal dishes: Jujube porridge, jujube soup cooked with lotus seeds and mung beans help to clear heat and nourish the spleen.

Notes on consuming Vietnamese apples: Avoid eating too many at once, as this can easily cause bloating and indigestion due to excess acid. People with diarrhea or weak spleen and stomach should limit their consumption of green Vietnamese apples. People with diabetes need to control their intake because Vietnamese apples are sweet.

In summary, the Vietnamese apple – a common and readily available fruit – is not only a familiar food but also a valuable medicinal ingredient in traditional medicine. When used correctly, Vietnamese apples can contribute to nourishing the body, aiding digestion, enriching the blood, calming the nerves, and preventing many common ailments, aligning with the trend of safe and natural health care.

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