Is the sugar apple (Annona squamosa) considered hot-natured or cold-natured in traditional Chinese medicine?

Mar 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no such statement as whether "sugar apple is hot or cool in nature"; sugar apple is in fact cold in nature. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sugar apple is categorized as a cold-natured fruit. This property is associated with its ability to clear heat from the body and alleviate various symptoms caused by heat-related conditions. Dark yellow urine, high fever, dry mouth, and throat dryness are all manifestations of excessive internal heat.

Generally speaking, there is no such statement as whether "sugar apple is heaty or cooling." In fact, sugar apple is a cold-natured fruit. The specific analysis is as follows:

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, sugar apple is categorized as a cold-natured fruit, a characteristic associated with its ability to clear internal heat and alleviate symptoms caused by heat syndromes. Symptoms such as yellow urine, high fever, dry mouth, and throat dryness are all signs of excessive internal heat. Consuming an appropriate amount of sugar apple can provide a cooling sensation and help relieve these discomforts. Due to its cold nature, sugar apple is especially suitable for consumption during hot summer months, as it helps regulate body temperature.

The cold nature of sugar apple is also related to its nutritional composition. Sugar apple contains abundant vitamins, dietary fiber, minerals, and carbohydrates, all of which perform various functions within the human body. Some components in sugar apple can stimulate the nervous system, producing a cooling effect, further supporting its classification as a cold-natured fruit. Additionally, sugar apple contains a high amount of water and soluble solids, which also aid in regulating body temperature and relieving internal dryness and heat.

Sugar apple should not be consumed together with high-protein foods. Tannins present in sugar apple can react with proteins to form substances that are difficult for the human body to digest, potentially affecting nutrient absorption and digestion.