Bael, the oval-shaped green fruit commonly referred to as wood apple that turns yellow once ripened, bears the scientific name Aegle marmelos and abounds in nutrition content and health benefits. Native to tropical countries of India, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other nations in South-East Asia, bael is rich in vitamin C, B1, B2, calcium, potassium, fibres and carotenoid antioxidants.
This medium-sized fruit containing 10 – 15 small seeds and a fragrant-smelling pulp, has a sweet and slightly tart flavour similar to that of passion fruit and is a luscious bounty used widely in preparing juices, sharbats, smoothies, desserts and fruit jams. Not only is the bael fruit absolutely delicious in taste, but it also confers a plethora of health benefits. These include bolstering immunity, treating stomach infections and diarrhoea, regulating cholesterol levels in blood, preventing cancers and even uplifting women’s hormonal functions.
Wellness Incentives Of Bael Fruit:
Enhances Immune System
The immune system comprises white blood cells and lymphatic system that thwart pathogenic microbes from the body and shield the system from seasonal illnesses and chronic ailments. Imbued with vitamin C that has antioxidant properties, bael fruit fosters optimal functioning of the immune system, cleanses blood circulation of harmful free radicals, toxins and builds resistance to disease.
Controls Blood Cholesterol
Bael fruit is bestowed with polyphenol compounds which are plant-based elements with remarkable cardioprotective traits. Adding bael fruit in moderate quantities to the regular diet fortifies cardiac muscle functions and preserves heart health. Moreover, this succulent fruit is also high in potassium – a vital mineral for decreasing blood pressure and safeguarding heart wellness.
Augments Lactation Processes
Rich in myriad potent bioactive phytonutrients that positively influence prolactin and other reproductive hormones in women, bael fruit delivers phenomenal merits for breastfeeding mothers. By stimulating galactagogue mechanisms, bael fruit increases the production of breast milk and also enhances the quality during lactation, to ensure ample nutrition and sustenance for the newborn.
Cures Diarrhoea
Bael contains vast reserves of powerful antibacterial and antiparasitic organic plant-based compounds that effectively battle infections in the gut as well as cases of diarrhoea and alleviate discomforting symptoms of bloating, indigestion and acid reflux. Drinking a glass of cool bael juice or warm bael tea is an excellent home remedy to treat recurring instances of stomach infections and diarrhoea and promote healthy digestion.
Lowers The Risk Of Cancer
Bael fruit possesses a treasure trove of flavonoid and carotenoid antioxidants that house strong anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer qualities. Incorporating bael fruit or juice into the routine diet helps to dispel detrimental free radicals from oxidizing healthy cells in the body, decreases inflammatory components and averts the occurrence of cancers of the lungs, liver, breast, kidneys and colon.
