Health Benefits of Bael

Bael, scientifically known as Aegle Marmelos, is a tree species of significant medicinal value found in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It is also known by various other names, such as golden apple, wood apple, and Bengal quince. Due to its religious significance, the tree is often found planted near Lord Shiva temples in India.

For thousands of years, the bael plant has been a staple in traditional medicine and food. Its leaves and fruit have been used to treat neurological diseases, dyspepsia, malabsorption and more.

The bael leaf, in particular, has found its way into industrial food processing and other herbal compounds, showcasing its versatility and long-standing medicinal history.

Below is the tabular representation of bael's nutritional value.

Bael plant is loaded with various nutrients such as potassium, iron, calcium, vitamins A and C and more. The plant's compounds are beneficial for treating various kinds of ailments. Some of the widespread benefits of eating bel patra and fruits are listed below:

Bael for Digestion and Constipation

One of the significant benefits of bael fruit juice is treating digestion and constipation problems. Bael has a high content of pectin and dietary fibre, which regulates bowel movement and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

The high content of tannin in bael leaves helps reduce inflammation. Further, bael is also used because of its laxative property, which cleans the intestines and prevents constipation.

**Bael for Heart Health **

Another benefit of bael fruit is improved heart health. Bael is considered a natural antioxidant and cardio-protective fruit due to the presence of potassium and other beneficial compounds.

These compounds help strengthen the heart muscles and reduce the cholesterol level in the blood. The bael fruit also prevents the formation of lipid accumulation, which further reduces the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, etc.

**Bael for Diabetes **

In addition to this, bael fruit juice benefits include controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. Bael plants or bark contain Feronia gum, which helps regulate the production of insulin from the cells.

Further, the bael fruit has a low glycemic index, which helps maintain the blood sugar level. Individuals who suffer from diabetes should consider consuming a glass of bael juice every day to manage their blood glucose levels.

**Bael for Stomach Ulcers **

Stomach ulcers are formed due to the accumulation of free radicals in the stomach.

Bael possesses antioxidant properties, which help reduce the oxidative stress in the stomach lining, which further prevents the formation of stomach ulcers.

Further, the glycoprotein secretions of bael help treat colic pain. Due to its soothing properties, the pulp of bael can also be very beneficial in mouth ulcers.

**Bael for Strong Immunity **

Another significant benefit of bael fruit and bel patra is strong immunity due to the presence of vital nutrients such as vitamins A, C and B-complex.

Its high content of antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, helps neutralise harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Additionally, bael has antimicrobial properties, which aid in protecting the body against infections.

**Bael for Respiratory Anomalies **

Bael possesses antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-asthmatic properties, which help treat various respiratory anomalies such as the common cold and cough.

It also lowers the rheumatological deposits in the chest and nasal cavities, which further helps get rid of mucus and ease the breathing process.

Further, due to its anti-asthmatic properties, it is beneficial for bronchitis and asthmatic conditions.

Bael for Blood Purification

Beside this, bael leaf medicinal uses also include blood purification. Bael contains a high amount of potassium, which helps in removing toxins and purifies the blood.

Not just this, it also helps in improving the overall immunity of the body. Due to this, bael fruit is highly used in treating liver, heart and kidney problems.

**Bael for Scurvy **

Scurvy is another significant disease caused by a vitamin C deficiency, which causes soreness in the legs and arms.

Bael has a high vitamin C content, which is essential for the synthesis of collagen, the repair of tissues, and the overall maintenance of skin, blood vessels and bones.

By incorporating bael into the diet, individuals can ensure an adequate intake of this vital nutrient, thus preventing or treating scurvy.

** Bael for Lactation **

Another significant benefit of bael fruit is improved lactation. The content in bael helps increase the production of corticoids and prolactin, which further helps in milk production.

In addition, bael is packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, potassium and iron.

These nutrients support the overall health of the mother and provide the necessary nourishment for the production of high-quality breast milk.

Here are some common benefits of bael for skin health:

Bael Augments Collagen Production

One of the primary benefits of bael fruit juice is enhanced collagen production. Bael is a high source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. These compounds help fight free radicals, further reducing oxidative stress. Reduced oxidative stress means better collagen production.

Bael Soothes Inflamed Skin

The root, bark, fruits and leaves of bael possess antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Due to this, bael is very effective in treating swollen skin. Regular consumption or application of bael on inflamed skin can have better results.

Bael Cures Skin Rashes

The extract of bael leaves can kill various fungi that can cause mild to severe infections. Regular application of bael oil and paste can help treat skin bumps and rashes.

In addition to skin, bael leaves are used for hair health also. Some of the prominent benefits include:

Bael Promotes Hair Growth

One of the prevalent uses of bael is hair growth because of the presence of essential vitamins such as A, C and B-complex. These vitamins nourish the hair follicles, enhancing their function and encouraging the development of strong and healthy hair.

Further, antioxidants in bael, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids, help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp. This can prevent hair follicle damage and hair loss.

Bael Treats Scalp Infections and Dandruff

Another significant bel patra benefit is its use in treating scalp infections and dandruff.

It contains compounds with antimicrobial properties that can help combat fungal and bacterial infections on the scalp, which are often responsible for dandruff and other scalp issues.

Further, bael's anti-inflammatory properties can soothe an irritated scalp, reducing redness, itching and flakiness associated with dandruff.

Bael for Strengthening Hair

Bael is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, along with minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium.

These nutrients nourish the hair follicles, promoting stronger and healthier hair. In addition to this, the moisturising properties of bael can help reduce dryness and brittleness of the hair, preventing breakage and split ends.

All the constituents of the bael plant, such as seed, leaves, roots, bark and fruits, are utilised because of their therapeutic and health benefits. Some of the familiar bael recipes are listed below:**

Bael Fruit Juice or Smoothie

Ingredients

• Bael fruit pulp

• 2 bananas

• 4 tablespoon yoghurt

• 3-4 tablespoons of mango pulp

• 2 cups of chilled water

• 1 cup grated coconut

• 2- 3 teaspoons of cardamom powder

• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

• Black salt, as per the taste

Preparation Method:

Step 1: Take a bowl and add bael fruit pulp and water and mash the mixture until it becomes soft.

Step 2: Now, in another bowl, add banana, mango pulp, yoghurt and jaggery. Mash it until it becomes a smooth texture.

Step 3: Now, add the bael puree to this mixture and blend it properly.

Step 4: Strain the mixture to remove hard particles, if there are any.

Step 5: Add salt and black pepper as per the requirement in the mixture.

Step 6: Pour the bael smoothie into a glass and garnish it with grated coconut on top.

Bael Chutney or Pickle

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bael fruit pulp.

• ½ teaspoon mustard seed

• 2 tablespoons chana daal

• 1 ½ tablespoons urad daal

• ½ cup water

• ½ teaspoon asafoetida

• 1 tablespoon jaggery

• 1 tablespoons oil

• 8-9 curry leaves

• 9-10 dry red chillies

• Salt as per the requirement

Preparation Method:

Step 1: Add the bael fruit pulp to a bowl and mash it until it becomes soft. You can also add a little water for the same.

Step 2: Now, heat the pan and add cooking oil.

Step 3: Once the oil is heated, add mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds start to crackle, add urad and chana daal and saute it until the mixture becomes brown.

Step 4: Now, add red chillies, jaggery, salt, and asafoetida to the mixture and saute for a few more minutes.

Step 5: After that, lower the flame and mix curry leaves and mashed bael pulp to the sauteed mixture.

Step 6: Cook the mixture on a low flame for a few minutes. Cool the mixture and blend it in a blender until it becomes a thick paste.

Step 7: Lastly, add the water, salt and sugar as per the taste requirement and desired consistency.

Despite numerous health benefits, there are some bael fruit side effects, which are listed below:

• The fruit is helpful in lowering blood sugar levels; however, the overconsumption of bael fruit with other diabetes supplements can cause a significant drop in blood glucose levels.

• Another bael fruit side effect is it is high in tannins which may cause the body to exhibit carcinogenic properties if consumed for a prolonged period.

• Bael contains carbohydrates; hence, overconsumption of it may lead to stomach problems and other issues.

• Some individuals might be allergic to bael. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, rash, swelling or difficulty in breathing.

In case of any side effects related to bael juice consumption, it is advisable to reach out to the healthcare practitioner for medical treatment. Depending on the condition or symptom, the doctor will suggest a necessary treatment procedure.

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Bael is an excellent source of nutrients and minerals like calcium, iron and potassium. The presence of these nutrients contributes to bael's effectiveness in promoting digestive health, strengthening the immune system, and improving skin and hair health.

Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties further add to its health benefits, making bael a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

However, it should be consumed in an appropriate amount to avoid any side effects. In the case of bael fruit side effects, it is recommended to reach out to healthcare practitioners.

What are bel murabba benefits?

Bel murabba is an Indian dish prepared from bael fruit pulp. Some of the common bel murabba benefits include relieving constipation, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal issues due to its high fibre content and natural laxative properties.

Can I drink bael juice every day?

Yes, you can consume bael juice every day. It offers various benefits, such as improved digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and more. However, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid any side effects.

What are the benefits of eating bel patra?

Bel patra is basically a bael plant leaves. It is used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and colds. It can help clear mucus and ease breathing.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Health Benefits of Bael. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.