Nutrition alert: Bael (100 grams) contains…

"Bael juice is a refreshing and hydrating beverage, which makes it particularly popular during the hot summer months. The fruit's high water content and cooling properties are believed to help combat dehydration and heatstroke," said Sameena Ansari - Senior Dietitian and Nutritionist, CARE Hospitals, Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad

Bael, also known as wood apple or Aegle marmelos, is a tropical fruit with a unique flavor and notable nutritional value. (Pic source: Getty/Thinkstock)

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Come summer, and we see bael juice being made in Indian households. Bael is also enjoyed as a fruit and comes with various health benefits. You should definitely consider adding this humble fruit to your summer diet. Speaking with indianexpress.com, Sameena Ansari – Senior Dietitian and Nutritionist, CARE Hospitals, Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad shared, “Bael is a nutritious fruit with potential health benefits, particularly for digestive health, immunity, and cardiovascular well-being”.

Talking specifically about the summer favourite beverage bael juice, Ansari added, “Bael juice is a refreshing and hydrating beverage, which makes it particularly popular during the hot summer months. The fruit’s high water content and cooling properties are believed to help combat dehydration and heatstroke. Additionally, bael is considered to have a cooling effect on the body according to Ayurvedic principles, making it appealing during hot weather”.

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Nutritional profile of bael

Bael, also known as wood apple or Aegle marmelos, is a tropical fruit with a unique flavor and notable nutritional value. The exact nutritional composition may vary slightly depending on the variety and ripeness of the fruit. On average, per 100 grams of bael pulp, you can expect the following nutrients:

– Energy: 139 calories
– Carbohydrates: 34 grams
– Protein: 1.8 grams
– Fat: 0.3 grams
– Fiber: 2.6 grams
– Vitamin C: 8.9 milligrams
– Vitamin A: 55 micrograms
– Calcium: 85 milligrams
– Iron: 1.8 milligrams
– Phosphorus: 115 milligrams
– Potassium: 600 milligrams

Bael is a nutritious fruit with potential health benefits, particularly for digestive health, immunity, and cardiovascular well-being. (Pic source: Freepik)

Health benefits of bael

Bael offers various health benefits due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. Some of the key benefits shared by Ansari are:

1. Good for digestive health: Bael is known for its positive effects on the digestive system. It contains fiber, which helps alleviate constipation, improve bowel movements, and prevent digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Bael is known for its positive effects on the digestive system. It contains fiber, which helps alleviate constipation, improve bowel movements, and prevent digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (Pic source: Pixabay)

2. Has antimicrobial properties: Bael possesses antimicrobial properties that may aid in managing bacteria-induced diarrhea and cholera by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Bael is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to manage bacteria-induced diarrhea and cholera due to its antimicrobial properties.

3. May reduce the risk of chronic diseases: The fruit is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which can help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

4. Immunity boosting: Bael contains essential vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system, aiding in fighting off infections and diseases.

5. Good for cardiovascular health: Bael may help regulate blood pressure and improve heart health due to its potassium content and antioxidant properties.

Bael may help regulate blood pressure and improve heart health due to its potassium content and antioxidant properties. (Pic source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Can diabetics consume bael?

Bael has a low glycemic index, meaning it has a slower impact on blood sugar levels compared to high-sugar fruits. However, it is advisable for diabetic patients to consume bael in moderation, similar to any other fruit, due to its natural sugar content. “Consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate portion size and frequency of consumption based on their individual health condition and medication regimen,” said Ansari.

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Things to keep in mind

Below are a few things that you need to keep in mind as shared by Ansari:

– While bael offers various health benefits, it should not be considered a cure-all for any specific condition. It is important to maintain a balanced and varied diet for overall health.

– If you have any specific health concerns or medical conditions, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or incorporating new foods.

– Allergies and sensitivities can vary from person to person, so be mindful of any adverse reactions when consuming bael or its products for the first time.