Bael, also known as Wood apple or Bilwa in common tongue is one important tree of our Indian culture. Going by the botanical name Aegel marmelos, the sweet and sour tasting fruit of this incredible tree is packed with a quarry of nutrients like protein, vitamin C, vitamin B1, B2, B3, beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, fiber and good fats. Additionally, imbued with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and laxative properties, bael has been mentioned time and again in Ayurveda, Siddha and other forms of alternative medicine for its medicinal and therapeutic properties.
Although the entire plant, right from the roots, bark, stem, leaves and fruit are useful, it is the juice of the fruit that shows extensive medicinal properties. And moreover, due its natural cooling nature, bael juice is one of the best summer drinks that not only beats the rising temperature and scorching summer heat but also suffices our thirst and boosts the body with much-needed energy.
Homemade Bael Juice Or Sherbet
Ingredients
1 cup scooped out bael pulp
1 cup of water
3 tbsp jaggery
½ tsp cardamom powder
Pinch of black salt
Method
Take the bael pulp in a bowl and add water to it.
Mash the pulp till it softens and turns into a semi-fluid consistency.
Strain the mixture to remove any solid particles or impurities.
Now add all the ingredients and the bael mixture into a mixer.
Pour it in glasses and serve it chilled.
Health Benefits Of Bael Juice
Regulates Diabetes:
Owing to the presence of hypoglycaemic qualities, the juice of bael plays a key role in alleviating the blood sugar levels within the blood. The production of insulin from the β-pancreatic cells becomes active in taking this wonder fruit and thereby diminishes the breakdown of starch into glucose.
Promotes Digestion:
Bael is an ultimate fruit for treating a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like esophagitis, heartburn, diarrhoea, flatulence, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, indigestion, flatulence and stomach pain. Additionally, the laxative properties of Bael helps in cleansing the intestines by allowing smooth passage of fecal matter and hence prevents constipation.
Prevents Heart Diseases:
The abundance of potassium in Bael juice offers a magical solution for people suffering from hypertension and other heart anomalies. It prevents hardening due to lipid deposition within the arteries, thus reducing the odds of having atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes and heart blockages. It also controls triglycerides, serum and tissue lipid profiles and helps in lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Treats Scurvy:
Scurvy is a disease caused due to the deficiency of Vitamin C in the body eventually resulting in sore arms and legs and weakness. The abundance of Vitamin C in bael juice acts as a boon for people suffering from scurvy and cures the disease in no time.
Prevents Respiratory Infections:
Imbued with a host of anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, bael juice is an incredible solution for numerous respiratory anomalies including cough and cold, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis etc. It also boosts the overall immune system and prevents different types of infections.