The scorching heat of summer can take a toll on our health, causing various ailments such as dehydration, heat stroke and digestive issues. To combat these challenges, nature has bestowed many fruits packed with essential nutrients to keep our bodies cool and healthy during the hot season. One such fruit that has been revered in traditional Indian medicine for its numerous health benefits in summer is the Indian bael, also known as Wood Apple.
About Indian bael
Indian bael is a tropical fruit native to India and widely grown in other parts of Southeast Asia. The fruit is round or oval, with a hard and woody shell that needs to be cracked to reveal the pulp inside. The pulp of Indian bael is yellowish-orange in colour and has a sweet and tangy taste. It is often consumed as a fresh fruit, but can also be used to make juices, jams, and chutneys.
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Bael Health Benefits In Summer
Consuming this fruit in summer can provide you with many health benefits, which include:
Combats Dehydration
One of the most prominent health benefits of Indian bael in summer is its ability to combat dehydration. Dehydration can lead to various health issues, such as dizziness, fatigue and muscle cramps. Research published in the IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology, and Food Technology, showed that bael fruit is rich in water. So, consuming Indian bael can be an excellent natural remedy to prevent these problems during hot summer days. Due to its high water content, the fruit helps replenish the lost fluids from the body caused by excessive sweating, keeping the body hydrated.
Keeps You Cool
Indian bael is also known for its cooling properties, which can help reduce body heat and prevent heat stroke. Heat stroke is a severe condition that occurs when the body fails to regulate its temperature and can be life-threatening. The pulp of Indian bael can be eaten directly or consumed as a juice to help cool down the body and prevent heat stroke during the summer.
Maintains Digestive Health
Digestive health is another area where Indian bael can be highly beneficial in summer. It is known to have carminative properties, which can help relieve digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation. The above-mentioned research also stated that the fruit is also rich in dietary fibre, which can promote regular bowel movements and improve gut health.
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Provides Vitamins & Minerals
The research published in the IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology, and Food Technology, also mentioned that Indian bael is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, which are important for overall health and well-being. It is rich in vitamin C, which acts as a natural antioxidant and helps boost the immune system, protecting the body against infections and diseases. The fruit also contains vitamins A and B, along with minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, essential for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and nerves. Consuming Indian bael can provide a nutrient boost to the body during the summer when the risk of nutrient deficiencies is high due to increased sweating and loss of minerals.
Gives You Healthy Skin
Another health benefit of Indian bael in summer is its ability to promote healthy skin. The fruit is rich in antioxidants, which help prevent skin damage by Ultraviolet (UV) rays and environmental pollutants. Regular consumption of Indian bael can promote youthful and glowing skin, reducing the risk of premature ageing and other skin issues that may arise due to sun exposure during the hot summer days.
Conclusion
In addition to its health benefits, Indian bael has been used in traditional Indian medicine for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-diabetic properties, which can help manage health conditions like diabetes.
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