Bael fruit, also known as Wood Apple, Stone Apple, or Aegle marmelos, is a highly valued fruit in Ayurveda and traditional medicine. Native to India and Southeast Asia, this fruit is packed with medicinal properties and nutrients that can boost overall health. From aiding digestion to strengthening immunity, Bael has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for multiple ailments.
In this blog, let’s explore the benefits, uses, nutrition, and possible side effects of Bael fruit.
Bael Fruit Nutrition Facts
The fruit contains approximately 61% moisture and multiple vitamins, including vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, as well as minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.
Here is the nutritional value of 100 grams of Bael fruit:
| Nutrients | Nutritional value (per 100 g) |
| Calories | 137 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 31.8 g |
| Protein | 1.8 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Fibre | 2.9 g |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 55 IU |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 1.19 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.13 mg |
| Calcium | 85 mg |
| Iron | 0.7 mg |
| Phosphorus | 52 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
| Magnesium | 41 mg |
| Zinc | 0.1 mg |
| Sodium | 17 mg |
Health Benefits of Bael Fruit
Bael fruit benefits those with constipation, diarrhoea, diabetes management, stomach ulcers, and body detoxification issues. It is rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as other minerals, thereby helping to improve overall health.
Here are some top Bael fruit benefits for health:
1. Relieves Diarrhoea and Dysentery
The unripe or half-ripe Bael fruit is touted to be one of the most effective home remedies for chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, where there is no fever. The best results are obtained using dried Bael or its powder. If taken with water or fresh curd three times a day, the dry powder will control diarrhoea.
2. Natural Remedy for Constipation
Ripe Bael fruit is regarded as the best of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use for two or three months helps evacuate the old accumulated faecal matter from the bowels. For best results, it should be taken in the form of sherbet, which is prepared from the pulp of the ripe fruit.
3. Supports Peptic Ulcer Healing
An infusion of Bael leaves is regarded as an effective food remedy for peptic ulcers. The leaves are soaked overnight in water, which is then strained and taken as a drink in the morning. The pain and discomfort are relieved when this treatment is continued for a few weeks.
4. Helps Regulate Cholesterol & Kidney Function
Bael extracts are known for regulating cholesterol levels and reducing blood urea. This natural remedy helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and supports kidney function by lowering urea levels in the blood.
5. Improves Digestion and Bile Flow
The bitter and pungent taste of the Bael fruit stimulates bile production in the liver. Adequate bile production aids digestion, particularly of fats, and supports overall digestive health.
6. Boosts Immunity
Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, Bael fruit is considered restorative and helps bolster the body’s natural immunity. Regular consumption can enhance resistance against infections and illnesses.
7. May Help in Cholera
Bael is a high source of tannin, and its rind contains about 20% of the compound, with around 9% in the pulp of the fruit. Tannin in bael helps in managing conditions like diarrhoea and cholera.
8. Supports Diabetes Management
For diabetics, Bael fruit offers significant benefits by helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Its natural sugars are absorbed slowly, preventing rapid spikes in blood glucose levels. This makes Bael fruit a healthy choice as part of a balanced diet for managing diabetes effectively.
9. May Aid Asthma Relief
Research suggests that a combination product containing bael fruit and Boswellia gum may help improve breathing in people with asthma, though the exact contribution of bael fruit is unclear.
10. Thyroid Regulation
Bael fruit may help reduce elevated levels of thyroid hormones in the serum, potentially aiding in the management of thyroid disorders.
Ways to Use Bael Fruit
Bael fruit is not only nutritious but also versatile. From refreshing drinks to sweet treats, here are some popular ways to enjoy this unique fruit.
- Fruit Squash: Bael fruit squash can be prepared by blending the pulp with water, sugar, and lemon juice, then straining it to create a refreshing drink.
- Jam: Bael fruit can be cooked with sugar to make a thick, flavorful jam that can be spread on bread or used as a filling for pastries.
- Fruit Nectar: The bael fruit pulp can be diluted with water and sweetened to make a nutritious and delicious fruit nectar.
- Murabba: Bael murabba is a sweet preserve made by cooking the fruit in sugar syrup. It is often flavoured with cardamom or saffron and enjoyed as a dessert or snack.
- Puddings: The pulp of bael fruit can be used to make creamy puddings by mixing it with milk, sugar, and a thickening agent like cornstarch.
- Juice: Fresh bael fruit juice is made by blending the pulp with water and straining it, often sweetened with sugar or honey and sometimes spiced with a pinch of black salt.
Best Time to Eat Bael Fruit
The best time to eat Bael fruit is on an empty stomach in the morning to maximise its digestive and detoxifying benefits. It can also be consumed before meals to stimulate appetite and aid digestion.
Due to its cooling properties, it is ideal for eating during the hot summer months. Avoid eating it late in the evening, as its laxative properties might disrupt sleep.
Possible Side Effects of Bael Fruit to Know
Bael fruit is generally safe when consumed in moderation. If consumed excessively, it can cause a few side effects. Here are some potential Bael fruit side effects:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Consuming large amounts of bael fruit can lead to digestive problems such as bloating, gas, or constipation.
- Blood Sugar Levels: Bael fruit can lower blood sugar levels, which might be a concern for people with hypoglycemia or those on diabetes medication.
Conclusion
Bael fruit is more than a traditional remedy – it’s a nutritional powerhouse. It supports digestive health, blood sugar balance, and immunity, whether consumed as juice, sherbet, or jam.
With its rich Ayurvedic legacy and modern health benefits, Bael deserves a spot in your daily diet. Just remember to consume it in moderation and consult a doctor if you have existing health conditions.
Expert Quote:
“Bael is a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties. Its fibre, antioxidants, and soothing properties make it an excellent natural remedy for common digestive and metabolic disorders.”
Dr. Boban Raju
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is mainly used for digestive health – relieving constipation, diarrhoea, and dysentery. It also supports immunity, cholesterol balance, and liver function.
People with hypoglycemia, severe stomach upset, or those on strong medications should consult a doctor before consuming it.
Yes, in moderation. One glass daily can aid digestion, but overconsumption may cause constipation or bloating.
Bael is rich in Vitamin C, with smaller amounts of Vitamin A and B-complex vitamins.
Yes. Its digestive and carminative properties help reduce gas, bloating, and indigestion.
References
- Mahato, T. K. (2020). Exploring antibacterial & antiulcer activity of aegle marmelos linn. : A review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, 7(3), 107–112. https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijpca.2020.017
- Mishra, Sunita & Ananya, Srivastava. (2015). To Study the Physico-Chemical Properties of Bael and Aloe Vera Blended Beverages. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR. 4. 642-645. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305814598_To_Study_the_Physico-Chemical_Properties_of_Bael_and_Aloe_Vera_Blended_Beverages
- Patil, O., Pagare, N., Gauri Bhamare, Vishal Ahire, & Pawar, P. (2024). Efficacy Of Wood Apple in Relieving Constipation: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 02(12). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14566203
- Ramakrishna, Y. G., Savithri, K., Kist, M., & Devaraj, S. N. (2015). Aegle marmelos fruit extract attenuates Helicobacter pylori Lipopolysaccharide induced oxidative stress in Sprague Dawley rats. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-015-0915-x
- Sarkar, T., Salauddin, M., & Chakraborty, R. (2020). In-depth pharmacological and nutritional properties of bael (Aegle marmelos): A critical review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2, 100081. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2020.100081