Bael (Wood Apple) Fruit: Benefits, Uses, Nutrition, and Side Effects

What is Bael (Wood Apple)?  

Bael fruit, also known as wood apple or Aegle marmelos, is a powerful medicinal fruit used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Bael supports digestion, blood sugar balance, immunity, and more.

In this article, discover the top health benefits, nutrition facts, uses, side effects, and how to consume Bael fruit effectively.

Bael Fruit Nutrition Facts

The fruit contains about 61% moisture and multiple vitamins, such as vitamins A, B1 and B2, and C, along with minerals like 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

Bael Fruit Properties (Ayurvedic & Scientific)

Here are the properties of Bael that make it a valuable fruit:

1. Astringent Property: Bael fruit has astringent properties that help contract and tighten tissues, which can be beneficial in treating diarrhoea.
2. Cooling Effect: Its cooling properties help soothe the body and reduce heat, effectively relieving fevers and summer heat.
3. Laxative Property: The fruit is a mild laxative, promoting regular bowel movements and relieving constipation.
4. Somatic Property: Bael fruit enhances appetite and supports healthy digestion by improving the function of the stomach.
5. Antiscorbutic Property: Bael fruit is rich in vitamin C, preventing and treating scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.
6. Digestive Property: It aids in digestion and helps alleviate digestive disorders like indigestion and dyspepsia.
7. Antimicrobial Activity: The fruit is said to exhibit antimicrobial properties, effectively combating various bacteria and pathogens.
8. Anticancer Activity: Bael fruit contains compounds that have shown potential to inhibit cancer cell growth.
9. Cardioprotective Activity: It offers cardioprotective benefits, helping to maintain heart health and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
10. Antidiabetic Activity: Bael fruit has been shown to regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for managing diabetes in some individuals.
11. Antiulcer Activity: It has antiulcer properties that help protect and heal the stomach lining from ulcers.
12. Antioxidant Activity: The fruit is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
13. Anti-inflammatory Activity: Bael fruit has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and relieving inflammatory conditions.
14. Liver Protecting Property: Bael fruit has hepatoprotective properties that help protect the liver from damage and support liver health.
15. Antiviral Property: It exhibits antiviral properties, effectively fighting viral infections and boosting the immune system.

Health Benefits of Bael Fruit

Bael fruit benefits those with constipation, diarrhoea, diabetes management, stomach ulcers, and body detoxification issues. It is rich in Vitamin A, B, C, and other minerals, thus helping improve overall health.

Here are some top  Bael fruit benefits for health:

1. Bael Fruit Benefits For 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. Bael Fruit Benefits 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. Bael Fruit Benefits For Peptic Ulcer

An infusion of Bael leaves is regarded as an effective food remedy for peptic ulcers. The leaves are soaked overnight in water, which is 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. Bael Fruit Benefits In Lowering Cholesterol and Urea

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. Bael Fruit Benefits In Bile Production

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. Bael Fruit May Boost 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. Bael Fruit Benefits 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. Bael Fruit Benefits In Diabetes

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. Bael Fruit Benefits People with Asthma

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. Bael Fruit Benefits In Thyroid Regulation

Bael fruit may help reduce elevated levels of thyroid hormones in the serum, potentially aiding in the management of thyroid disorders.

How to Use Bael Fruit?

Here are various ways to use Bael:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Fruit Nectar: The bael fruit pulp can be diluted with water and sweetened to make a nutritious and delicious fruit nectar.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

How to Make Bael Juice – Step-by-Step

Here are simple steps to make Bale juice:

• Step 1: Use a heavy knife or a pestle to crack open the bael fruit’s hard outer shell.
• Step 2: Scoop the orange pulp with a spoon and place it in a bowl.
• Step 3: Add the pulp to a water bowl and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
• Step 4: Mash the soaked pulp thoroughly with your hands or a masher to extract the juice.
• Step 5: Pour the mashed mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into another bowl, pressing to extract all the liquid.
• Step 6: Add sugar or honey to taste, stir well, and serve chilled.

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.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

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.

Precautions to Take With Bael

• Avoid excessive intake of bael juice, as it can lead to digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhoea. 
• Ensure the Bael juice is freshly prepared and consumed immediately to avoid contamination and ensure the best nutritional benefits.

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)