‘Beli-ful’ of goodness
The fruit is a living first aid kit, says Nirmala M. Pieris
View(s):
The Beli fruit: More prized for its medicinal virtues than its edible quality. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
We are richly endowed with numerous beneficial plants and fruits that contain chemical compounds that help either directly or indirectly to prevent or treat diseases as well as to promote health and wellbeing. One such important plant is Aegle marmelos, the tree that produces the golden apple (bael), commonly known as Beli in Sinhalese and Koovalam in Tamil. Beli which is an interesting member of the family Rutaceae commonly known as the Citrus family is definitely more prized for its medicinal virtues than its edible quality.
Most trees grow in home gardens in the wet and intermediate zones in Sri Lanka. All parts of the tree, the stem, bark, root, leaves and the fruit have loads of medicinal virtues and this is the reason that beli has been used in the therapeutic world for hundreds of years. The fruit that takes about 11 to 12 months to ripen on the tree can reach the size of a grapefruit and is characterised by a smooth-looking yellow, gray or green woody outer shell. This shell is quite hard and can only be cracked open with a hammer. The fibrous orangey yellow pulp inside consists of many hairy seeds that are enveloped in slimy mucilage. The flesh tastes like a mix of sweet papaya and sour lime, and is sticky, slightly sweet and fragrant with a hint of astringency.
The fruit can be eaten fresh as well as used after drying. A refreshing drink can be made when the pulp is blended with water and mixed with lime juice or tamarind. A sherbet is prepared by beating the ripe pulp together with milk and sugar and passing through a sieve. The ready-to-eat pulp can also be used to make a “smoothie” by blending with ice cubes and kithul treacle or jaggery. Interestingly the beli fruit is used to make various types of cakes ranging from fruit cake to sponge cake to cheese cake with the secret of a fascinating taste being a topping of caramel sauce.
Nutritional benefits
The beli fruit is a rich source of beta carotene, vitamin C, thiamine and riboflavin. Beta carotene is one of a group of red, orange, and yellow pigments called carotenoids, which is important in the diet as a precursor of vitamin A. The fruit also contains proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fibres, and significant quantities of calcium, phosphorous, potassium and iron.
Relieves constipation
The ripe beli fruit is cooling and laxative and regarded as the best of all purgatives. It cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use for two or three months helps evacuate even the old accumulated faecal matter from the bowels. For best results, it should be taken in the form of sherbet. The fruit is also considered highly beneficial for the digestive system.
Remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery
The unripe or half ripe fruit contains tannins that have good antibacterial effects which alleviate diarrhoea caused by bacteria. The fruit is also a good stomachic and has the capability to strengthen the stomach and stimulate gastric activity. It is thus perhaps, the most effective food remedy for chronic dysenteric conditions characterised by alternate diarrhoea and constipation. Best results are obtained by the use of the dried fruit or its powder.
Energy booster
The beli fruit is a quick energy booster thus eating this fruit keeps the body energized and richly filled with essential nutrients. The fruit also facilitates the metabolic process of the body by promoting the functionality of body organs.
Natural antidote to free radicals
Some scientists believe that the fruit extracts may be an effective way of protecting against the effects of radiotherapy by reducing radiation sickness and protecting cells against the toxic by-products of the treatment. This is because the extracts act as natural antidotes to free-radicals and toxins that are produced when the radiation interacts with body tissues. This makes the fruit a valuable supplement to use during radiotherapy for cancer.
Regulates blood sugar Level
Aqueous extracts of the fruit can be taken for regulating the blood sugar level and constant urination in diabetic patients. It can also control the functioning of the pancreas and regulates the insulin secretions in the body.
Treatment of skin problems
Beli can be used for treating urticaria commonly referred to as hives, by drinking a mixture of the juice, cumin and bay leaf juice twice daily. It can also be used for treating redness of the skin, skin rashes, itching and vitiligo that causes the loss of pigment cells.
Balances menstrual irregularities
Women suffering from menstrual irregularities are encouraged to eat the beli fruit as it helps to regulate the progesterone secretion and hormonal imbalances. The fruit also provides relief from menstrual pain and excessive menstrual bleeding.
Answer to skin problems
The dried fruit powder mixed with date extract and honey as a face pack yields amazing results for firming up a sagging skin. Beli fruit is also used in various spa products such as hydrating face washes and herbal hot compress massages. Some excellent results have been reported when the fruit has been used in combination with lemon, turmeric and aloe for clearing skin pigmentation and blemishes. The beli fruit hot tea is also a popular calming welcome drink at spas.
Other benefits
The fruit is a good source of iron thus can be taken to balance the haemoglobin level and prevent iron deficiency anemia.Consuming the fruit juice can also be useful for controlling and regulating cholesterol levels and tissue lipid profiles. The juice when mixed with jaggery and ginger powder can be taken by lactating mothers to boost breast milk production. Studies have also revealed that pregnant women suffering from morning sickness can eat the pulp with sugar to get relief.
Caution
However a word of caution: Do not consume the fruit at a stretch as it may cause flatulence and do not eat in excess as it may promote heaviness and bloating.