Health Benefits Of Bael - Nutritional Value Of Bael, Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Bael

Indigenous to the hilly slopes of southern and central zones of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Southern Nepal and other adjoining areas, bael is one of the best known medicinal plants, used to cure different ailments and diseases. This ancient, aromatic tree belongs to the plant family Rutaceae and the genus Aegle. The plant is categorized under the botanical name Aegle marmelos and its parts have been used for therapeutic purposes since a long time. Bael plant grows to an average height of 18 m, with fragrant flowers and woody-skinned fruit. Apart being used as a form of ayuvedic medicine, the fruit of the plant is employed in a number of religious customs and rituals pertaining to Hinduism. To know more about this unique plant, right from its health benefits to its nutritional value, go through the pointers enlisted below.

Nutritional Value Of Bael

Amount of Bael: 100 gms

Nutrients	Amount
Proteins	1.8 g
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates	31.8 g
Fats
Total Fat	0.3 g
Vitamins
Riboflavin	1.19 mg
Niacin	1.1 mg
Thiamin	0.13 mg
Vitamin A	55 mg
Vitamin C	8 to 60 mg
Minerals
Calcium	85 mg
Phosphorus	50 mg
Potassium	600 mg

Health & Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Bael

Consumption of unripe or half-ripe bael fruits is excellent for curing chronic stages of dysentery and cholera, where there is no fever. The use of dried bael, in normal or powdered form, is also good for this purpose. The fruit is also beneficial for the chronic dysentery that is characterized by alternate constipation and diarrhea.
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. Hence, the fruit is considered to be the treatment of choice for curing cholera.
The fruit is considered highly beneficial for the digestive system and can also be used as a mild laxative.
An infusion made from the bael leaves is regarded to be an effective cure for peptic ulcer. The concoction is prepared by soaking the leaves in water overnight and then drinking the water in the morning, after straining it. The tannins present in the leaves help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with peptic ulcer and also aid healing, by reducing the inflammation.
A very ancient practice involves the use of the bael leaves, barks and roots for treating snakebites.
The fruits, leaves and roots of the plant have antibiotic properties and can be used to treat a wide range of ailments and infections.
Respiratory ailments, like wheezing, spasm and even common cold, can be treated by using medicated oil made from the leaves of bael plant. This oil is prepared by heating together equal quantities of bael juice and sesame oil. To this hot oil, half a teaspoon of black cumin and a few black pepper seeds are added. A thorough massage of this oil on the scalp, prior to a head bath, is considered to build resistance against such respiratory conditions.
A decoction made from the bark of the plant is often used in the cure of malaria. The pulp of the fruit, on the other hand, is used in the treatment of vitiligo.
The juice of bael leaves, consumed after mixing it with honey, is often used for relieving fever and catarrh.

Storage Tips

Harvested bael fruits can stored for a maximum of 4 weeks in the refrigerator, while they can be stored for around 2 weeks at room tempearture.

Caution

Excessive bael consumption can lead to upset stomach and constipation.
Avoid using bael during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

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