The Wood Apple is a unique fruit found in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, also known as the Elephant Apple or Monkey Fruit. This fruit is large, round, hard-shelled, and orange, valued for its nutritional benefits and sweet taste. Called bel or bael in Hindi, this exotic fruit is available in summer due to its natural cooling properties. It holds immense medicinal value and is consumed raw or as a juice.

If you did not know about this fruit, get ready to unveil the amazing facts about this pulpy and tangy fruit.

How to identify Wood Apple?

The wood apple tree is large, with dense foliage and thorny branches. Native to India, it produces green, ball-shaped fruits that gradually turn yellow to orange as they ripen. When broken open, the fruit reveals a thick, fibrous, and sweet pulp with sticky seeds embedded inside. The hard shell protects the pulp, which is not only consumed for its taste but also valued in rural areas, where the sticky seeds are sometimes used as natural gum. Check out the ‘Mandi rate in Katni today.’

Nutritional benefits of Bel fruit:

Bel fruit has many nutritional benefits; it is packed with essential vitamins and minerals:

Vitamin C – Boosts the immune system and skin health
Vitamin A – Supports eye health
Calcium and Phosphorus: Strengthens bones
Iron – Prevents anaemia
Fibre – Improves digestion
Antioxidants – Fight free radicals
Tannins and Alkoids – Offer anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
Rich source of natural energy and cooling

Health benefits of bel fruit:

Improve digestion and gut health

Eating bel or drinking its juice helps improve digestion and cools the stomach. The fruit is rich in fibre and tannins, which promote healthy bowel movements, relieve constipation, and reduce bloating. In Ayurveda, it is traditionally used as a remedy for dysentery, diarrhoea, and ulcers. Its natural cooling effect soothes intestinal walls and helps reduce stomach irritation and inflammation. Check out the ‘Mandi rate of Daryapur.’

Boost Immunity

Bel juice is enjoyed in India during summer. Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidant content, bel fruit enhances the body’s natural defence system. Regular consumption can help the body fight off infections, colds, and even chronic illness.

Detoxifies the Liver and Kidneys

Bel fruit acts as a natural detoxifier and supports the kidneys and liver by removing toxins. Its anti-inflammatory qualities help to lessen the strain on these organs. Also, check ‘5 crops with low investment and high returns.’

Controls blood sugar levels

Wood apple has a low glycemic index and high fibre content, making it an excellent fruit for diabetics. It slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and reduces sugar craving, keeping blood glucose levels stable.

Support heart health

The antioxidants and potassium found in wood apple are beneficial for heart function. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while antioxidants prevent artery damage by promoting HDL (good cholesterol) and decreasing LDL (bad cholesterol). Check out the ‘Mandi rate in Assam.’

Enhances skin and hair health

Wood apple can help with skin rashes, acne, and even dull skin. When eaten or applied topically, the plp can help purify the blood and give the skin a radiant appearance. The fruit’s antifungal and antibacterial qualities also fortify hari roots and lessen dandruff.

Natural energy booster

Wood apple pulp is rich in natural sugars and essential nutrients, which make it a great fruit for increasing energy. It can help keep the body hydrated and prevent heart stroke when consumed as a juice or smoothie. Also, check the ‘Jardalu Mangoes: King of Bhagalpur.’

Ways to consume wood apple

Here are a few common and healthy ways to include wood apple in your diet.

Wood apple juice: Extract the pulp and mix it with water, sugar or jaggery, filter the seeds and drink it.

Wood apple pulp: The ripe pulp can be eaten directly.

Dried pulp or powder: The pulp of the wood apple is dried and made into powder to consume. Also, check ‘Uses of Coconut Tree.’

Traditional uses in Ayurveda:

In traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda and Siddha, wood apple is known for its cooling, purifying and astringent qualities. It is used to balance the Vata and Kapha dosha, and is commonly prescribed for.

IBS and chronic indigestion

Internal bleeding

Respiratory conditions like asthma and cough

Improving appetite in weak or recovering patients.

Bel is a wholesome fruit with nutritional properties and a unique taste. Not only the fruit, the whole tree has its traditional value in India. Its leaves are used to worship God Shiva. Its bark and roots also have therapeutic properties. Check out the ‘Mandi rate of Madhya Pradesh Mandis.’

FAQs:

1. What is a bel fruit called in English?

The Bel fruit is known as Wood Apple in English. It is also referred to as elephant apple or monkey fruit in some regions.

2. What are the benefits of the wood apple?

There are several health benefits of wood apple, including improved digestion, boosted immunity, support for liver health, and help in managing blood sugar levels.

3. Are there any side effects of bel?

Bel is generally safe if eaten in moderation, and there are no allergic reactions. But eating a large quantity of fruit or unripe fruit might cause constipation.

4. What are the medicinal benefits of the bel fruit?

In traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda, Bel is valued for its medicinal properties:
Treating diarrhoea, dysentery, and ulcers.
Reduces inflammation in the gut.
Acts as a mild laxative in ripe form
Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.