Bael Fruit for Diabetes: Bogus or Beneficial?
Bael Fruit: Nutritional Profile
Aegle marmelos or the Indian bael is a tropical tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is also known as stone apple or wood apple. In Ayurveda, the fruit, seeds, leaves, flowers, roots and even the bark of the bael tree have been recorded to have several medicinal properties.
The fruit is the most commonly consumed part of the bael tree. It is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that have antioxidant properties. The fruit also has vitamin A, B complex vitamins, and vitamin C. The fruit is a great source of fiber, carbohydrates, protein, calcium, and potassium.
According to a review article published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, the following is the nutritional value of 100 g of bael fruit.
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Energy | 129 to 142 kcal |
| Water | 61 to 64 g |
| Carbohydrate | 30 to 34 g |
| Fat | 0.2 to 0.4 g |
| Protein | 1.6 to 1.87 g |
| Fiber | 2.2 to 3 g |
| Potassium | 585 to 610 mg |
| Calcium | 85 mg |
| Phosphorous | 50 to 52 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 to 10 mg |
| Vitamin A | 55 μg |
Why is Bael Fruit Good for Diabetes?
- Several studies have demonstrated that the extracts from bael fruits, leaves, and seeds prevent damage to the pancreatic beta cells. This could be because of the rich flavonoid and antioxidant content in bael fruit. Bael fruits, seeds, and leaves have a protective effect on the pancreas, thus preserving insulin production in Type 2 Diabetes.
- Some studies showed that the extracts from bael fruits and leaves can lower insulin resistance in your cells and tissues. This can help lower your blood glucose levels by improving the uptake of glucose by your cells.
- Bael fruit has a low Glycemic Index (GI) score and is high in fiber. Low GI foods do not cause a large increase in your blood sugar levels when consumed. Further, dietary fiber slows down absorption of carbohydrates and glucose from your gut, which helps stabilise your blood sugar levels. Therefore, bael fruit is ideal for diabetics.
What are Some Ways to Consume Bael Fruit for Diabetics?
There are several ways to consume bael fruit.
- You can consume the bael fruit when it is ripe.
- You can make bael fruit juice by scooping out the pulp, mashing it, and soaking it in water for 2 to 3 hours. Strain and drink the juice. Bael fruit or wood apple juice benefits diabetics.
- You can add the pulp of bael fruit to smoothies or lassi.
- You can make a bael chutney, which can be used as a spread or a dip.
How Much and How Frequently Should You Consume Bael Fruit in Diabetes?
Bael fruit has various health benefits, but you should not over-consume the fruit. One glass (250 ml) of bael fruit juice or one medium-sized bael fruit (100 to 150 g) in the morning is enough for the day.
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What are the Risks of Overconsumption of Bael Fruit for Diabetes?
What about bael fruit side effects?
- The side effects of bael fruit are negligible when compared to the benefits. However, overconsumption might lead to a drop in blood glucose levels. Therefore, you need to consume bael fruit in moderation.
- Overconsumption of bael fruit juice might lead to constipation and stomach ache due to its high fiber content and diarrhoea due to its laxative properties.
- Bael fruit should be consumed by pregnant women only after consultation with a doctor.
What are the Other Health Benefits of Bael Fruit?
- The antibacterial and antiparasitic properties of bael fruit can help improve diarrhoea.
- The antioxidants in bael fruit can help control blood cholesterol levels. Bael juice benefits the heart by lowering your risk of developing heart diseases.
- Bael fruit is rich in many minerals and, therefore, helps flush out toxins from your body. It has natural detoxifying properties, which prevent liver and kidney dysfunctions. It is a natural blood purifier.
- Being rich in vitamin C and several other antioxidants, bael fruit is known to prevent scurvy, a condition that occurs due to the extreme deficiency of vitamin C.
- Bael contains antioxidants that neutralise free radicals in your body. Therefore, regular consumption of bael fruit can prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress.
- Being a storehouse of antioxidants and vitamin C that boosts immunity, bael fruit can prevent bacterial and viral infections in the monsoons.
- Daily consumption of bael fruit can boost the production of corticosteroids and prolactin, hormones that improve lactation in breastfeeding mothers.
Don’t Have Time To Read?
- Bael is a delicious fruit with many health benefits.
- It is advised to eat bael fruit for diabetes because the antioxidants in the fruit and/or its juice help in controlling blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity and protecting beta cell function. It is also high in fiber and low on the GI index, and thus stabilises your blood sugar levels.
- You can eat the ripe bael fruit, drink its juice, add its pulp to smoothies, or make a chutney out of the fruit pulp.
- It is best to consume a glass of bael fruit juice (250 ml) or eat one medium-sized bael fruit (100 to 150 g) in the morning as it keeps your blood sugar levels in check for the rest of the day.
- Overconsumption of bael fruit can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels. It might also cause constipation and stomach ache due to its high fiber, and diarrhoea due to its laxative properties.
- Bael fruit is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and immunity boosters. It helps control diabetes, cholesterol, and diarrhoea. It prevents scurvy, lowers the risk of heart disease, protects against bacterial and viral infections, and helps improve lactation in breastfeeding mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bael fruit good for diabetes?
Yes, bael fruit helps manage diabetes. The antioxidants in bael fruit help protect the beta cells in your pancreas and control your blood glucose levels by improving glucose uptake in your cells and tissues. Moreover, it is low in glycemic index and high in fiber, making it ideal for stabilising blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Is bael juice good for diabetes?
Bael fruit juice has a glycemic index score between 0 and 55, making it an ideal low GI beverage for diabetic patients. It can also improve glucose uptake in your cells and tissues and improve the function of pancreatic beta cells, thus making it an excellent choice of drink for diabetics.
Is bael leaf good for diabetes?
Several studies have shown that bael leaves can help in controlling diabetes. They contain polyphenols and flavonoids that can help reduce blood glucose levels. Moreover, bael leaves are rich in fiber, and minerals that are beneficial for diabetes management.
When should I drink bael juice?
You can drink bael juice in the morning as a part of your breakfast. Limit your intake to one glass (250 ml) of bael juice a day.
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