Bilimbi fruit is scientifically known as Averrhoa bilimbi and is commonly known as Bilimbi, Belimbing Buloh, Cucumber Tree, and Belimbing. It is widely known as kamias in the Philippines. Bilimbi fruit is green color fruit with mild sour taste. It has soft and crunchy skin as well as juicy inside. How to eat bilimbi? It is unable to eaten raw due to its high acidic nature so just boil them with plain water for 15 minutes. Then enjoy it with chili & salt.
Bilimbi
Summary
Bilimbi fruit relieves cough, and sore throat and treats hemorrhoids. It eases muscle cramps & constipation. It reduces acne and is good for diabetes and the immune system.
Bilimbi Fruit Nutrition
Bilimbi fruit contains 20 calories per 100 grams of fruit. The other includes;
- Carbs, 3 grams
- Fat, 0.1 grams
- Fiber, 1 gram
- Water, 94.5 gram
- Manganese, 0.7 mg
- Copper, 0.3 mg
- Calcium, 15.5 mg
- Phosphorous, 10 mg
- Iron, 1.02 mg
- Vitamin B1, 0.011 mg
- Vitamin B2, 0.03 mg
- Vitamin B3, 0.31 mg
1. Rich in antioxidants (Vitamin C)
Bilimbi fruit is packed with antioxidants also possess anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. It contain vitamin C in large amount which make our defense system strong. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells which combat with invaders thus increases our immunity. Bilimbi also carry oxalic acid which act as antioxidant and protect our skin from damage of the harmful effects of UV rays. Antioxidants may reduce the risk of many diseases and infections.
2. Regulate blood pressure
It regulates the high blood pressure. Bilimbi fruit is good for hypertension. Boil the bilimbi fruit in plain water then drink it. It helps in widening of the arteries & veins and relaxes the cardiac muscles. It helps in decreases the tension in the blood vessels. Its potassium and flavonoid content helps in lowering the blood pressure.
It helps in fat burning process remove the fat from the arteries also prevent fatty liver in return decreases the bad cholesterol LDL level in the body.
3. Cure Hemorrhoids
Bilimbi fruit effectively treats the rectal bleeding and stop formation of hemorrhoids. It also treats the ulcers of digestive tract and controls the bleeding from them. Bilimbi syrup is used to treat internal swelling, ulcers and bleeding. This syrup possess antibacterial & anti-inflammatory properties and act as cleansing agent. It cures the inflammation of rectum and anus. The bilimbi paste in applied topically on external wounds, scars, mumps, and pimples.
4. Good for Cough and Cold
Bilimbi soothes the sore throat and cough. It carry vitamin C which strengthen the immune system and prevent from viral and bacterial attacks. Its extract reduces the symptoms of whooping cough, fever, and cold. Bilimbi leaves tea also relieve us from cough and throat swelling. Bilimbi flowers also treats cough symptoms, flower infused tea is good for this purpose. Bilimbi syrup is often recommended for cold, thrush and cough.
5. For Bones Health
Bilimbi fruit is well known for making bones strong and robust. It is a nutrient dense fruit, rich in calcium which makes our bones strong. The sufficient amount of calcium deposition increases bones density and maintain structural integrity of skeleton. Phosphorous is also an important bone mineral present in bilimbi fruit which supports bone health and bone maintenance. Both calcium and phosphorous is necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Their deficiency causes osteoporosis and tooth decay.
6. Good during Pregnancy
The consumption of bilimbi fruit good for pregnant ladies. It is rich in antioxidants and many essential nutrients. Its calcium content helps in healthy bone development of fetus. The iron content stimulates the production of red blood cells and prevents blood deficiency during or after pregnancy. The vitamin C content boost the immunity and protect both the mother and fetus from different diseases and infections. It also protect them from various viral and bacterial attacks.
7. For Good Skin or Acne Scars
Bilimbi fruit is rich in skin friendly nutrients. It removes the dark spots from the skin and also improves the skin tone. Bilimbi paste in topically applied on skin with honey give magical effects on skin. It reduces the hyperpigmentation from skin and reduces blemishes. It also protect the skin from Harmful UV rays. The vitamin C content diminishes acne scars make skin brighter and shinier. Bilimbi contains vitamins A & C which are also good for healthy skin. It decreases the symptoms of pimples & acne also lessens their scars.
8. Ease Muscle Cramps
Bilimbi fruit show analgesic effects lessens the pain of muscles. It also possess anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and cramps within the tissues. Bilimbi leaves also widely used in herbal medicine. They ease the muscles pain, swelling, arthritis cramps, and muscle cramps.
9. Helps in Weight Loss
Bilimbi fruit is helpful in controlling body weight. It is nutrient-dense fruit and is safe to consume daily but in moderate amount. Especially those who are on a diet can take bilimbi as a snack. It is low in calories and has zero fat content thus help in fighting with obesity. The vitamin C and fibrous content fastens the metabolism promote belly fat burning. It is full of juicy fruit and prevent overeating in return controlling body weight.
10. Removes Constipation
Bilimbi fruit eases the constipation. It is fully packed with water and fibers which makes you feeling fuller. It makes stool more bulky and give volume to stool. The water and dietary fibers make stool soften stimulate the bowel movement. So, that the stool can easily pass out from the body. It also prevent from rectal & anus swelling and hemorrhoids formation.
11. Bilimbi for Male Fertility
It is full of antioxidants & low in calories helps increase the sperm count. It is nutrient- dense fruit stimulates the production of healthy sperms as well as maintain sperms quality. Bilimbi daily intake boosts the sperms production, increase their mobility and prevent deform sperm production. The vitamin C content of bilimbi makes a man more fertile it protects the sperm DNA and increases the semen volume.
12. Bilimbi Cures Cancer
Bilimbi fruit defense us from the spread of cancer. It reduces the growth of cancer cells and tumor formation. Bilimbi fruit & leaves extract inhibit the proliferation of cancers cells without effecting the normal healthy cells. It especially proven for breast cancer cells. Bilimbi fruit act as antimitotic agent (an agent that stops the cancer cell growth by stopping the process of mitosis thus cures cancer).
13. Good for Diabetes
The consumption of bilimbi fruit is safe for diabetic patients. It increases the insulin activity in the body. This fruit is helpful in controlling the blood glucose level in the body. Vitamin C content helps with type-2 diabetes and lessens the spikes in blood glucose level. The dietary fibers are reduced the risk of getting diabetes. It has low calories and low glycemic index so safely consumed by diabetic patients daily in moderate amount.
14. Good for Hair Growth
Bilimbi fruit contain all hair-friendly nutrients that supports healthy hair growth. They moisturize the scalp and nutrients stimulate hair growth and making hair shinier and stronger. Bilimbi fruit stops the hair fall prevent dryness and dandruff. The antioxidants control the sebum production prevent scalp infections.
15. Good for Liver & Kidney
Bilimbi fruit support the liver and kidney health. It act as natural cleanser remove impurities from the liver and kidneys. Bilimbi fruit juice is used to detoxify the liver. But because it is high in oxalates so overconsumption leads to kidney stones formation. The chronic kidney patients should also avoid the intake of bilimbi fruit.
16. Boost the Immune System
Bilimbi fruit is loaded with antioxidants which make our defense system strong. These antioxidants fight off with free radicals prevents us from various viral and bacterial attacks. The vitamin C content of bilimbi fruit stimulates the production of white blood cells which combat with invaders. It is a potent antioxidant which boost the immunity and prevent us from infections.
17. Bilimbi Leaves Tea Benefits
Boil fresh bilimbi leaves with plain water and enjoy this tea with honey. It has following benefits.
- Reduces the high blood pressure.
- Cures muscles and joints pain.
- Reduces the discomfort of hemorrhoids which is often called as piles.
- Improves skin tone & texture.
- Relieves from sore throat and cough.
- Aids in digestive tract activity.
18. Bilimbi Medicinal Benefits
It has a lot of medicinal benefits act as anti-diabetic, anti-thrombotic, and anti-inflammatory.
- Effectively cures hemorrhoids.
- Treats acne scars.
- Have potential against the growth of cancer cells.
- Lessens the rheumatoid pains.
- Fortifies bones & teeth.
Side Effects of Bilimbi Fruit
- Daily overdose of bilimbi fruit causes acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems because it is highly acidic fruit.
- Overconsumption causes kidney stones formation or even renal failure as it has high amount of oxalates which forms crystals.
FAQ
It relieve from cough, sore throat, skin rash, and acne.
It can be eaten raw or mostly used in pickles, chutney, and preserves.
It can be preserved by the Sun drying.
It is rich in oxalic acid so it is not safe for dogs.