Bilimbi Fruit: Meaning, Benefits and side effects

The scientific name of Bilimbi is Averrhoa bilimbi, additionally referred to as the sorrel tree of the genus Averrhoa family Oxalidaceae. This fruit is found usually in South East Asian countries. However, now it is also observed in the tropics.

Bilimbi is a short tree with a peak of 10m that survives for an extended period in numerous soil situations. After blossoming, the intense, reddish-crimson flowers finally become yellow-green fruits with thin skin and a wonderful tart flavour. The seeds and flora of the bilimbi tree also have significant healing values and are used in the making of many distinct herbal treatments.

Here are the benefits of Bilimbi fruit:

  • Controls Blood Sugar levels

Bilimbi fruits own the precious quality of controlling blood sugar stages by tracking insulin activity inside the body. The high amount of flavonoids and nutritional fibres in the bilimbi fruit reduce the unexpected increases in levels of blood glucose after eating food, thereby helping maintain diabetes signs and symptoms in check.

  •  Handles high blood pressure

The content of antioxidants and proteins present in bilimbi fruit makes it a herbal treatment for lowering high blood pressure. Taking a decoction of bilimbi fruit boiled in hot water helps reduce blood pressure.

  • Treats Hemorrhoids

Bilimbi contains potent factors, like tannins and terpenes. Those assist in reducing swelling in the veins of the rectum, which is the condition for haemorrhoids. Putting the fruit and leaf extract onto the affected area reduces pain and inflammation.

  •  Cures Cough And cold

It has a large amount of vitamin C, which is beneficial for the functioning of the immune system. The fruit extract is used to cure cough. It can be mixed with cough syrup to support the reduction of a cough.

  • Increases Bone health

Bilimbi contains large quantities of calcium, which improves bone density. Consuming bilimbi extracts as dried fruit and added to curries and dals or pickles strengthens bones.

  • Decreases acne

Bilimbi has nutrition C, oxalic acid, and nutrition A, which help protect skin tissues and enhance skin health. Applying a paste of bilimbi pulp together with honey on the face every week visibly diminishes darkish spots, scars, and blemishes and lessens swelling and redness in pimples.

  • Reduces Muscle Cramps

Bilimbi extract is an excellent herbal treatment for decreasing muscle pain and relaxing cramps within the connective tissues. Rubbing the hands, legs, and body with a natural paste of bilimbi leaves offers immediate comfort from muscle strain, even as consuming bilimbi juice heals ache, soreness, and stiffness in muscle groups and joints.

Nutrients in bilimbi fruit are protein, fat, mineral, fibre, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

Side effects of Bilimbi fruit 

It is a highly nutritious fruit and is safe to take when taken in adequate amounts as a part of the everyday food plan. But, if bilimbi fruits are eaten in a high quantity or frequently, their acidic material can cause indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues.