Buddha fruit has origin in the lower Himalayas and China. The Buddha’s hand is one of the best fruits all around the world. This fruit has amazing look and it has branched appendages. It has yellow and elongated tentacle that are protruding from the base of fruit which looks like gnarled human fingers.
This is a reason why it has the name Buddha’s hand. The scientific name of Buddha’s hand is Citrus medica var. sarcodacylis. It is juicy and seedless citrus fruit which has a flavor similar to the zesty and tangy taste of lemon. Buddha fruit is described as extremely aromatic with a sweeter and fresher floral bouquet compared to lemon. But this fruit has many health benefits which can help you a lot.
If you have never used Buddha’s hand in your diet before, then you talk with your doctor if you can use it because even it is healthy a lot, still can cause some side effects. If you have low blood pressure, then you should avoid Buddha’s hand because this fruit is lowering your blood pressure levels. This fruit is used in perfumes due to its sweet and citrusy smell.
Health benefits of Buddha fruit
Maintains healthy levels of blood cholesterol: Buddha’s hand can help to maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels due to the presence of pectin in the fruit. Also, it has ability to boost the circulation and metabolism.
Prevents infections: Buddha’s hand has antiviral properties which can help in the prevention of viral infections, especially those related to nose and throat.
Rich source of Vitamin C: Buddha’s hand is rich in Vitamin C which is one of the best vitamins for skin rejuvenation. Also, this vitamin is working as anti – aging agent and it makes your skin to glow radiantly.
Essential ingredient in herbal remedies: This is a very useful herb in the traditional Chinese medicine due to its warming properties. Buddha’s hand is used as an ingredient in many herbal remedies that are used to treat disorders related to lungs, liver and spleen. Also, this fruit can be used to treat problems like liver – stomach depression; fullness in the chest and rib cage; distension; stomach pain; reduced appetite and vomiting.
Gastrointestinal benefits: Buddha’s hand is very beneficial for gastrointestinal problems, like diarrhea, cramping, stomach upset, bloating and constipation. It can help to reduce the stomach inflammation while at the same time it will provide a soothing effect on the intestinal muscles. This fruit can ease the process of excretion and digestion.
Relieves menstrual discomfort: Buddha’s hand is juice fruit which is very beneficial for women who experience mood swings, excessive bleeding and menstrual cramps. It is rich in anti – inflammatory and antioxidant properties which are helping women to get a relief from menstrual discomfort.
Improves immunity: Buddha’s hand has specific polysaccharides which can help to stimulate and boost the immune system. As a result of this, this fruit can help you to treat cough or common cold by hastening the recovery time.
Controls blood pressure: It is known that the alcohol extract of Buddha’s hand is acting as a vasodilator and relaxant agent. It dilates the coronary blood vessels and at the same time it will increase the blood circulation. It can help you to maintain the blood pressure levels and reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Relieves pain: This fruit has been used for thousands of years as a home remedy for relieving pain. This benefit comes from its chemical composition. It has pain – relieving properties like diosmin, coumarin and limonin which are possessing anti – inflammatory properties. It can help to treat the swelling and pain which are caused by major injuries or general bruises.
Respiratory benefits: Buddha’s hand is working as an expectorant and it is one of the painless and easiest remedies for cough with phlegm or catarrh. You can soak this fruit in water before you consume it so in this way you will get a lot of its health benefits.