In this article, we’ll explore the countless benefits of calamansi juice, from its immune-boosting properties to its ability to aid digestion and promote skin health of this juice drink. Calamansi juice, derived from small and fragrant fruit, is a refreshing drink and a source of healthy energy.
What is calamansi juice
Calamansi juice is a type of lemonade from calamansi – a small citrus fruit known as calamondin or Philippine lime. Calamansi (Citrus macrocarpa) is native to Southeast Asia and is widely used in Filipino, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisines.
Calamansi juice has a bold tartness reminiscent of a mix of lime and mandarin orange. The juice has a zesty flavor with a sweetness that balances the overall taste. The tartness can be intense, providing a refreshing and lively sensation on the palate. The juice’s natural acidity contributes to its crisp and citrusy notes, making it a flavorful and refreshing drink.
The calamansi juice is typically a translucent and slightly cloudy liquid with a pale yellow to light orange hue. When freshly squeezed, it may exhibit a vibrant and sunny color, showcasing the natural pigments present in the fruit.
8 Benefit of calamansi juice
Calamansi juice is a delicious and refreshing drink and offers several potential health benefits due to its nutritional content. Like other lemon juices, calamansi calamansi juice contains high levels of vitamin C and many other substances that are very beneficial for health.
1. Calamansi is rich in fiber and vitamin C
100 grams of fresh calamansi fruit contains:
- Calories: 71
- Carbohydrates: 15.9g
- Protein: 1.8g
- Fat: 0.8g
- Fiber: 6.5g
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Vitamin A: 6% RDI
- Vitamin C: 73% RDI
- Calcium: 6% RDI
- Manganese: 7% RDI
- Riboflavin: 0.09 mg (8% DV)
- Choline: 8.4mg (2% DV)
- Iron: 0.87mg (7% DV)
Thanks to its high content of vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients, calamansi juice is used as a drink that helps strengthen the immune system and heal wounds. With its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it can stimulate the production of white blood cells and fight the negative effects of free radicals.
2. Supports eye health
Amount of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene. It is one of 11 carotenoids found in calamansi juice. Many studies have found that carotenoids such as beta carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein help improve eye health.
Our eyes contain rhodopsin. A protein compound allows us to see where light is lacking. However, insufficient production of rhodopsin can cause night blindness. Vitamin A is an essential component for the production of rhodopsin. Therefore, calamansi juice contains large amounts of vitamin A, indispensable in healthy vision.
3. Improve bone health
Our bodies need calcium to form and maintain healthy teeth and bones. Therefore, insufficient consumption of calcium-rich foods during critical developmental periods can lead to several diseases, such as short stature, tooth decay, osteoporosis, etc. Vitamin C also plays an important role. Important in bone formation. In addition, vitamin C helps form collagen. Therefore, getting enough of this vitamin can improve skin and bone health.
Calamansi juice contains large amounts of calcium and vitamin C. Studies show that vitamin C may be beneficial in preventing bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Acidic foods can increase the risk of bone diseases by drawing calcium from the bones. Since calamansi are alkaline fruits, they help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
4. Prevent weight gain and obesity
Another flavonoid found in kumquats, called Poncirin, may have a significant role in preventing obesity. One study found that Poncirin may reduce the risk of weight gain by preventing the formation of new fat cells.
Additionally, they are a rich source of fiber. Because they move slowly through the digestive tract, they keep you feeling full longer. They reduce cravings and the tendency to snack unhealthily.
Calamansi are complex carbohydrates because they contain a fair amount of fiber. As a result, they take longer to pass through the intestines because digestive enzymes cannot break them down in the body. Fiber passes through the digestive tract without being digested by enzymes produced in the stomach. Therefore, when you eat more fiber, you will feel full longer. They help curb cravings, thus preventing weight gain.
5. Improve respiratory health
One benefit of calamansi juice worth noting is its impact on respiratory health due to its citric acid content. Citric acid has natural expectorant properties, which help thin and loosen mucus in the respiratory system. This can be especially helpful in respiratory infections like colds, coughs, and bronchitis.
When you drink calamansi juice, citric acid will help break down mucus and phlegm, making it easier to expel from the body. This can help reduce congestion, making breathing easier. In addition to its expectorant properties, calamansi juice has anti-inflammatory effects on the throat and respiratory tract. These properties help reduce swelling and irritation, relieving people with respiratory conditions.
6. Control cholesterol levels
The next benefit of calamansi juice is its cholesterol-lowering effect. High cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The compounds in calamansi juice may help lower cholesterol levels due to its high vitamin C content and antioxidants. Additionally, it may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, promote a healthier cardiovascular system, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
7. Promotes collagen production
Calamansi juice is packed with vitamin C, which plays a key role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and strength to various tissues in the body, including the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It is also responsible for maintaining the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, cell growth, and tissue repair. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging caused by free radicals.
8. May reduce acidity in the stomach
The high levels of citric acid in this fruit do not deter many people from drinking it as a soothing substance for the stomach. A study published in the Journal of International Oral Health demonstrates tannins’ anti-inflammatory properties from the rind of calamansi. This significantly lowers the levels of inflammation when consumed in moderation and reduces the risk of developing ulcers, effectively protecting against acid reflux disease.
How to make calamansi juice
Next we will help you take advantage of the benefits of calamansi juice through this juice recipe. This is a simple process that you can make at home.
Ingredients:
- Fresh calamansi fruits (about 1 cup)
- Water (1 to 2 cups, depending on preferred concentration)
- Sugar, honey or sweetener (optional, to taste)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the calamansi: Wash the calamansi fruits thoroughly under running water. Cut each calamansi in half crosswise. If you’re using a lot of calamansi, you may find it easier to juice them by rolling them gently on a flat surface before cutting.
- Extract the juice: Using a citrus juicer, reamer, or your hands, extract the juice from the calamansi halves. You can use a fine mesh strainer to catch the seeds and pulp if you prefer a smoother juice.
- Dilute with water: Combine the freshly squeezed calamansi juice with water in a pitcher. The ratio of juice to water depends on your taste preferences. Start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust according to how strong or diluted you like your juice.
- Sweeten (optional): Add sugar or sweetener to the pitcher if desired. Start with a small amount and adjust to achieve the level of sweetness you prefer. Stir well to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the calamansi juice for an hour to chill it thoroughly. When serving, you can also add ice cubes directly to the pitcher or individual glasses.
- Garnish (optional): Garnish the calamansi juice with a slice of calamansi on the rim of the glass for a decorative touch.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour the chilled calamansi juice into glasses and serve.
Feel free to customize the recipe based on your taste preferences. Some people like their calamansi juice to be more concentrated, while others prefer it to be sweeter or more diluted. Adjust the ingredients accordingly to suit your liking.
FAQ about the benefits of calamansi juice
Can calamansi juice cure cough?
No, there is no concrete proof that calamansi juice cannot cure coughs. However, calamansi juice can help treat and soothe coughs. Additionally, antioxidants in calamansi may contribute to overall respiratory health.
Is it good to drink calamansi juice every day to lose weight?
It should be considered part of your diet. It’s not a major weight loss food. If you use calamansi juice for a long time, the weight loss effect may decrease because your body gets used to the acidity in calamansi.
Can you drink calamansi juice every day?
Yes, many people choose to drink calamansi juice every day. It can be a refreshing and flavorful addition to your daily routine. While drinking calamansi juice daily is generally safe for most people, excessive consumption may lead to issues such as dental erosion due to acidity or digestive discomfort in some individuals.
Is calamansi juice and lemon juice the same?
No, calamansi juice and lemon juice are not the same. Although both belong to the citrus family, lemon juice has a slightly different flavor than calamansi juice – a combination of lemon and tangerine.
Where to buy calamansi juice?
Calamansi juice has been used by food production and processing companies to create convenient drinking cans or bottled beverage products. They are commonly sold in supermarkets and retail stores, especially in areas where Asian people live because this is a very popular juice. Even if you don’t have instant calamansi juice, you can buy fresh calamansi fruit and make your juice at home using the recipe Nawon suggests above.
The benefit of calamansi juice is that it will help you get additional healthy juice. Incorporating calamansi juice into your daily routine, you can enjoy its delicious flavor while reaping the rewards of its nutritional value.