Beat the heat with this refreshing drink in summer....Bael Juice

 ## Refresh Yourself with Homemade Bael Juice: A Perfect Summer Beverage:

Try this refreshing summer drink! Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Drinking a glass of bael juice can help reduce the risk of heatstroke and common digestive issues. Here's a simple guide to making bael juice at home.

### Why Choose Bael Juice?

In the scorching summer heat, nothing beats the refreshing and cooling effects of bael juice. Made from the pulp of the bael fruit (wood apple), this drink is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Bael juice helps you stay hydrated, replenishes lost electrolytes, and provides relief from the intense heat, making it an ideal summer beverage. Here’s a healthy recipe you must try!

### Ingredients:

#### Essential Ingredients:
- 1 bael fruit (wood apple)
- 4 cups water
- Black salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Ice cubes

#### Optional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Chat masala to taste

### Steps to Prepare Bael Juice:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Bael Fruit:
Break the bael fruit and scoop out the pulp using a spoon. Store the pulp in a bowl.

#### Step 2: Soak the Pulp:
Add 2 cups of water to the pulp and let it soak for 15-20 minutes to soften.

#### Step 3: Mash the Pulp:

Mash up pulp with hands.

#### Step 4: Strain the Mixture:
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or muslin cloth into another bowl, pressing the pulp to extract as much liquid as possible.

#### Step 5: Add Seasonings:
Add black salt, chat masala, cumin powder, and honey (if using) to the strained juice. Mix well until everything is dissolved completely. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.

#### Step 6: Enhance the Flavor:
Add lemon juice to the mixture to enhance the freshness and balance the flavors.

#### Step 7: Serve Chilled:
Pour the bael juice into glasses.


Enjoy this homemade bael juice, a healthy and refreshing summer drink that helps you stay cool and hydrated. Whether you're lounging at home or entertaining guests, bael juice is the perfect way to beat the heat!

## 7 Health Benefits of Bael Juice:

Bael juice has many health benefits to offer you. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

### 1. Promotes Healthy Digestion:
During scorching summer days, digestive health can become vulnerable. Bael juice, rich in dietary fiber and tannins, helps promote a healthy digestive system. Its laxative properties make bowel movements easier, alleviating constipation and diarrhea. Including bael juice in your diet can help maintain smooth and regular digestion.

### 2. Reduces Inflammation:
Bael fruit boasts significant anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its antioxidants and phytochemicals. These properties help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Regular consumption of bael juice can aid in managing inflammation effectively.

### 3. Boosts Immunity:
Bael fruit exhibits strong antimicrobial properties, making it effective against a range of pathogens. According to a study published by Hindawi, these antimicrobial compounds inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This action helps prevent infections and boosts the immune system, promoting overall health.

### 4. Rich in Antioxidants:
Packed with antioxidants, bael fruit helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. This antioxidant activity protects cells from oxidative stress and damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and aging-related conditions, as revealed by a study published in Food Science and Nutrition. The high vitamin C content also enhances overall immune function.

### 5. Prevents Respiratory Problems:
Bael fruit’s expectorant properties help clear mucus from the respiratory tract, making it beneficial for respiratory health. It can be useful in treating conditions such as asthma, sore throat, and other respiratory issues. Additionally, the fruit’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, promoting easier breathing.

### 6. Regulates Blood Sugar:
With a low glycemic index, bael fruit contains compounds that help regulate blood sugar level. Consuming bael juice can help manage diabetes naturally and effectively.

Drink bael juice to keep your blood sugar levels in control! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

### 7. Promotes Healthy Skin:
Bael fruit’s rich array of vitamins and antioxidants contribute to healthy, glowing skin. It helps detoxify the blood, promoting clear skin and reducing conditions such as acne and eczema. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce skin inflammation, while antioxidants prevent premature aging and improve overall skin texture.

Enjoy the myriad health benefits of bael juice by incorporating this refreshing drink into your summer routine!