Calamansi juice is derived from the calamansi fruit, another variety of citrus fruit commonly called golden lime. Calamansi is also known as calamondin or Philippine lime, and scientifically known as Citrofortunella macrocarpa.
The fruit is a hybrid of a member of the citrus genus, that is to say, orange and kumquat, and is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines.
This sour fruit is rich in vitamin C and certain antioxidants, such as limonene, as well as potassium, vitamin A, and calcium. Although the juice of this fruit is sour, many people still consume it regularly due to its many multiple health insurance.
Below are the benefits, recipe and side effects of Calamansi juice:
1. Controls cholesterol levels
Anecdotal evidence and some studies have found that this juice can help you lower your cholesterol levels, which is an important step towards weight loss and avoiding metabolic syndrome. It can also help lower your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Furthermore, a study talks about the antiangiogenic and antioxidant properties of calamansi peel ethanolic extract.
2. Boosts immunity
Packed with vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients, calamansi juice has been used in folk medicine as an immune booster for generations. It can stimulate the production of white blood cells and counter the negative effects of free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
3. Lowers acidity
Despite the high levels of citric acid of this fruit, many people drink it as a soothing substance for the stomach. A study published throws light on the anti-inflammatory property of tannins from the rind of calamansi. It can help lower levels of inflammation when consumed in moderation, lower your risk of developing ulcers, and protect you from acid reflux disease.
4. Promotes collagen production
Vitamin C is a crucial element in collagen production, which is the compound needed to create every tissue in the body. This juice can deliver a burst of ascorbic acid that will facilitate your body’s ability to grow, as well as repair damage from injury, illness, or surgery.
5. Helps manage diabetes
Research has been done on the blood sugar-moderating effects of calamansi juice, thanks to the presence of an isoflavone naringenin in it, according to a 2019 study. It has shown positive implications for regulating the release of glucose and insulin into the bloodstream, which is excellent news for those with diabetes or those at risk of developing it.
6. Weight loss
This tropical juice is legendary in folk medicine for its impact on weight loss, as are many lemon and lime-based juices it has the ability to not only boost a person’s metabolism but also eliminate many of the toxins in the body that can contribute to fat storage. By increasing metabolic speed, this juice can improve passive fat-burning throughout the day, while detoxifying the body will help all of your organ systems run more smoothly and function properly, aiding in calorie burning.
7. Improves respiratory health
The strong citric acid level in calamansi juice is considered by many cultures to cut through phlegm and mucus, where infections often live and propagate, while also soothing inflammation in the throat and respiratory tracts.
Calamansi juice recipe
You can easily make calamansi juice at home, provided you have access to these exotic fruits.
Ingredients
- 12-14 calamansi fruits
- 3/4 cup sugar or honey
- 2 cups water
Instructions
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Wash the calamansi fruits thoroughly.
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Slice them into half and use a lemon squeezer to extract the juice.
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Alternatively, you could slice off the top of the limes, being careful not to cut into the seeds. Using your hands, squeeze out as much juice as possible from the limes into a strainer.
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Add the sugar and water to the fresh calamansi juice and stir thoroughly.
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Taste the juice, and if it is too astringent or sour, add more sugar or water. Some people add honey in significant quantities (1 cup) to balance out the taste.
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Refrigerate the juice, serve chilled, and enjoy!
Potential side effects of calamansi juice
This simple juice has many impressive health benefits but may cause gastrointestinal distress and a heightened risk of kidney problems. It is better to consult a doctor before adding this juice to your diet.
- Stomach issues: While many people praise calamansi juice for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, it is still an astringent and a potentially irritating substance for the stomach. If you have a sensitive gut, be sure to moderate your intake of calamansi juice to prevent acid reflux, diarrhea, stomach problems, and cramping.
- Kidney health: With a high level of vitamin C and the ability to stimulate urination, this fruit juice can detoxify the body. However, for people with kidney issues, diuretics can lead to numerous complications and even a worsening of your condition.
