Falsa, also written as Phalsa, is a small berry-like fruit which is found in the Indian subcontinent and South Asia. It is packed with nutrients including minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron; vitamins A, B, and C; and dietary fiber.
Scientifically known as Grewia asiatica, this fruit has a sweet and sour taste. These fruits, with their nutrients, benefit the human body in a number of ways. Let’s examine the health benefits of the falsa fruit.
6 Health Benefits Of Falsa Fruit
Falsa fruit as mentioned is rich in minerals like sodium, potassium, phosphorous, iron, vitamins A, B, and C, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. This nutrient-rich fruit benefits the human body in a number of ways.
1. Protects The Body From Diseases
Falsa is a fruit rich in vitamin C or ascorbic acid. 100 grams of the fruit contains 4.38 milligrams of vitamin C, which is quite a high value.1 Vitamin C can behave as an antioxidant.2 By doing so, it protects the body from common health conditions like a common cold. This fruit also possesses antimicrobial properties that can protect the body from diseases.
2. May Treat Rheumatism
Studies have shown that the fruit and different parts of the plant have anti-inflammatory properties.3 This fruit, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, may be useful in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatism is any disease that causes unnecessary inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or tissues. Those suffering from arthritis, a common inflammatory disease, may also benefit from this fruit. Apart from the fruit, the root bark of the tree may be used to treat rheumatism.4
3. Builds Strong Bones
Most of the essential minerals required for good bone health is found in falsa fruit. 100 grams of the fruit contains 136 milligrams of calcium – one of the most important minerals for bone health. The other minerals that are equally important for stronger bones include iron, phosphorous, and potassium.5 100 grams of the fruit contains 1.08 milligrams, 24.2 milligrams, and 372 milligrams, respectively.6
4. Relieves Digestive Issues
The fruit can also provide relief from digestive issues like a stomach ache, nausea, and diarrhea. The juice of the fruit can alleviate stomach pain. Because of the dietary fiber it contains, it can also be used to treat diarrhea. 100 grams of the fruit contains 5.53 grams of dietary fiber.7 Fiber, which is important for regular bowel movements, can help treat diarrhea and indigestion.
5. Promotes Heart Health
Falsa fruit can also help maintain a healthy heart. This is because of the presence of the mineral potassium. Potassium is a mineral that is required by all cells, tissues, and organs in the human body. 100 grams of the fruit contains 372 milligrams of potassium. Potassium is crucial to heart health because it can help in maintaining normal blood pressure. Some studies also suggest that those on a high-potassium diet are at a lower risk of experiencing strokes.8
6. May Lower Cancer Risk
Studies suggest that the consumption of this fruit may help lower the risk of developing cancer, particularly liver and breast cancer.9 They are rich in antioxidants and antioxidants are required to fight the free radicals that harm the body and result in cancer.
Other Health Benefits Of Falsa
- Falsa fruit is a low glycemic index food, which means that it will not drastically affect the blood sugar levels present in the body. Therefore, it may be a safe fruit for diabetes patients.
- It is also known that falsa fruit leaves can heal wounds and ease skin conditions like eczema. Grinding the leaves and directly applying to the skin may help heal the wounds faster.
- Because of the presence of iron content in these fruits, they may also be helpful in treating anemia. The primary cause of anemia is the deficiency of iron. Eating these fruits may help increase the iron content.
- They may also help treat certain urinary conditions.
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