Calamansi Juice: Health Benefits, Diet And How To Grow Its Tree
Calamansi can be considered as one of the super foods because of the many health benefits and uses which can be derived from it. It is just a tiny lime which grows abundantly in tropical counties like the Philippines. It also grows on different types of soil; just make sure the soil is not sodden with too much water.
Calamansi fruits which can be included in the diet because of the health benefits they give
Health Benefits
When taken, it gives loads of Vitamin C. Research shows that it also contains phosphorus, Vitamin B, calcium and iron. It also contains niacin, protein and very, very small traces of fat. It aids in keeping the kidney clean and health. Calamansi lowers cholesterol in the body. Some digestive diseases can also be cured by taking the calamansi juice, either in pure form or mixed with water and sugar. It may seem contradictory to drink an acidic preparation such as the calamansi juice when you have an ulcer, but its alkaline properties can help alleviate the condition. The rich Vitamin C that it contains proves to be beneficial in strengthening the immune system of the body. Calamansi juice, when taken regularly, also helps in oral care.
It is also good for hydrating a feverish person. It helps reduce the increased temperature of the body. Mix at least 15 calamansi extract with water and sugar.
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Calamansi Diet
Unproven studies show that calamansi mixed with water and honey reduces obesity. Some dieters try drinking one tablespoon of freshly squeezed calamansi after every meal. Some others drink a glassful of calamansi juice before meal. This supposedly suppresses one’s appetite. You can also try mixing the calamansi with virgin coconut oil.
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Other Uses and Preparation of Calamansi
* Mixed with soy sauce, pepper and garlic, it makes a great marinade for all kinds of meat and seafood.
* It can be used as a flavoring ingredient or additive in food preparations.
* It makes a great dip for barbecues when mixed with soy sauce or other condiments. Adding garlic to the mixture is also a delicious option.
* Calamansi extracts instead of tamarind extracts can be used when cooking sour soup or broth.
* If you have dark armpits, elbows, knees or groin areas, try rubbing the calamansi pulp or rind on them. You may also us the extract instead of the pulp. It also doubles as a body deodorant.
* It can also remove dandruff. After shampooing, rub the calamansi on your scalp. Let it stay for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. It can also increase the volume of the hair.
* It can be used to give fresh, natural odor inside the refrigerator. Place a calamansi fruit which is cut in half inside the ref and replace it only once it lost its odor.
* For fresh and new stain on clothes, rub the rind of calamansi peeling on the stain. You can also squeeze a calamansi directly on the stain and rub the affected part vigorously.
* If you have a cough, add some sugar to several freshly squeezed fruits and drink it. Don’t add water in it, just take it with sugar.
* Calamansi extracts mixed with at least 3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil is effective in health maintenance. You can read my article Taking Calamansi for further information. This details my own experience about calamansi, virgin coconut oil and garlic use.
* If a person with fever has to take a bath, use the water that has been mixed with boiled calamansi leaves as they also contain healing properties.
* Calamansi can be a natural teeth whitening agent. Rub the extracted juice on your teeth using a toothbrush. Do this once a day until you obtain your desired results.
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How to Grow a Calamansi Tree
You might like to try growing calamansi in your backyard. One tree produces many calamansi fruits. It grows and thrives in a variety of environment. You will be assured of a year-round supply of calamansi because it is quite prolific in bearing fruits. It is also easy to cultivate. The soil should not be too saturated with water. Instead, grow it in a sandy soil that is rich in compost. You can use the seed to start planting. But it is more advisable to plant a seedling where the roots and trunks are starting to grow.
Here are the steps in planting and growing calamansi:
1. Dig a hole and put the seedling in it. Fill in the soil which you dug and mix it with organic matter like compost.
2. Water the plant daily. Don’t water it excessively. It is better to do this every morning.
3. Apply some fertilizers by mixing it with soil one month after planting. Repeat this after every four months to ensure the proper growth of your calamansi tree.
4. Remove regularly the weeds that may surround the young tree.
5. Protect the tree from pests and diseases. If you notice marks in its leaves and its bark has rugged edges, it is most likely infested with citrus bark borer. These are beetles that lay their eggs in the holes of the calamansi bark. When they hatch, they eat these barks. Spray them with pesticide. If it is the aphids that infect the tree, cut off the part which has been infected. Spray with a recommended pesticide to eliminate the remaining traces of the pests. Read about other diseases that might infect your tree so you will be more armed with knowledge on how to protect your tree from pests.
6. You may choose to prune the upper branches of the calamansi tree while it is growing to keep its size manageable. It will make harvesting of fruits a lot easier.
Indeed, it is worth a try to grow calamansi in your backyard. You may opt for a bigger goal. Think of growing them for business. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose; just an ounce of effort is needed for growing the calamansi tree. With all the health benefits it provides, it is worth including these wonder fruit into your diet.