Shared from/by By Rose Lidell
food.com
The calamansi (Citrus x microcarpa) or calamondin is a fruit native to Southeast Asia. It can be used as a substitute for limes and can be made into a refreshing juice beverage full of vitamin C.
Calamansi juice also offers many health benefits, such as boosting your immune health and promoting weight loss.
Calamansi, a superfruit chock-full of vitamin C
As a citrus fruit, calamansi has properties similar to lemons and limes. The fruit is very sour and has many culinary uses, from being used as a substitute for limes or turned into delicious calamansi juice.
Calamansi is a small, bushy, evergreen tree or shrub that belongs to the Rutaceae or rue (citrus) family. The plant is believed to have originated from China or the Philippines. It has then spread out through South East Asia, India, Hawaii, West Indies, Central and North America, where it is called “acid orange” since the fruit resembles a small orange.
Calamansi is said to be a natural hybrid between a sour, loose-skinned mandarin (Citrus reticulata var. Austera) and a kumquat (Fortunella margarita). The “x” in calamansi’s scientific name indicates that the hybrid is between plants of different genera (bi-generic hybrid).
The amazing health benefits of vitamin C-rich calamansi juice
Did you know that drinking calamansi juice can provide you with a number of amazing health benefits? Below are five reasons to drink more calamansi juice.
It can help boost your immune system
Calamansi is full of minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamin C that helps boost your immunity. The vitamin helps give you immunity against viral and bacterial infections.
Consume calamansi juice regularly to strengthen your immune health and prevent colds and flu.
It boosts collagen production
Aside from improving your immune health, the vitamin C in calamansi juice helps promote skin health by boosting collagen production.
Considered a natural beauty tonic, you can apply freshly squeezed calamansi juice topically to even out your skin tone. Used topically, calamansi juice will also help rejuvenate your skin and promote wound healing.
It prevents oral problems
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to mouthwash, try gargling with calamansi juice.
Because the superfruit is full of vitamin C, using calamansi as a mouthwash will help prevent bleeding gums, gingivitis, tooth decay and loosening of teeth. Gargling with calamansi juice can also help get rid of stains and plaque.
It promotes kidney health and helps regulate bowel movements
Drinking calamansi juice regularly can help keep your kidneys healthy by reducing foul urine odor and lightening its color. The juice will also help strengthen the functioning of your liver, kidneys and gallbladder, which then helps eliminate excess toxins in the body.
The juice can also help detoxify your colon, improve bowel movement and relieve constipation.
It can help promote healthy weight loss
If you’re struggling to lose weight, try drinking more calamansi juice before all your meals.
Calamansi juice is also a low-calorie drink, making it a healthier alternative to soda or other sweetened beverages. Additionally, data suggests that calamansi juice can help eliminate stored fats and lower cholesterol in the body.
Considerations before drinking calamansi juice
While calamansi juice is a healthy beverage, there are some people who should avoid it.
If you are pregnant, do not consume calamansi juice in excess during pregnancy. Citrus fruits like lemon and calamansi may trigger heartburn during pregnancy.
Additionally, citrus juices can cause indigestion, diarrhea, or stomach cramps if consumed in excess.
If you experience any of the above symptoms while drinking calamansi juice, consult a physician.
Calamansi tea with ginger and honey
If you prefer a soothing cup of tea, try this recipe for calamansi tea with ginger and honey.
Ginger has potent medicinal properties, especially when used to relieve stomachaches and motion sickness. The honey will help relieve a scratchy throat and congestion.
Ingredients for 2 servings:
- 2 cups filtered water
- Juice from 2 calamansi fruits
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 2-inch piece ginger root, peeled
Preparation:
- Slice the ginger into matchsticks or disks.
- Add the ginger and water to a small pot, then bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pot and let the ginger steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the calamansi juice and honey to the ginger mixture. Stir until the honey dissolves.
- Strain the ginger and serve the tea warm with thin slices of calamansi fruit. Add more honey if desired before serving.
