The calamansi fruit, also known as calamondin and golden lime, is a small green fruit native to the Philippines. It is a good source of potent antioxidants, such as limonene and vitamins A and C. The calamansi fruit is typically used to make calamansi juice, but it can also be used in savory recipes and baked goods.

Although the fruit is extremely sour, many people still drink calamansi juice regularly as it is believed to confer multiple health benefits. These benefits include:

1. Boosting collagen production – Calamansi juice is rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that doubles as an antioxidant. Vitamin C helps boost the production of collagen, a structural protein and a key component of your skin, bones, muscles, hair, nails, blood vessels, tendons and ligaments.
2. Treating and preventing oral problems – The vitamin C in calamansi juice can also help you maintain optimal oral health. For one, vitamin C keeps the connective tissues in your gums healthy. This is likely why a deficiency in this nutrient is marked by inflamed gums and mouth sores. Additionally, vitamin C can reduce inflammation in the mouth and help mouth sores heal faster.
3. Detoxifying your body – Calamansi juice aids in the body’s natural detoxification process by keeping your kidneys healthy. A major function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid through the urine. Calamansi juice is also believed to treat constipation and promote regularity by cleansing the colon.
4. Strengthening the immune system – Vitamin C is well known for its role in supporting a healthy immune system. As an antioxidant, it protects cells from harmful free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and inflammation. You can naturally boost your vitamin C levels by drinking calamansi juice.
5. Aiding in weight loss – Calamansi juice is widely believed to contribute to weight loss by boosting metabolism and removing toxins in the body that contribute to fat storage. To be clear, drinking calamansi juice won’t lead to weight loss overnight. But if you’re trying to lose weight by eating a more balanced diet and exercising regularly, then calamansi juice could give you a hand.

How to make calamansi juice

Making calamansi juice is hardly any different from making lemonade. Prepare a big pitcher in advance so you can easily pour yourself a cup of chilled calamansi juice after a snack or a meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup freshly squeezed calamansi juice
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar or 3/4 teaspoon stevia

Preparation:

1. Add the sugar and one cup of water to a saucepan. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the remaining water, calamansi juice and sugar syrup to a pitcher. Stir well.
3. Chill in the refrigerator. Serve and enjoy.

Recipe for calamansi concentrate

You can also easily make your own pure calamansi concentrate by boiling freshly squeezed calamansi juice.

Ingredients:

• 70 pieces calamansi
• Raw honey
• Benzoic acid

Preparation:

1. Rinse the calamansi fruits and halve them crosswise. Squeeze to extract the juice.
2. Strain the juice and discard the seeds. Add raw honey to taste.
3. For every 4 1/2 cups of calamansi juice, add 1/4 teaspoon of benzoic acid. Stir well.
4. Heat the juice until it just boils. Stir continuously for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Pour the juice into sterile bottles while it is still hot.
6. Cover the bottles. Bring a pot of water to boil and add the bottles. Boil them for 20 minutes.
7. Remove from heat. Let the bottles cool upside down. Wipe dry and store in a cool, dry place.

Although calamansi juice has numerous health benefits, it shouldn’t be consumed in excess during pregnancy, particularly because it can trigger heartburn. Consuming calamansi juice in excess can also cause stomach cramps and erode tooth enamel. As such, calamansi juice is best consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Sources:

FoodsForBetterHealth.com

OrganicFacts.net