Bahi fruit, also known as safarjal fruit is a golden, pear-shaped fruit with remarkable health benefits. If you are unaware of this fruit read on to know more about it and its incredible benefits for your health.
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What is Bahi Fruit (Safarjal Fruit)?
Bahi fruit or safarjal fruit belongs to the family of Rosaceae which consists of fruits like plums, cherries, apples, and pears, etc. It is the only member of the genus Cydonia from where it gets its scientific name Cydonia oblonga.
The fruit is known to be effective against various diseases like respiratory infections, urinary infections, hepatitis, heart problems, cough, and more.
Bahi Fruit in English
Bahi fruit in English is known as “Quince”. The fruit and its seeds, known as quince seeds or bahi dana are highly nutritious and are eaten all over the world.
Bahi Fruit Benefits
Following are the health benefits of bahi fruit:
- Highly Nutritious
- Good for the Heart
- May Boost Immunity
- May Be Effective Against Cough
- May Help in Weight Loss
- May Ease Digestive Problems
- May Help Relieve Nausea in Pregnancy
1. Highly Nutritious
Bahi fruit is full of healthy nutrients. The nutritional composition of 92gm (3.2 ounces) of bahi fruit is given in the table below:
Type | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 52 |
Fat | 0 grams |
Protein | 0.3 grams |
Carbs | 14 grams |
Fiber | 1.75 grams |
Vitamin C | 15% of the Daily Value (DV) |
Thiamine (vitamin B1) | 1.5% of the Daily Value (DV) |
Vitamin B6 | 2% of the Daily Value (DV) |
Copper | 13% of the Daily Value (DV) |
Iron | 3.6% of the Daily Value (DV) |
Potassium | 4% of the Daily Value (DV) |
Magnesium | 2% of the Daily Value (DV) |
2. Good for the Heart
Dealing with heart problems? Add bahi fruit to your diet and watch it work its magic for your heart health! Not only does it protect against cardiovascular diseases but it can also control the level of cholesterol in the body.
Safarjal fruit may also reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (high cholesterol).
It also helps relieve chest tightness and lowers your risk of heart problems like high blood pressure. This is due to the fact that quinces contain certain antioxidants which include flavanols that are backed by research to prevent heart diseases and reduce inflammation.
3. May Boost Immunity
A strong immune system is vital for the body to prevent and defend against infections. Some studies have concluded that quinces may improve your resistance to harmful infections thanks to its antibacterial properties.
Moreover, it is rich in Vitamin C which plays an important role in supporting a healthy immune system by encouraging the production of white blood cells.
4. May Be Effective Against Cough
Bahi dana or quince seeds are known to be effective in treating cough and sore throat. They may also help in the prevention and treatment of certain allergies like asthma and runny nose.
This is why quince fruit is also used as an ingredient in Gencydo, an allergy medication.
5. May Help in Weight Loss
Bahi fruit can be a good addition to your weight loss diet. It is low in calories and fat while being high in fiber and other nutrients.
Therefore it may aid in weight loss and prevent you from gaining those extra pounds. However, be careful not to consume too much of it.
6. May Ease Digestive Problems
The fruit can also help maintain a healthy digestive system. Bahi fruit has been used in traditional medications to treat a number of digestive disorders like diarrhea, GERD, constipation, etc.
There is still a lack of research to prove just how effective the fruit is in protecting the human body against digestive disorders.
However, bahi fruit has shown promising results in reducing colon tissue damage in rats with ulcerative colitis – an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Furthermore, it contains fiber which is beneficial for your digestive health. It helps in easing bowel movements, softening stools, and promoting their regularity.
7. May Help Relieve Nausea in Pregnancy
Vomiting and nausea are common concerns in pregnant women. Bahi fruit can help reduce these symptoms according to some studies.
One such study was conducted on 76 pregnant women comparing quince fruit to Vitamin B6. Remarkably, quince syrup was declared to be more effective in reducing nausea as compared to Vitamin B6.
However, still more research is needed on the subject.
Significance of Safarjal/Bahi Fruit in Islam
Quince is known to be one of the fruits of paradise in Islam. Its use has also been quoted in various Hadith of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). For instance:
- Hazrat Talha رضي الله عنه narrates that he went to the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) with Safarjal in his hand and he said “Take it, oh! Talha for it soothes the heart.” (Reference Ibn Ma-jah: 3494: Book No. 29; In English volume no. 4 Book 29, Hadees no 3369).
- Hazrat Jabir Bin Abdullah رضي الله عنه narrates that the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said “Eat Safarjal because it heals cardiac problems & removes heaviness from the chest.” (Reference Kanz al-Ummal: 28258).
- Hazrat Anas Bin Malik رضي الله عنه says that the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said, to eat Safarjal early morning on an empty stomach. (Reference Kanz al-Ummal: 28259).
Bahi Fruit Price in Pakistan
The price of 1kg of bahi fruit in Pakistan is around Rs. 750.
How to Eat Bahi Fruit?
Compared to other fruits, bahi fruit is almost never eaten raw owing to its tough flesh and sour flavor. Therefore, the best way to eat bahi fruit is to cook it. Here are some ways to enjoy bahi fruit:
- Boil it in water along with sugar. You can also add in spices if you want. The fruit can be eaten on its own or added to other dishes like pies and tarts
- You can make quince jam or murabba bahi and spread it on bread. If you don’t want to make it yourself you can purchase it easily in Pakistan
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