Falsa, also known as Grewia Asiatica, is one of the favorite summer fruits in Pakistan. With a reddish-purple color and has a small, round shape, similar to blueberries. Falsa has a sweet and sour flavor, and people usually eat them raw or consume it in the form of juices.
Native to the sub-continent, the Grewia Asiatica tree is grown in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, and Columbia. It is difficult to transport as it is highly perishable – hence it is not available globally.
Falsa has a cooling effect which can help prevent heatstroke during summers by maintaining body temperature. It is also high in nutrition which makes it useful for your health. It may aid in preventing diseases and be beneficial for your overall health.
Table of Contents
15 Health Benefits Of Falsa You Should Know!
1. May Relieve Joint Pain
Falsa is high in antioxidants from which it gets its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the leading cause of joint pain, and falsa helps relieve inflammation, hence lessening joint pain. Moreover, it is also a good source of calcium which makes it beneficial for your bones. It also helps manage symptoms of serious bone diseases like arthritis.
2. Beneficial For Your Stomach
Falsa can act as a remedy if you suffer from stomach issues often. It aids digestion and helps with the smooth functioning of the digestive system. It can work wonders for people who suffer from heartburn often.
3. Good For Your Heart
The vitamins and minerals in falsa can be favorable for your heart. It lowers your blood pressure as it has a low glycemic index, which may prevent stroke or heart disease. Antioxidants in this fruit may also help purify the blood.
4. May Treat Anemia
Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia. Falsa is rich in iron and can help cure anemia. Anemia is common in pregnant ladies, and falsa can benefit them. Consult a nutritionist to discuss how much falsa is okay for you to consume in a day, especially if you are pregnant.
5. Beneficial For Respiratory Health
The various minerals and vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, iron, magnesium, and calcium can help improve your respiratory system. People with respiratory disorders, such as cold, flu, asthma, and sore throat, may consume falsa or falsa juice to reap its benefits.
6. Prevents Cancer
Antioxidants present in falsa fruit have many advantages. One such benefit is that it prevents free radicals from damaging your cells, consequently preventing cancer. Moreover, it also hinders the growth of cancer cells.
7. Cooling Effect
Falsa is the perfect fruit to cool your body in the sweltering summer heat. Drinking falsa juice daily in the summers can decrease your body temperature. It is also a useful remedy for the prevention of heatstroke.
8. Helps With Diabetes
A Glycemic index is a number that shows how quickly a type of food turns into glucose. Falsa has a low glycemic index, due to which it does not cause unnecessary spikes in your blood sugar level. It can control the blood glucose metabolism that aids in preventing diabetes
9. Guilt-Free Snack
It has several nutrients essential for your body, and you can get them through falsas. Moreover, diabetic patients can consume this fruit to satisfy their sweet tooth without feeling guilty. Consuming it does not increase blood sugar as many other fruits, such as dried fruit, mango, etc.
10. Aids Muscle Health
Adding falsa to your summer diet plan can make your muscles strong. It strengthens the muscles and may also improve muscle function due to the potassium and protein in the falsa.
11. Lowers Fever
Due to the natural cooling effect in the falsa fruit, it can lower your body temperature. It can be a helpful remedy for fever as it has antipyretic properties which help reduce body heat. Malaria patients may also benefit from falsa due to its body temperature-reducing qualities.
12. Source Of Energy
Falsa has a high sodium content making it a great choice to balance your electrolytes. It also provides essential ions necessary for the smooth functioning of enzymes in the body. Balance in electrolytes can boost your energy level. Similarly, protein in falsa may also help you feel more energetic.
13. Good For Your Skin And Hair
Antioxidants in falsa, specifically anthocyanins, protect collagen. Collagen helps keep your skin tight, fresh, and young. It also has anti-fungal properties that may prevent fungal infections of the skin and manage hair problems such as dandruff. Additionally, falsa is also a source of Vitamin C that prevents fine line, boosts collagen, and protects cells from free radicals. You can use falsa in organic face scrubs and masks made at home.
14. Fights Respiratory Problems
The valuable nutrients in a falsa, such as magnesium, iron, phosphorus, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C can combat respiratory issues such as cough, asthma, bronchitis, etc. They help strengthen the lungs and fight infections. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of falsa can help relieve the lungs and symptoms of respiratory illnesses.
15. Treats Urination Issues
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, falsa improves the urine flow. It may also be beneficial in treating burning in the urine and gall bladder issues. It also assists in improving blood circulation and preventing clogging of any blood vessels.
Nutritional Value Of Falsa
The nutritional value of a 100 grams of falsa is given below:
| Nutritional Value of Falsa (100g)* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 72 |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 21g |
| Dietary fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 17mg |
| Potassium | 372mg |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Vitamin A | 37% |
| Vitamin C | 24% |
| Calcium | 13% |
| Iron | 8% |
*Percentage values are based on a 2000 calorie daily diet
Consuming Falsa
- It is usually eaten with seeds which provide a crunch to your bite.
- Most people sprinkle falsa with black salt before consuming it, as it enhances the taste of falsa.
- Squeezing or blending falsa and mixing it with water, black salt, sugar, and ice is the perfect recipe for delicious falsa juice.
- It can also be used in juices, smoothies, and salads.
Other uses of falsa fruit and its tree
a. Popular Use In Herbal Medicine
Falsa is known for its use in traditional medicine. It is used as an anti-inflammatory for burning in the eyes, urine, or chest. Falsa juice with carom seeds can ease stomach pain. Moreover, mixing it with rose water and sugar may cure nausea and vomiting. Falsa juice with salt is also used in folk medicine to treat respiratory issues.
b. Bark Uses
You can make ropes and baskets from the bark of falsa trees. It is also used as a soap substitute in some places. The root bark of the falsa tree can aid in treating urinary tract issues and rheumatism. The stem bark of the falsa tree can be used in refining sugar.
c. Tree Leave Uses
Tree leaves from the falsa tree have antibacterial and antibiotic properties. They can be used to ease pain and burning in wounds and promote healing. They can also help treat a rash.
Side Effects Of Falsa
Falsa has a plethora of benefits for your health, and it is a refreshing food, yet consuming too much falsa may have adverse effects. If you are a diabetic patient or on a diet, do not add sugar to your falsa juice. Consume a moderate amount of falsa to maximize its health benefits.
Falsa In English
Falsa in English is known as “Indian Sherbet Berry.” It is a small round-shaped fruit having a sweet-sour taste. Falsa is consumed throughout the summers in Pakistan. Moreover, falsa juice is also quite popular, as it is a natural thirst quencher and cools down the body in hot weather.
Conclusion
Falsa fruit, also known as phalsa, Grewia astacia, and falsa is native to India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Cambodia. It is grown in the summers.
You can eat it raw or make juice from it. It is advantageous in preventing diseases and improves the functioning of organs, such as muscles and the heart. Consuming it in moderate amounts can be great for your health, provide you with beneficial nutrients, and combat heat.
