Health benefits of kalamansi

Rose May Pimentel in Health

Aug 18, 2020 • 3 min Read

According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), kalamansi or also known as Philippine lime, used in Filipino cuisines as sawsawan or as a beverage, is one of the most important fruit crops in the Philippines.

Aside from being a versatile souring ingredient, kalamansi is popular because of its multiple health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, certain antioxidants, potassium, vitamin A, calcium, and a great immune system booster.  Consuming kalamansi is essential especially with the health crisis that we are facing.

The easiest way to consume kalamansi and benefit from it is to make a kalamansi juice, a popular practice in the country. It has a detoxifying ability on the body and unique flavor.

Here are some of the incredible benefits of kalamansi, from Organic Facts, an information website on organic and healthy foods:

1. Controls cholesterol levels

Anecdotal evidence and studies have found that kalamansi can help you lower your cholesterol levels, which is an important step towards weight loss and avoiding metabolic syndrome. It can also help lower your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.

2. Boosts immunity

Packed with vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients, kalamansi has been used in folk medicine as an immune booster for generations. It can stimulate the production of white blood cells and counter the negative effects of free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

3. Lowers acidity

Despite the high levels of citric acid of this fruit, many people drink it as a soothing substance for the stomach. It helps lower levels of inflammation when consumed in moderation, lower your risk of developing ulcers, and protect you from acid reflux disease.

4. Promotes collagen production

Vitamin C is a crucial element in collagen production, which is the compound needed to create every tissue in the body. Kalamansi can deliver a burst of ascorbic acid that will facilitate your body’s ability to grow, as well as repair damage from injury, illness, or surgery.

5. Helps manage diabetes

Research on the blood sugar-moderating effects of kalamansi has shown positive implications for regulating the release of glucose and insulin into the bloodstream, which is excellent news for those with diabetes or those at risk of developing it.

6. Weight loss

This tropical fruit is legendary in folk medicine for its impact on weight loss, it can boost a person’s metabolism and also eliminate many of the toxins in the body that can contribute to fat storage. Many people drink a glass of kalamansi juice every morning to stimulate the body and achieve weight-loss goals.

7. Improves respiratory health

The strong citric acid level in kalamansi juice is considered by many cultures to cut through phlegm and mucus, where infections often live and propagate, while also soothing inflammation in the throat and respiratory tracts.

8. Skincare

Some people use kalamansi on their skin as a natural bleaching agent. In addition to clearing the skin of blemishes or discoloration, it’s also an antioxidant to the skin that will prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging.

9. Detoxifies the body

Known to stimulate urination and flush out waste from the kidneys, kalamansi juice is thought by many cultures to be a powerful detoxifying agent. Moreover, it also strengthens the functioning of your liver, kidneys, and gallbladder to help you eliminate excess toxins in the body.

Indeed, kalamansi may be small in size but it’s big in health benefits. So, go squeeze your kalamansi juice and enjoy a refreshing and healthy drink!

Stay healthy!