What are the benefits of the fruit Bahi?

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

With more than a quarter of the global supply produced in Turkey, the ancient bahi fruit, or quince, is gaining recognition for its powerful health-promoting properties. This pear-shaped fruit, often enjoyed cooked or as a preserve, is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The benefits of the fruit Bahi range from boosting immunity to supporting heart and digestive health.

Quick Summary

The bahi fruit, also known as quince, is a nutrient-dense fruit rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. It offers significant benefits for digestive health, cardiovascular function, and the immune system. Additionally, both the fruit and its seeds have been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including respiratory issues and skin conditions.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Bahi fruit is packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, which protect the body from cell damage.
Digestive Health: High in dietary fiber and pectin, bahi fruit promotes regular bowel movements, soothes digestive issues, and relieves symptoms of GERD and colitis.
Heart Support: The fruit contains potassium and potent antioxidants that help lower blood cholesterol and regulate blood pressure, benefiting cardiovascular health.
Immunity Boost: Its rich vitamin C content strengthens the immune system and has antibacterial properties that help fight infections.
Traditional Uses: Traditionally, quince seeds (bahi dana) and leaves have been used for treating respiratory issues like coughs, sore throats, and asthma.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The fruit's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
Skin Benefits: Thanks to its antioxidants and vitamins, bahi fruit can protect the skin from damage and reduce inflammation.
Pregnancy Support: Some studies suggest that quince syrup can help relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Nutritional Profile of Bahi Fruit

The bahi fruit, or quince ($Cydonia oblonga$), is a golden-yellow, pear-shaped fruit related to apples and pears. Although most varieties are too astringent to be eaten raw, its cooked preparations, such as jams and preserves, reveal a complex, delicious flavor. A typical 100-gram serving offers essential nutrients that contribute to overall health.

Vitamins and Minerals

The nutritional content of bahi fruit includes significant amounts of:

Vitamin C: Provides robust antioxidant support and helps bolster the immune system.
Dietary Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation.
Potassium: Supports cardiovascular health by helping regulate blood pressure.
Copper: Essential for red blood cell formation and connective tissues.
Iron: Important for blood cell formation and overall vitality.

The Benefits of the Fruit Bahi for Digestive Health

Bahi fruit is particularly renowned for its positive impact on the digestive system. Its high dietary fiber content is key to this benefit, acting as a prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and promoting regular bowel movements. The fruit has been traditionally used to soothe a variety of digestive issues.

Supporting a Healthy Gut

Anti-inflammatory Properties: The phenolic compounds in bahi fruit possess anti-inflammatory effects that can help calm irritated gastrointestinal tracts. This makes it beneficial for managing symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis.
Treating Digestive Ailments: Traditionally, quince has been used to treat both diarrhea and constipation. Its seeds, known as bahi dana, release a mucilage when soaked in water, which acts as a gentle bulk-forming laxative.
Relieving Acid Reflux: Studies on quince-based syrups have shown a positive effect on alleviating symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), even in children and pregnant women.

Cardiovascular and Immune System Support

Beyond digestive health, the antioxidant and mineral content of bahi fruit provides substantial benefits for the heart and immune system. Regular consumption can help protect the body against chronic diseases and strengthen its defenses against infections.

Heart Health Advantages

Reduced Cholesterol: Pectin, a soluble fiber found in quince, is known to help lower cholesterol levels. This action, combined with its high potassium and antioxidant content, significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.
Blood Pressure Regulation: The fruit's potassium content is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and lowering the risk of stroke.
Protection from Oxidative Stress: The high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids act as powerful antioxidants, protecting the cardiovascular system from damage caused by free radicals.

Boosting Immunity

Rich in Vitamin C: Bahi fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, which plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system by supporting the production of white blood cells.
Antibacterial Properties: Research has demonstrated that quince extracts can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori, which can cause stomach ulcers.
Anti-Allergic Effects: Preparations containing bahi fruit extract, sometimes combined with lemon juice, have been used to help treat allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Comparison: Bahi Fruit vs. Other Common Fruits


Feature	Bahi (Quince)	Apple	Pear
Best Eaten	Cooked or as preserves due to astringency.	Raw or cooked.	Raw or cooked.
Flavor Profile	Tart, aromatic, with notes of apple, pear, and citrus.	Sweet, crisp, with a milder aroma.	Sweet, juicy, and less firm than quince.
Antioxidant Content	High levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C.	Good source, but generally lower than quince.	Good source, but generally lower than quince.
Pectin Content	Very high, especially in unripe fruit, making it ideal for jellies.	High, but lower than quince.	Lower than both quince and apple.

Conclusion

The bahi fruit, known globally as quince, is far more than just an aromatic fruit for making jams. Its robust nutritional profile, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and key minerals, provides a wide array of health benefits. From powerful support for digestive and heart health to significant immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects, this fruit deserves a prominent place in a healthy diet. Its versatility in cooked form makes it a delicious and healthful addition to various recipes, allowing you to reap the benefits of this ancient gem.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any dietary or health changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fruit Bahi is most commonly known as quince in English. Its scientific name is $Cydonia oblonga$.

Due to its natural tartness and firm texture, bahi fruit is typically not eaten raw. It is best enjoyed cooked, in preparations such as jams, jellies, compotes, or preserves, where its flavor sweetens and intensifies.

Yes, bahi seeds, or bahi dana, are highly beneficial. When soaked in water, they release a mucilage that can be used to treat coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues like constipation.

Yes, bahi fruit can aid in weight loss. It is a low-calorie, high-fiber fruit that promotes a feeling of fullness, which helps reduce overall calorie intake.

The high potassium and antioxidant content of bahi fruit supports heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, which can decrease the risk of heart disease.

Bahi fruit is generally safe when cooked. However, consuming large quantities of the raw seeds is not recommended, as they contain nitriles that can be toxic. Also, raw, uncooked quince can irritate a sensitive stomach.

The fruit's rich vitamin C and antioxidant content helps protect the skin from damage. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can assist in reducing skin irritation and redness.