What is bael a rich source of?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional studies, bael fruit contains higher concentrations of certain nutrients at different stages of maturity. It is particularly a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, with its exact nutritional profile varying based on the fruit's ripeness and growing conditions.

Quick Summary

Bael fruit is a significant source of vitamins (including riboflavin and vitamin C), dietary fiber, and powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolics. It also provides essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron.

Key Points

Rich in Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Bael is an excellent source of riboflavin, a key nutrient for energy metabolism, and contains more than many other common fruits.
Good Source of Vitamin C and Antioxidants: The fruit provides vitamin C for immune health and is packed with antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and phenolics that combat oxidative stress.
High in Dietary Fiber: With a substantial fiber content, bael fruit supports healthy digestion and can help regulate bowel function depending on its ripeness.
Contains Important Minerals: Bael supplies essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron, which are vital for bone and heart health.
Diverse Phytochemicals: The fruit and its leaves contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and coumarins, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic properties.
Traditional Uses: Bael has long been used in traditional medicine for treating digestive ailments, fever, and managing blood sugar levels.

Bael's Exceptional Nutrient Profile

Bael, scientifically known as Aegle marmelos, is an underutilized fruit with a remarkably rich nutritional composition. While it is a good source of several nutrients, it stands out for its high concentration of specific vitamins, fiber, and antioxidant compounds that contribute significantly to its therapeutic benefits. Its unique profile makes it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

A Superior Source of Riboflavin and Vitamin C

One of the most notable features of bael's nutritional makeup is its high riboflavin (vitamin B2) content. Studies have even concluded that bael contains more riboflavin than many other common fruits. This water-soluble B vitamin is vital for energy production and cellular function. The fruit is also a good source of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports immune function, protects against free radical damage, and is necessary for collagen production. Its ascorbic acid content can vary based on the fruit's maturity, with unripe bael being especially high in vitamin C.

Rich in Digestive-Supporting Fiber

Bael is an excellent source of dietary fiber, with studies reporting concentrations ranging from 2.9% to 4.8% in its pulp. This high fiber content is crucial for promoting healthy digestion and preventing issues such as constipation. The ripe fruit, in particular, acts as a mild laxative, while the unripe fruit, rich in tannins, is used in traditional medicine as an effective remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. This duality highlights the fruit's unique properties for regulating bowel function depending on its maturity.

Potent Antioxidant and Phytochemical Content

Beyond its vitamins and minerals, bael is a powerhouse of phytochemicals that possess potent antioxidant properties. These include flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and coumarins, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress throughout the body. This antioxidant activity is linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases and overall enhanced well-being. Different parts of the bael tree contain a variety of these bioactive compounds, each with unique medicinal values. For example, the presence of marmelosin and auraptene in ripe fruit contributes to its therapeutic effects.

Key Mineral Contributions

Bael is also a source of several important minerals essential for human health. A 100-gram serving provides significant amounts of calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Calcium is critical for bone health, while potassium plays a vital role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular function. Iron is another mineral present in the fruit pulp, which is important for aiding in blood cell formation.

Nutrient Content Comparison: Bael vs. Common Fruits

To better understand bael's rich nutrient profile, here is a comparison of its nutritional content per 100 grams with some popular fruits:


Nutrient	Bael (Aegle marmelos)	Apple	Guava	Mango
Calories	88 kcal	64 kcal	59 kcal	36 kcal
Carbohydrates	31.8-34.5 g	15 g	14 g	15 g
Protein	1.6-1.8 g	0.3 g	2.6 g	0.8 g
Fiber	2.9-4.8 g	2.4 g	5.4 g	1.6 g
Riboflavin (B2)	1.19 mg	0.03 mg	0.04 mg	0.06 mg
Vitamin C	8-60 mg	4.6 mg	228 mg	27.7 mg

This comparison clearly illustrates that bael, while not the highest in every single nutrient, has a more balanced and potent profile than many other fruits, particularly in its high riboflavin and overall calorific value.

The Versatile Therapeutic Potential

The combination of fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals provides bael with a wide range of therapeutic effects. The leaves, in addition to the fruit, are also known for their medicinal properties, including anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory benefits. The fruit is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various conditions, and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been confirmed in modern research. The detoxifying properties of bael are also well-regarded, as it helps cleanse the body and supports the liver and digestive system. For more detailed scientific studies on bael's pharmacological properties, you can visit a source like ScienceDirect.

Conclusion

In summary, bael is a rich source of several key nutrients, making it a valuable functional food. Its most abundant resources are dietary fiber, riboflavin, and a diverse range of powerful antioxidant phytochemicals like flavonoids and phenolics. The fruit's significant content of minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron further enhances its health benefits. Whether consumed ripe for its laxative effects or unripe for its astringent properties, bael fruit offers a potent nutritional punch that supports digestive health, boosts immunity, and protects the body from oxidative stress. Its extensive use in traditional medicine is well-supported by its impressive nutritional profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bael is a particularly rich source of riboflavin (vitamin B2), containing more than many popular fruits. It also provides a good amount of vitamin C, especially when unripe, which supports the immune system.

The high dietary fiber in bael fruit helps regulate bowel movements and can aid in relieving constipation when ripe. The unripe fruit, rich in tannins, has astringent properties that are traditionally used to treat diarrhea.

Bael contains potent antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and coumarins. These compounds help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

Yes, beyond its nutritional value, bael has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic properties due to its various phytochemicals. It is also known for its detoxifying effects on the body.

Yes, bael provides several important minerals. A 100-gram serving typically contains significant amounts of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron, which support overall health.

Yes, bael has distinct effects depending on its ripeness. The ripe fruit acts as a mild laxative to relieve constipation, while the unripe fruit, due to its tannin content, acts as an astringent and is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.

While it may not be the highest in every category, studies indicate that bael's caloric value and riboflavin content per 100 grams are higher than some common fruits like apples, guavas, and mangos, offering a potent nutritional profile.