Interesting Health Facts On Buddhas Hand Fruit

Buddha’s hand fruit is Scientifically named as ” Citrus medica “or ” Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis “.
Buddha’s hand is a shrub of the Rutaceae family. It belongs to the same family as pomelo and mandarins

Origin Of Buddha’s hand Fruit
Buddha’s hand originates in the lower Himalayas and it comes from China to northeast India, as well as parts of the west coast of North America. It grows best in inland valleys such as Southern California.

Why it Called as Buddha’s hand Fruit
Plant is brought to China from India by Buddhist monks and cultivated in ancient China near the Yangtze Valley.
Buddha’s hand, refers to the similarity of the fruit’s shape to that of a praying hand thats why it is often given as a spiritual gift in Buddhist communities as a token representing luck and prosperity.

Other Names Of Buddha’s hand Fruit
The Chinese name ” Fo Shou ” sounds like “ fortune ” (fo) and “ longevity ” (shou)! Also known as the “ Fingered Citron ”, “ Bushukan ” in Japan, limau jari, jeruk tangan, limau kerat lingtang, in Malaya; djerook tangan in Indonesia; som-mu in Thailand; phât thu in Vietnam.

Appearance Of Buddha’s hand Fruit

1. Buddha’s Hand citron widely varies in size, shape and appearance, depending on growing conditions and specific type.
2. The Buddha’s Hand fruit begins small with an oval to oblong shape and is a purple-brown hue.
3. Buddha’s Hand fruits can weigh up to 1 kg and measure more than 20 cm in length.
4. The rind of the citron is textured, bumpy, and covered in small oil glands that release an aromatic scent reminiscent of lemon and lavender.
5. The rind also has a bitter-sweet, flesh is generally void of juice, seeds and pulp and only contains a thick and spongy, white pith that bears a sweet flavor.

Tastes Of Buddha’s hand Fruit

Buddha’s hand fruit is as zesty in flavor as lemons are. It is also a bit like oranges.

Varieties Of Buddha’s hand Fruit
There are over twelve sub varieties of Buddha’s Hand grown in Asia with varying shapes, sizes, and open or closed fingers
Although considered a single variety in the United States, in China, fingered citron has been classified into many varieties and subvarieties, such as ‘Chuan’, ‘Guang’, and ‘Yun’,

Nutritional Content Of Buddha’s hand Fruit
Serving Size: 100 g (about 3.5 ounces)

• Calories 29
• Total Fat 0.3
• Total Carbs. 9.3 g
• Fiber 4 g
• Total Sugars 2.5g
• Protein 1.1 g
• Calcium 36 mg
• Phosphorus 16mg
• Iron 0.55mg
• Vitamin A 0.01 mg
• Thiamine (B1) 0.5 mg
• Riboflavin (B2) 0.3 mg
• Niacin (B3) 0.13 mg
• Vitamin C 368 mg

Interesting Health Facts On Buddhas Hand Fruit

Anti- Inflammatory
Mostly Buddha’s hand fruit used to heal pains in arthritis patients and prevent the release of histamine on cells that can trigger inflammation. Buddha’s hand fruit named for its Aromatic organic compounds like coumarin, limonin, diosmin and bergapten. These are considered as anti-inflammatory agent that act as pain relieving substance in the fruit and help in reducing swelling and inflammation caused due to cuts, surgeries, bruises, wounds and sprain.

Cures Respiratory Systems
Buddha’s hand contains Vitamin A ,Riboflavin ,Thiamine ,Calcium ,Vitamin C helps to clear cough and phlegm from the pharynx.mild alcoholic compounds which acts as an  good solution for treating respiratory diseases such as asthma.Drinking Soaked Buddha’s hand fruit in a bowl of water with some sugar to get maximum relief from breathing discomfort.

Promotes Skin health  The Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2)  ,Niacin (B3) antioxidants found in Buddha’s hand fruit provide healthy glowing skin and reduce the signs of aging.vitamin E ,vitamin C present in the fruit is necessary for healthy skin that improve damaged skin and keeps the epidermis fully moisturized by preventing water loss.

Helps Stomach Problems
Buddha’s hand contain good anti-inflammatory property that act as ancient remedy that used to treat menstrual cramps, mood swings and bleeding. Its antioxidant and inflammation relieving properties are beneficial in calming muscles of the lower abdomen and reduces pain.

Boots Immunity
368mg of Vitamin C found in 100 gm of Buddha’s hand fruit help to fight infections and protects the body from microbial attack and improves body immunity against infections like cold and flu. Buddha’s hand is a great immunity booster contains chemical composition such as polysaccharide  that enhances microbe scavenging activity of macrophages.

Promotes Digestion
Thiamine (B1) ,Riboflavin (B2) ,Niacin (B3)  nutrients helps to reduce inflammation in the stomach lining and intestine.These provide a good anti-inflammatory property that relieves pain, cramps,ease food flow through colon,increase nutrient absorption in the intestine and treats diarrhea.Regular intake of fruit may reduce  constipation and maintain proper digestion.

Maintains Heart Function
Buddha’s hand fruit contains pectin,vitamin A and Vitamin C  that help to dilate the blood vessels and ease blood flow which reduces blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels. Vasodilatation significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis. Buddha’s hand contains pectin which considerably reduces blood cholesterol levels.

Anti- Cancer Properties
Buddha’s hand hold a important compound such as limonin which help in anti-cancerous property that fight against breast cancer and colorectal tumors.Buddha’s hand is rich in vitamin C content that acts as good antioxidant property help in reducing free radicals and prevents oxidative damage of cells and tissues, reduces the risk of cancer.

Enhance Good Moods
 Vitamin E and Vitamin C present in Buddha’s hand relax the blood vessels which aids sleep and stimulate serotonin production which improves mood, relaxation, and overall mental health. Daily intake of this fruit orally or applying their extract to skin will help you get a good night’s sleep every day.

Effective Cleaner and Antibacterial
This Fruit hold a good antifungal and antibacterial properties, citronella can help clean any home surface without the need for harsh chemicals. Because of its compounds, including methyl isoeugenol, it’s effective for reducing food-born pathogens and even dangerous bacteria.

Skin Care
Buddha’s hand oil enhances fast  recovery from wound, since it is a antifungal and antibacterial agent that clean pores, making it beneficial for acne removing.