6 Surprising Health Benefits of Drinking Calamansi Juice

Have you ever thought about how a tiny citrus fruit may be so kicky with flavours and health properties?

Or how a light drink may be a stimulant to your immunity and digestion, and an awakening to you in a new sense you did not think of before? 

Enter calamansi juice. More common in Southeast Asia, this fruit juice is now storming the world with its unmatched health benefits. And not only a delicious savoury drink but also a provider of vitamin C and antioxidants, and a detoxifying agent, this little powerhouse fruit can be called a great option. 

If you want to look healthy, hydrate your body, improve the condition of your skin, and feel more energetic, calamansi juice may become your ideal health supplement.

Hence, continue reading to see why you need to add this little fruit juice to your daily life and witness how it can change your health.

About Calamansi

Calamansi is also called Philippine lime or calamondin. It is a small, flavourful fruit with a green or orange-colored skin depending on the level of its ripeness.

This is about the size of a marble, with a tart flavor that is crisply fresh, a combination of lime, lemon, and a hint of orange. 

It is indigenous to Southeast Asia (Philippines), and thus it is found to grow under a tropical climate. It is widely used in local foods, marinades, sauces, sweet dishes, and beverages.

Calamansi juice is refreshing and tangy, zesty, and somewhat sweet, making it a perfect natural refresher. It is also very healthy, and every individual should consider incorporating it into their diet as a refreshing drink.

Nutrient Profile of Calamansi Juice

Calamansi juice has the following nutrients in about a 100 g serving: ^[1]

Health Benefits of Calamansi Juice

It is time to explore the health benefits of calamansi juice, which are primarily attributed to its exceptional nutrient profile.

#1 Strengthening the Immune System

Regarding food that strengthens your immune system, calamansi juice can be described as a potent vitamin C  powerhouse. The nutrient may play a vital role in the activation of white blood cell production, which is crucial in combating infections and diseases. 

Calamansi juice is used to strengthen your body’s defence mechanism and thus manage common colds and other viral diseases.^[2]

In addition, the antioxidants contained in calamansi fruit juice neutralise the harmful free radicals that result in oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby boosting the entire immune system.^[3]

#2 Improving Respiratory Health with Calamansi Juice

The presence of citric acid in calamansi juice can be considered a natural solution to respiratory problems. It can also be used as an expectorant by liquefying and loosening the mucus in the airways, and it is acidic.

The citric acid in calamansi juice may help loosen the mucus that can be readily expelled from the body, thereby clearing congestion and improving the breathing process. ^[4]

This can be especially beneficial to those persons who have colds or coughs.

It may also enhance the immune system, as the increased amount of vitamin C enables the body to combat respiratory infections more easily. 

The juice of calamansi, even when taken regularly, may help manage congestion and ease breathing, making it a more natural remedy that serves to comfort the respiratory system.^[5]

#3 Promoting Weight Management with Calamansi Juice

Calamansi juice is a low-calorie drink abundant in vitamin C, which is beneficial in managing weight.

It may contribute to weight management by maintaining satiety levels, thanks to the good amount of vitamin C it contains when consumed as part of a healthy eating and exercise regimen.^{[6]  [7]}     

Furthermore, the intrinsic sourness of the juice may induce satiety, hence managing the urge to eat and reducing the total caloric intake in general.^[8]

#4 Promoting Natural Detox with Calamansi Juice

Calamansi juice may support the body’s natural detoxification process, helping to eliminate toxins while promoting healthy digestion.

It contains a high amount of vitamin C and is a potent antioxidant that may neutralise harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.^[9]

Moreover, the innate citrus in calamansi juice may promote breakdown of lipids, thereby improving fat digestion & absorption.^[10]

Frequent use can also help as calamansi is a rich source of vitamin C, which can help eliminate toxins & maintain healthy kidneys.^[11]

Although the properties suggest that these can be part of the detoxification process, a healthy diet and the guidance of a doctor should not be overlooked.

#5 Managing Cholesterol Levels with Calamansi Juice

Pectin, a soluble fibre that has been proven to help manage the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body, is also present in calamansi juice.

It may also be used to support a healthy heart by reducing LDL cholesterol and helping to avoid the risk of developing heart disease. ^{[12] [13]}

The pectin supplement does so by binding with the cholesterol present in the digestive system, thus not letting it get into the blood.

When used in conjunction with other heart-healthy lifestyle behaviours, this natural approach may help individuals achieve improved cardiovascular health and overall well-being throughout their lifetime.

#6 Fighting Free Radicals with Calamansi Juice

Calamansi juice is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids as well as vitamin C, which may assist the body in combating the effects of free radicals that are detrimental to the organs.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress, lead to cellular destruction, and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases.

The antioxidants in calamansi can stabilise these free radicals, and their ability to reduce inflammation can improve immunity and overall health. ^[14]  

Hence, calamansi juice may help manage the ageing process, boost the immune system, and manage the risk of diseases, thus becoming an effective, natural, and rich in antioxidants drink.

How to Make Calamansi Juice

Ingredients:

• 10-12 fresh calamansi fruits
• 2-3 tablespoons of honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups of cold water (or as needed)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Serving Size: 2-3 people

Time Required: 10 minutes

Method:

1.    Squeeze half the calamansi fruits into a bowl, removing the seeds. It can also be extracted with the help of a citrus juicer more easily.

2. Add 1/2 -1 teaspoon of honey to the calamansi juice to adjust the sweetness to your taste. Mix thoroughly      

3.   Pour in about 2 cups of cold water into the mixture. You have absolute liberty to regulate the quantity of water, in proportion to the strength or the delicacy with which you choose the flavour.

4.   Take the juice in a glass and put ice cubes to have an extra refreshment. Mix and drink your calamansi juice!

This is a tasty and tangy drink that is best prepared on hot days or to supplement vitamin C intake throughout the year.

Bottom Line

With its nutrient-rich profile, including vitamin C and antioxidants, calamansi juice is packed with benefits such as immune-boosting properties, improved digestion, and enhanced skin health.

Being versatile and refreshing, it is easy to incorporate into your everyday routine. 

Whether you want to support your heart, manage weight, or boost your respiratory system, calamansi juice helps your body naturally and holistically.

Nevertheless, although it is a healthy beverage, one should bear in mind that a balanced diet is also a very important factor in overall health. 

Your daily meals should incorporate a range of nutrient-rich foods.

Just like any other form of diet, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider to determine whether it suits your health conditions and whether you are taking any medications, to achieve optimal health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions