The Wood Apple, Bael Friot, or Aegle Marmelos, which is its scientific name, is the best fruit that is high in nutrients and so many women prefer having it when they are expecting. The fruit can be consumed in pulp or juice form. Also the fruit is used in many religious rituals and enjoyed by many people.
But eating wood apple during pregnancy is considered safe? This article will give an insight into the nutritional value, benefits, and side effects of wood apple during pregnancy. Read on!
In This Article
- What is Wood Apple?
- Nutritional Facts of Wood Apple
- Is Wood Apple Beneficial for Pregnant Women?
- What Are the Side Effects of Having Wood Apple During Pregnancy?
What is Wood Apple?
Wood apple has a rough texture and a hard brown shell. The flesh of the fruit is meaty, and it contains a great quantity of crisp, white, and little edible seeds. It is a high-fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A-rich fruit, which also aids in maintaining your body’s fluid levels when pregnant. The fruit also has cooling properties and so is preferred during pregnancy.
Nutritional Facts of Wood Apple
Wood apple is rich in many nutrients, which helps the body of a pregnant woman in many ways:
[Read : Health Benefits Of Eating Apples During Pregnancy]
Is Wood Apple Beneficial for Pregnant Women?
Yes, the fruit is considered beneficial during pregnancy. Let us have a look at the major health benefits:
1. Antibacterial Properties
Bael fruit juice contains a wide range of antibacterial properties, and their potent antifungal and antibacterial properties assist in the body’s battle against infection. During pregnancy, a woman’s immune is typically reduced, placing her at risk for several diseases. In this case, drinking wood apple juice or apple juice during pregnancy helps the woman fight infection, keeping both the baby and the mother healthy.
2. Maintains Fluid Balance
During pregnancy, the Bael fruit and its juice can help maintain fluid and electrolyte balances in the body under control. It also includes potassium, which improves nerve impulse transmission and decreases muscular cramps and spasms.
3. Constipation
Bael fruit has a laxative effect, and therefore, it can help relieve constipation.
4. It Aids in Digestion
Indigestion is also a common problem during pregnancy since the digestive system gets progressively strained as the fetus develops in size. Wood apple can help to calm the digestive process due to its high fiber content.
5. Reduces Blood Pressure and Can Cure Asthma
Plant and chemical compounds found in wood apples, such as flavonoids and coumarins, can help cure asthma and reduce blood pressure.
6. Controls Cholesterol
Wood apple can also help with stomach ulcers and keeping blood cholesterol levels in check when pregnant.
7. Beneficial for Skin
Its benefits for the skin are also not left unknown. One can enjoy giving their child soft skin with wood apple consumption because of the anti-bacterial properties.
8. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Blood glucose control is critical for the body’s proper functioning. Fluoride is a significant impact on blood glucose levels. Fluoride in drinking water raises blood glucose tolerance, resulting in high blood sugar levels (Fluoride-induced Hyperglycemia).
The pulp of the wood apple can help reduce hyperglycemia caused by fluoride because it includes substances including saponins, phytosterols, flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid, which are recognized for their capacity to regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, eating the beli fruit can help you control fluoride-induced blood sugar levels.
9. Relieves Thirst
Pregnant women can benefit from drinking wood apple juice as it provides instant energy and prevents dehydration. One can even get rid of weariness by consuming its juice.
[Read : Home Remedies For Gas And Bloating During Pregnancy]
What Are the Side Effects of Having Wood Apple During Pregnancy?
Foods that are beneficial for you at other times may not be as good or even dangerous during pregnancy. Some of the risks of eating a wood apple in pregnancy are as follows:
- The tannins in the bel fruit can cause cancer if consumed over an extended period of time. As a result, you may have a miscarriage.
- You’ll get a lot of gas if you consume too much of this fruit.
- Bloating or stomach pain is possible.
Wood apples that are ripe and ready to eat are nutritious. The scent of ripe fruits can be used to identify them. When compared to raw fruits, the fragrance of ripe fruit is much stronger. If the fruit is still raw, place it in direct sunshine for a day or two. That’s all there is to it; the fruit will mature sufficiently.
Read Also: Custard Apples During Pregnancy : Health Benefits, Simple Recipe
