Wood apple, otherwise known as bel fruit has been consumed for thousands of years due to its health benefits. It has been used in India especially since 2000 BC for both rituals and as a cure for health problems. While it does have a lot of health benefits, it is not necessarily advisable to consume during pregnancy. This article will explore the health benefits and side effects of consuming the wood apple during pregnancy.
What is Wood Apple or Bael Fruit
The wood apple, scientifically known as, Aegle marmelos, comes in a hard brown shell and possesses a rough exterior. The fruit has a mealy texture and the pulp contains many crunchy, white, and small seeds that are edible. The wood apple is rich in nutrients. Just a 100 gram serving of wood apple has:
- Carbohydrate – 31.8 g
- Protein – 1.8 g
- Fiber – 2.9 g
- Potassium – 600 mg
- Vitamin C – 8 mg
- Calcium – 85 mg
- Iron – 0.7 mg
- Phosphorus – 50 mg
Health Benefits of Wood Apple
All of these vitamins and minerals provide some spectacular health benefits for the body:
1. Balances Fluid Levels in the Body
Wood apple is rich in potassium which is the key to regulating fluid levels in the body. Regulating your fluid levels and electrolytes is very important for people and especially important for pregnant mothers.
2. Aids in Digestion
Bel fruits also have a pretty high fiber content, which is necessary to prevent indigestion and ensure a smooth digestive process.
3. Fights Infections
Wood apple extract has natural antimicrobial properties and antifungal properties. This makes this fruit primo for aiding your immune system.
Side Effects of Consuming Wood Apple During Pregnancy
Foods that are beneficial for you at normal times may not be as beneficial during pregnancy, they can even turn harmful. Some of the associated risks of consuming wood apple during pregnancy are:
- Bel fruit possesses tannins that have a carcinogenic effects when utilized over the course of a long period of time. This can result in miscarriages.
- Eating too much of this fruit can result in pretty strong gas. You may experience bloating or gastrointestinal comfort.
