Fruits are the best source of all the essential nutrients during pregnancy as they promote overall health for both the baby and the mother. These are the storehouse of all the vitamins including A, C, B, E and so on. Most of the fruits are low in cholesterol, calories, fat, and sodium which makes them the perfect ones to consume during this important stage of life. The wood apple or bael fruit is one such fruit that is considered to be a good fruit to consume during pregnancy. It is sweet and aromatic in nature. Moreover, this fruit is highly known for its medicinal properties alongside eliminating the root cause of those diseases.

In this article:

Nutritional Facts of the Bael Fruit
Benefits of Bael Fruit During Pregnancy
Uses of Bael Fruit
Medicinal Benefits of Bael Fruit
Side Effects of Bael Fruit

A Guide for Consuming Bael Fruit During Pregnancy

Nutritional Facts of the Bael Fruit

Bael is a rich source of vitamins and minerals alongside being famous for its antioxidant and inflammatory properties. Following are the nutritional benefits, it offers:

• Carbohydrates: 31.8 mg
• Fat: 0.3 mg
• Proteins: 1.8 mg
• Vitamin A: 55 mg
• Vitamin C: 60 mg
• Calcium: 85 mg
• Iron: 0.7 mg
• Phosphorus: 50 mg
• Potassium: 600 mg
• Fiber: 2.9 mg
• Energy: 137 kcal

Benefits of Bael Fruit During Pregnancy

Balances Fluid Level Inside the Body

Wood Apple or Bael Fruit is rich in potassium which helps in regulating the fluid levels in the body along with electrolytes. It is very important for pregnant mothers to consume such a diet that balances the fluidity in the body as it allows equal distribution of oxygen to all the essential organs, thus keeping the mother and the baby healthy.

Prevents Constipation

This is one of the major problems during pregnancy and bael fruit helps to cure it. Not only constipation, but it works well on many stomach issues due to its laxative properties which cleanse the intestine. One can add some black pepper and salt in its juice to get the desired results.

Controls Diabetes

A glass of bael juice in the morning can help aid diabetes as well. Laxatives present in it help to keep the blood sugar levels normal. the ‘Feronia gum’ in the trunk and branches reduces the severity of this disease. The enzymes present in this juice help to control the blood sugar by managing the insulin and glucose levels thereby, breaking the glucose into energy.

Improves Digestion

This is a great fruit for digestion as it kills the worms present in the intestine, thereby treating many digestive disorders. The gum-like substance present in its tree’s trunk is commonly used to get relief from diarrhea. Its laxative properties help reduce pain and discomfort during pregnancy. Antifungal and antiparasitic activities of this fruit make it extremely beneficial for health.

Purify the Blood

A glass of bael juice every day mixed with warm water is recommended to purify the blood and removal of toxins. This reduces the pressure on the liver and kidneys and thus, keeps the body healthy, which is essential for both the mother and the baby.

Provides Relief from Respiratory Problems

Leaves of the tree help to aid several mild disorders like cold, sore throat and cough. These also help in loosening phlegm and thereby, enhancing the working of the respiratory system. These respiratory disorders should be kept at check during pregnancy to improve the baby’s health.

Good for Kidneys

Detoxifying power of this fruit help in protecting kidneys from several disorders. It is advised to consume its juice daily for the regular removal of toxins. The body should get free of toxins and waste during pregnancy as this waste is harmful to the mother’s and the baby’s health.

Uses of Bael Fruit

Breast Milk

Bael Juice should be consumed with dry ginger and jaggery by infant mothers as it helps to increase the production of milk.

Breast Cancer

Natural enzymes and laxatives present in the juice help to prevent breast cancer, especially in infant mothers.

Anti-Microbial Properties

Anti-microbial properties of this fruit help to control fungal and viral infections. Cuminaldehyde and eugenol present in it act as natural fighters.

Acts as a Cooler

Bael Juice can be taken with honey to cure acidity and reduce heat and thirst from the body. It acts as an amazing drink for warm summers.

Skin Problems

Its leaves are highly beneficial for pale, itchy and bumpy skin issues. It can either be used topically or the juice can be consumed with cumin in it.

Cholesterol Control

Bael Juice controls triglycerides, serum, and tissue lipid profiles in the blood. Thus, it helps to manage out the blood cholesterol levels.

Protects the Heart

Ripe bael fruit’s juice consumed with a tablespoon of ghee helps to prevent heart stroke and attacks. It can also reduce the blood glucose level by 54%.

Medicinal Benefits of Bael Fruit

• Presence of biochemical substances like alkaloids, antioxidants, and essential oils make it extremely healthy.
• The fleshy part of bael fruit is curative, nutritive plus therapeutic especially during pregnancy.
• Its extract, when used for external application on the exposed area, is highly curative because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Bael’s roots are antidiarrhetic and carry enough healing properties.

Side Effects of Bael Fruit

Regular consumption of this fruit can have the following side-effects:

• It has been evident in showing the resultant low blood sugar levels and stomach upset.
• It contains a substance called ‘aegeline’ which can cause severe liver issues like its failure or injury which might result in death.
• According to research, bael has been shown to disrupt the functioning of cells present in the body as the compounds present in this fruit can cause neurodegeneration which is a progressive degeneration of nerve cells along with several other ill effects.
• Bael fruit should not be taken alongside any medication and before two weeks of any kind of surgery because of its laxative properties.
• Bael fruit should not be given to children below 12 years of age and nursing mothers. It is important to consult a doctor before they consume it.
• The juice should be avoided during Hypertension.
• Excess of bael fruit leads to abdominal disorders.

Bael Fruit can be either be consumed in its ripe form or in the form of juice. It is highly advised to consume the juice during pregnancy. The fruit is fit for consumption during pregnancy as it helps to prevent morning sickness and balancing hemoglobin count. It also helps to avoid conditions like anemia and other blood disorders while also easing out the pain during delivery.

References

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-164/bael

https://community.babycenter.com/post/a59920663/bael_fruits_negative_effect_in_pregnancy