Based upon WHO reports nearly 390 million people suffer from dengue worldwide. It is a mosquito-borne disease that is indeed caused by one of the four types of dengue viruses that have been transmitted through female Aedes aegypti. This health issue is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas; dengue fever is also referred to as dengue hemorrhagic fever. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle, bone, and joint pain, vomiting, nausea, swollen glands, rashes, etc.

No doubt, living in tropical areas and prior to dengue infection can indeed be potentially increasing one’s chances to get such an infection. In case it is not treated on time, dengue fever can indeed lead to complications such as damage to the lungs, liver or heart. Blood pressure can also go down quite a lot and indeed cause much shock. As far as its diagnosis is concerned, doctors to perform a simple blood test to detect the virus or antibodies.

In order to treat dengue, there happens to be no specific medicine that is present. Doctors do basically try to deal with the symptoms. In order to avoid suffering on account of dengue fever, it is important to look for ways to be able to fight against the virus strongly. In order to do such a thing, one’s immune system can indeed help out. One does need to go in for immune boosting foods.

What are the immune boosting foods?

Grapefruit:

This is rich in vitamin C, grapefruit that can potentially increase the production of white blood cells in the body as well as boost one’s immunity.

Broccoli:

It is full of vitamins A, C, E and also various antioxidants that are essential for better immunity.

Garlic:

Due to the presence of sulfur-containing compounds in it, garlic can indeed increase one’s body’s immunity.

Spinach:

This is rich in vitamin C and contains plenty of antioxidants, beta carotene, spinach that can fight against the infections strongly.

Almonds:

Vitamin E present in almonds can make one’s defense system strong.

Papaya:

This fruit can fight against the bacteria as well as viruses that are effective so as it contains vitamin C in plenty and a digestive enzyme referred to as papain.

Thus one can go in for immune boosting foods to protect oneself from dengue fever.

One needs to follow few basic rules to live by when one is trying to eat a clean, nutritious diet: avoid sugar, always opt for whole grains instead of refined carbs, and also try to limit as many food additives as possible by reducing one’s intake of processed foods. But when it comes to whether to ban citric acid or not, things do get a little more complicated.

What is citric acid?

Citric acid is indeed an organic acid found in citric fruits, but it is commonly used as a preservative in packaged foods and drinks, including hummus, wine, and salsa.

The acid is found naturally in vegetables as well as fruits—most notably citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. However, most of the citric acid that is used as a food additive is not derived naturally from produce. Instead, it’s produced in a lab. The citric acid in packaged food has indeed been added for a variety of reasons. It may be added to increase acidity, act as a preservative, or perform as an antioxidant.

Is citric acid bad for you?

The lab-made citric acid has indeed a bad rap because it does come from an unlikely source: black mold, the stuff that does show up in areas where there is a lot of moisture, such as one’s bathroom. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma symptoms, and Immunology, the black mold, in this case, is actually filtered from the final product, thus making it rare that any of it is left in the citric acid that is rather added to food.

Medical experts have indeed responded to these concerns and have also acknowledged that rare reports of citric sensitivity do exist in medical literature, but it is also unlikely that the sensitivity is caused by mold.

So, at least mold allergies from eating artificial citric acid does not seem like anything to really worry about—but are there any other health issues that do to take note of? Surprisingly, researchers have rather found proof that it will negatively impact one’s health.

As far as the citric acid that comes from fruits and veggies, it can actually be quite beneficial due to its antioxidant status. Citric acid that happens to be found naturally can act as an antioxidant, which does help fight disease.

In fact, some research suggests that citric acid, which can be found in tea, can indeed kill harmful bacteria and may be made use to treat body surface infections, which are rather common in older people, people with diabetes, and smokers.

One needs to watch the intake of citric acid. In fact, consuming citric acid in excess can put one at risk for tooth erosion. As of now citric acid—even the kind made from mold—does not seem to be anything one should go to extreme measures to avoid. Until there is definitive proof it should be kept off one’s plate, and one can keep enjoying one’s hummus as well as carrots but maybe also try to focus on keeping some of the most well-known harmful additives such as high fructose corn syrup as well as MSG—out of one’s diet instead.

The question that arises in one’s mind is wood apple good for pregnancy? It is but obvious that wood apple has several benefits which are beneficial to pregnant women. One can plan to consume wood apple on account of its benefits.

What are the health benefits of wood apple for pregnant women?

1. Balances the Level of Fluids in the Body

Wood apple does contain potassium benefits which is essential for balancing the level of fluids in one’s body. During pregnancy, it is essential to keep the level of fluids as well as electrolytes in the mother’s body under control. Since the blood volume does expand during this time, electrolytes do become essential for one’s body. Potassium also does help send nerve impulses, and in the event of muscle contraction, potassium also does prevent cramps in the body.

2. Aids in Digestion

Another common problem that does crop up during pregnancy is indigestion. As the fetus does grow up in size, it gradually begins to exert pressure on the digestive system, leading to a number of problems with digestion on a regular basis. Intake of wood apple can help in the process of digestion as the fiber content of the fruit is especially effective in the regard.

3. Fights Constipation

Constipation is also a very common symptom that is observed during pregnancy. The laxative property of bael fruit or wood apple essentially does help the pregnant mother by curing constipation to a large extent.

4. Fights infections

The extracts of wood apple are indeed highly antimicrobial. Its strong antifungal as well as antibacterial properties to help fight against infections in one’s body. During pregnancy, the mother often does suffer from a lack of immunity which does lead to several infections that are harmful to both the baby as well as the mother. Therefore, intake of bael juice in pregnancy does help the mother fight with several infections.

Side Effects of Having Wood Apple in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is indeed a very crucial period of one’s life, and surprisingly foods that are beneficial during the normal time are often considered to be risky during pregnancy, as it might pose a threat to the mother and also to the baby. Some of the risks involved in the case of intake of wood apple during pregnancy are as follows:

The wood apple fruit contains tannins which do have a carcinogenic effect when indeed made use of for a long period of time and may lead to miscarriages in pregnant women.

Consuming large amounts of this fruit can also affect the digestive system leading to the formation of gas, bloating, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

There is a lot of debate over whether it is indeed safe to consume wood apple during pregnancy. In spite of its many benefits, some evidence has also indeed shown how it can be risky to consume it while carrying a baby. It is, therefore, much safer to consult a doctor before consumption of bael juice in pregnancy.