4 Health Benefits of Okra for Pregnant Women

Do you have any experience with okra plants? Okra is a flowering plant that is grown for its edible seed pods. It is typically grown in warm, tropical climates such as those found in Africa and South Asia.

According to the International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Okra is also known as Lady Finger.

Read: 5 Types of B Vitamins and Their Benefits for Pregnant Women

Okra comes in two varieties: red and green. Both varieties taste the same, and when cooked, the red one turns green. Although technically classified as a fruit, okra is commonly used in cooking as a vegetable.

Okra also helps to keep many infections and diseases at a certain distance. The vitamins contained in okra help prevent some birth defects in your baby and promote the healthy growth of the Little One while in the womb.

Benefits of Okra During Pregnancy

Reporting from beingparents.com, Moms must include this okra vegetable, especially in the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy because that is when the neural tube develops in the fetus. Taking okra can help the development of this neural tube Moms.

1. Contains Vitamin C

The first benefit of okra for pregnant women is that it contains vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the absorption of iron, which encourages the growth of the Little One in the womb.

Well, vitamin C also according to the journal from Nutrient can increase your  immunity as well as increase the development of skin, bones, and capillaries in babies.

2. High Folate

The next benefit of okra for pregnant women is that it contains folic acid. Not many people know okra as a powerful source of folate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that folate consumption can lower the risk of birth defects in infants. In fact, it improves the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and helps synthesize DNA and red blood cells.

3. Source of Antioxidants

The benefits of okra for pregnant women are furthermore a source of antioxidants. A publication from the Pharmacognosy Review describes the main antioxidants in okra including carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins C and E.

All of them are able to boost the immune system of Moms and the Little One in the womb and therefore can lower the chances of infection and cardiovascular problems.

4. Contains Fiber

The benefits of okra for pregnant women are further rich in fiber. Rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, okra helps reduce constipation during pregnancy which is always a complaint of Moms.

Soluble fiber works to lower blood cholesterol and treats diabetes, and insoluble fiber improves digestion.

Okra Consumption Tips for Pregnant Women

Here are some tips and precautions to incorporate okra into your diet:

Rinse the okra thoroughly before cooking it. This minimizes the risk of infection.

Cook over low heat to prevent loss of nutrients.

Make a delicious finger meal by cutting the vegetables in half, coating them with gram flour, and frying them in oil.

Frying okra, coated in breadcrumbs, is another way to consume okra.

Crush two okra and soak in a glass of water overnight. Consume water the next morning to detoxify and regulate cholesterol levels.

That's an article with information about the benefits of Okra for pregnancy. Okra, like any other vegetable, is a healthy addition to the diet. As with any food or nutrient, it is best to eat it in moderation and as part of a balanced variety of foods.

However, you should also talk to a doctor before taking okra during pregnancy.