Lady’s finger or okra is a delicious vegetable used widely in many cuisines in various parts of the world. If you enjoy eating okra, then we have good news for you. This tasty veggie is loaded with fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Naturally, it has diverse uses in traditional medicine. But did you know that okra is an excellent vegetable to be eaten during pregnancy? Yes, okra water for pregnancy has amazing benefits, which we have shared elaborately in this article.
So, scroll down if you are a would-be-mommy to find out how why and how you can use okra during your pregnancy for the best results.
Okra nutritional benefits
Have you ever wondered why lady’s fingers are so slimy? It’s because of the presence of polysaccharides, which have multiple beneficial properties:
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Okra is an incredible source of iron.
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It is high in insoluble fiber.
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It has antioxidants, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
- Even folic acid is present in okra.
Steps to Prepare Okra Water for Pregnant Women
Okra water is a nutrient-rich beverage that has recently gained popularity in social media for its amazing health benefits.
To prepare okra water, you have to clean okra properly to get rid of pesticides and dirt. Then slice the okra and dip the pieces in water. Once you submerge the okra in water, you have to keep it in the fridge for a few hours. After that, strain out the okra and your okra water will be ready. Drinking it on an empty stomach in the morning will be good for you and your baby.
If you look at the water, you will realize that it has become slimy and thick. Why is okra water’s texture not like plain water? That’s because the white seeds of okra have mucilage which is a gooey liquid. Mucilage is composed of minerals, protein, and polysaccharides. Now let’s see how this slimy nature of okra can benefit a pregnant woman.
Reasons to Drink Okra Water
Who would have guessed that something as inexpensive and easily available as okra can be a powerhouse of nutrients? Read along to know enlighten yourself the numerous benefits of consuming okra water.
1. Develops the baby’s spine and brain
Okra contains folate and adequate intake of folic acid is a must during pregnancy. Folate is necessary for the development of the baby’s spine and brain. If enough folate is not present in the baby’s food, the fetus may have neural tube defects.
Okra can keep such birth defects at bay as you will around 15% of your folate requirement can be derived from one cup okra water.
2. Improves gut health
As the fetus grows, the enlarging uterus exerts a lot of pressure on the intestine and the rectum. The body also undergoes many hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy. All these can cause various gastrointestinal issues like bloating, heart burn, constipation, and vomiting.
Okra can provide relief from digestive issues during pregnancy as it has soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. You can also exercise daily and drink water frequently to resolve digestive problems.
3. Helps in weight management
While gaining some weight during pregnancy is good for the baby, excessive weight gain can have many adverse effects on the mother like gestational hypertension, sleep apnea, blood clots, and infections. When the mother is overweight, the baby can also become obese during motherhood and childhood.
Again, okra water may be used to prevent weight gain as it will keep your tummy full for a long time. So, when okra is part of your balanced diet, you won’t feel too tempted to have sugary beverages and junk food now and then.
4. Ensures a smooth delivery
Many sources claim that okra helps with normal delivery. As it is slimy, it creates a slippery environment. Hence, if you add okra to your diet during the third trimester, it will make vaginal birth less challenging.
Although this hasn’t been scientifically tested, many indigenous cultures have been relying on okra water for ages to ease childbirth.
The Bottom Line
So, okra is one of those veggies that are high in nutrients and fiber. From aiding digestion to regulating blood sugar – okra will help prevent several complications during your motherhood journey.
Just remember that to utilize its nutritional value completely, drinking fresh okra water is the best solution for pregnant people. You can also continue to enjoy your favorite okra recipes.
References:
All our articles contain reliable information as we take references from resources published by reputed institutions.
