Vitamin C is also essential for fetal development. The vitamin helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida and helps the baby to grow sufficiently. Okra Promotes a Healthy Pregnancy – An extremely important B vitamin for producing and maintaining new cells, folate is an essential compound for optimal pregnancy. The other beneficial form is K2 K3 is synthetic and should be avoided.Īs mentioned, Okra is rich in numerous vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are responsible for the health benefits the plant has to offer. The vitamin K found in okra is known as vitamin K1, one of two beneficial forms. Each figure is based on 1 cup (100g) of okra. Here are some prominent vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients found in okra that deserve some spotlight. While the “amount of nutrition” from okra varies based on how it's consumed (pods, grams, etc), some of the key substances in the vegetable remain the same. Further, okra is known for harnessing a superior fiber, which helps with digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps to control the rate at which sugar is absorbed. Like the kiwi fruit (okra actually shares many kiwi fruit benefits), okra is known for its high vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate content,(although not quite as high as kiwi). But still today, many are enjoying both okra health benefits and the vegetable's edible delight. Once loved by the Egyptians and still used in many dishes today (such as the infamous gumbo dish), this pod-producing, tropical vegetable dates back over 3500 years ago. Therefore okra should be consumed in optimum quantities.Also referred to as lady's finger and gumbo, Okra is a nutritional powerhouse used throughout history for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Moreover, okra is rich in oxalates which may bind with existing gall and kidney stones and cause them to deteriorate. Fructans can cause diarrhea, gas, cramping, and bloating in people with existing bowel problems. Gastrointestinal problems: Okra contains fructans, which is a type of carbohydrate. 100 Grams of Raw Okra NutritionĮating too much okra can adversely affect some people. Folate helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which can affect the brain and spine of developing fetuses.
One cup of okra has 15% of the daily value of folate, a helpful nutrient for pregnant women. More evidence is needed to confirm that okra helps control blood sugar levels in humans. In one study, rats who were given purified okra and liquid sugar had fewer blood sugar spikes than rats in the control group. Researchers believe okra may help prevent sugar from being absorbed during digestion. Various studies have shown okra may help control blood sugar levels. An eight-week study conducted on mice showed lower blood cholesterol levels after they were fed a high-fat diet containing okra powder. Mucilage-a thick, gel-like substance found in okra-can bind with cholesterol during digestion so it is passed from the body. The antioxidants in okra may also benefit your brain by reducing brain inflammation. Polyphenols decrease your risk of heart problems and stroke by preventing blood clots and reducing free radical damage. Further research is needed for definitive proof of okra’s cancer-blocking properties. Studies using concentrated compounds from okra showed they inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells by up to 63%. It also contains a protein called lectin which may inhibit cancer cell growth in humans. Okra contains antioxidants called polyphenols, including vitamins A and C. Free radicals are most well known for causing oxidation damage, which can eventually lead to cancer. Okra is a good source of folate, with 1 cup (100 grams) providing 15% of a woman’s daily needs for this nutrient.Īntioxidants are natural compounds that help your body fight off molecules called free radicals that can damage cells. A review that included 12,000 healthy adult women found that most consumed just 245 mcg of folate per day, on average.Īnother study that followed 6,000 non-pregnant women over 5 years discovered that 23% of participants had inadequate folate concentrations in their blood. It’s recommended that all women of childbearing age consume 400 mcg of folate every day.
It helps lower the risk of a neural tube defect, which affects the brain and spine of a developing fetus. Okra Benefits for Women Beneficial for pregnant womenįolate (vitamin B9) is an important nutrient for pregnant women. Here we are going to discuss the benefits of okra for women’s health. Okra may benefit pregnant women, heart health, and blood sugar control. It’s rich in magnesium, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, K1, and A. Okra benefits for women’s bodies have a lot.