Ladyfinger (Okra) During Pregnancy - Safe or Not?
Eating Ladyfinger (Okra) During Pregnancy - Health Benefits, Nutritional Value, And Side Effects
You need to eat healthy foods during pregnancy to get all the essential nutrients that are required for the healthy growth and development of your growing baby in the womb. Ladyfinger is one of those healthy vegetables that are packed with vital nutrients. It is a low-calorie vegetable that is a great source of vital nutrients such as folate, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. All of these nutrients play a key role in the healthy development of the fetus. Read this article to know all about having okra during pregnancy.
Health benefits of ladyfinger during pregnancy
Some of the health benefits of consuming ladyfinger during pregnancy are:
1. Prevent Birth Defects
Ladyfinger is a good source of folate that helps in the formation of the nervous system and to prevents neural tube defects such as spina bifida in babies.
2. Good source of Vitamin C
Ladyfinger is a good source of vitamin C that works as an antioxidant. It helps to boosts your immunity and keep you away from infections and various diseases. It also helps the body to absorb more iron that is essential to produce red blood cells. Getting a sufficient amount of iron during pregnancy is essential to prevent anemia that is caused due to iron deficiency.
3. Improves Digestion
Ladyfinger is a rich source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. The insoluble dietary fiber content of okra helps to prevent constipation thereby improves digestion and the soluble fiber helps to lower the blood cholesterol and glucose levels hence reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. It also helps to flush out the toxins and detoxify your body.
4. Packed with antioxidants
Okra is fully packed with powerful antioxidants that help to keep you and your growing baby away from various infections and diseases. The antioxidants present in okra help to prevent inflammation and contribute to your overall health during pregnancy.
5. Prevent Anemia
Ladyfinger contains iron, folate, vitamin K and all of these nutrients help to treat or avoid anemia during pregnancy.
6. Improve Eyesight
Okra contains nutrients such as vitamin A, beta carotene and both of these nutrients are extremely crucial to sustain good eyesight.
7. Healthy Weight Gain
Ladyfinger is a low-calorie and high fiber veggie. The high fiber content of the ladyfinger keeps you full for a longer time. Thus consumption of ladyfinger helps you to gain a healthy weight during pregnancy.
(Also read: Is It Safe To Eat Green Beans During Pregnancy?)
8. Enhance Mood
Okra contains an ample amount of magnesium and an amino acid called tryptophan that helps to relieve stress, anxiety instantly and enhances your mood.
9. Reduce the risk of heart diseases
The high levels of cholesterol in the blood cause several heart-related issues. Okra contains a soluble fiber called pectin that helps to lower cholesterol levels thereby prevent the risk of heart diseases. It also contains antioxidant compounds like polyphenols which are well known to prevent oxidation of cholesterol hence reduce the chances of developing heart-related issues.
10. Prevent Osteoporosis
Okra contains an ample amount of vitamin K that plays a key role in bone formation and blood clotting. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin K helps in strengthening your bones. Okra also contains calcium that is required for healthy bones and teeth. Hence consumption of okra helps to prevent osteoporosis.
Nutritional Value of Okra (Ladyfinger)
100 g of okra contains the following nutrients:
| Energy | 33 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7.03 g |
| Fats | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Vitamin A | 375 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.200 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.060 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 0.245 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.215 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 88 µg |
| Vitamin C | 21.1 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.36 mg |
| Vitamin K | 53 µg |
| Sodium | 8 mg |
| Potassium | 303 mg |
| Calcium | 81 mg |
| Iron | 0.80 mg |
| Magnesium | 57 mg |
| Manganese | 0.990 mg |
| Copper | 0.094 mg |
| Zinc | 0.60 mg |
| Selenium | 0.7 µg |
| Phosphorus | 63 mg |
| Carotene-β | 225 µg |
| Crypto-xanthin-β | 0 µg |
| Lutein Zeaxanthin | 516 µg |
Side effects of okra during pregnancy
Although okra is extremely beneficial to consume while pregnant due to its high nutritional value but overconsuming it may cause adverse effects on your health too. So, always remember to eat okra in moderation. Some of the possible side effects of eating okra during pregnancy are:
- Okra contains a carbohydrate called fructans that can cause diarrhea, bloating, or cramping in people with existing bowel problems.
- Okra is high in oxalate. A high amount of oxalate can cause kidney stones.
- Okra contains a compound called solanine which is supposed to cause joint pain or arthritis.
If you notice any allergic reactions after consuming okra then it's better to stop its consumption and consult your doctor about the same. This veggie is good to consume and provides many health benefits if you consume it in the right amount. Avoid overeating okra, especially during your pregnancy period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to eat okra during pregnancy?
Okra is totally safe to consume during pregnancy and it provides many essential nutrients that are vital for the healthy growth and development of the baby in the womb. Consume okra in a moderate amount to get all the health benefits from them.
2. Is okra safe during pregnancy?
Okra is safe to consume while pregnant. It contains vital nutrients such as folate, iron, protein, carbohydrates, and many more. All these nutrients promote the overall development of the fetus.
3. What are the side effects of eating okra during pregnancy?
Although okra is safe and doesn't cause any side effects if you consume it in moderation. Overconsumption of okra can cause some side effects such as kidney stones due to the high content of oxalates in it or can cause diarrhea, gas, bloating, cramping in women who already have some bowel problems.
4. Can okra cause miscarriage?
No, okra doesn't cause miscarriage and it's totally safe to include in the pregnancy diet.
(Also read: 8 Amazing Benefits Of Chickpeas During Pregnancy)
5. Is okra good for pregnancy?
Yes, okra is a great source of vital nutrients such as iron, folate, vitamins A, K, C, potassium, beta-carotene. All of these nutrients play a key role in a healthy pregnancy.
6. Can I consume pickled okra during pregnancy?
Yes, pickled okra is safe to consume but in moderation.
7. Can I eat okra during pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat okra (ladyfinger) during your pregnancy period as it provides numerous benefits to both the expectant mother and her growing baby.
Watch this video to know all the health benefits of eating okra (ladyfinger) during pregnancy.
Ladyfinger is good to consume during pregnancy as it helps in the proper growth and healthy development of your baby. It doesn't cause any side effects if you consume it in a moderate amount. Consult your doctor if you notice any allergic reaction after its consumption.
Also, read other pregnancy-related articles:
Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
No comments