Can Okra Water Help In Pregnancy? – 5 Amazing Benefits

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life, filled with anticipation, joy, and a heightened focus on maintaining optimal health. During this period, expectant mothers often seek out natural remedies and dietary additions to support their well-being and the development of their growing baby. One such remedy that has gained attention is okra water.

With claims of various health benefits, including potential effects on pregnancy, it’s worth exploring whether okra water truly holds any merit as a supportive aid during this precious journey of motherhood. In this article, we delve into the topic of can okra water help in pregnancy and its amazing benefits, examining the scientific evidence and shedding light on whether it is a beneficial addition to a pregnant woman’s diet.

What Is Okra And Its Water

Okra is a flowering plant that produces edible seed pods. Both whole pods and cut okra appear in recipes for curry, gumbo, soups, and stews, and both fresh okra and frozen okra contain the same good and strong nutrients.

In the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, okra happens to be the most important vegetable crop. It belongs to the genus Abelmoschus and the family Malvaceae. It is generally a multipurpose crop valued for its tender and delicious pods. 

Indians happen to be the ones leading in okra production. This plant grows best in humid and hot climates. you might know this plant as a vegetable which is for cooking or culinary purposes, botanically it’s a fruit, as it’s the seed-bearing part of the plant.

Okra has a slimy texture which can be divisive. It contains mucilage, and when it is cut a thick and sticky (mucilaginous) juice leaks out. This juice makes an excellent thickener for stews and soups. While some are irritated by this, others find its unique texture perfect for frying and roasting. And if you can quickly roast and fry it you will prevent it from becoming slimy.

Okra water doesn’t drop from the plant or come out from the inside when it is broken. it is a drink made by soaking okra pods in water. Mostly comes in handy for those who are very interested in the health benefits of okra but get irritated by its slimy texture. 

Nutritional Values Of Okra Water

There is no specific research yet on okra water, but it may be linked to several health benefits due to its plant compounds and hydrating effects. Okra boasts an interesting nutrient file.

According to the National Nutrient Database (USDA), one cup of raw okra which weighs 100 grams (g) contains:

g=grams; mg=milligrams; mcg=micrograms

NUTRIENTS	AMOUNTS
Carbohydrates	7.45g
FIBRE	3.2g
Sugars	1048g
Calories	33kcal
water	89.58g
protein	1.93g
fat	0.19g
ELECTROLYTES
Potassium	299mg
Sodium	7mg
MINERAL
Calcium	82mg
Iron	0.62mg
Phosphorus	61mg
Zinc	0.58mg
Magnesium	57mg
VITAMINS
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)	0.200mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	0.060mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3)	1mg
Folic acid (Vitamin B9)	60mcg
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)	23mg
Phyllo Quinone (Vitamin K)	31.3mcg
Alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E)	0.27mg
Retinol (Vitamin A)	716U
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)	0.215mg
LIPIDS
Total saturated fatty acids	0.026g
Total monounsaturated fatty acids	0.017g
l polyunsaturated fatty acids	0.027g

It also provides some iron, niacin, phosphorus, and copper. People’s needs for nutrients can be different according to age, sex, activity level, and caloric intake. Okra is also a source of antioxidants. Okra, its pods, and seeds contain a variety of antioxidant compounds, including phenolic compounds and flavonoid derivatives, such as catechins and quercetin.

Research has also shown that these compounds may help lower the risk of cancer.

Can Okra Water Help In Pregnancy?

Yes, it does, as mentioned above okra and its water a nutritious pod vegetables that is good to eat and drink during pregnancy. You can also get the same nutrient benefit from it, whether you eat it boiled, stewed, or fried.

It is low in calories but packed full of nutrients. The vitamin C in okra helps support healthy immune function. Okra is also rich in vitamin K, which helps your body clot blood.

One cup of okra has like about 15% of the daily value of folate, a helpful nutrient for pregnant women. Folate helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which can affect the brain and spine of developing fetuses.

The nutrients in okra are very healthy so it is of good benefits to pregnancy and helps in the healthy development of your baby. 

Okra water serves as an excellent vessel for getting extra nutrients that are important during pregnancy. If you are looking for an easy way to incorporate okra into your diet, try making okra water.  Perfect to consume during pregnancy

Is It Ok To Take Pickled Okra During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is ok to take pickled okra while pregnant.

Most pregnant women crave many things which can be caused by several things, including hormones, a heightened sense of smell and taste, and nutritional deficiencies. 

Cravings during pregnancy are known to be very common and normal, and many pregnant women crave pickled foods. Pickled okra is very ok and safe to consume during pregnancy if prepared properly and if they are pasteurized and avoid the process of fermentation. 

It is necessary to be aware of the sodium content in pickled okra because too much sodium can cause high blood pressure among pregnant women. 

The recommended daily sodium intake for pregnant women is no more than 3000 mg. So, If you must take pickled okra, be sure to choose a low-sodium option. 

Other Benefits Of Okra Water Including Pregnancy

Okra water contains a high amount of dietary fiber, is low in calories, and is rich in potassium, vitamins B and C, folic acid, and calcium. Which makes okra have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. 

1. Rich In Antioxidants

Okra and its water is seen as one of the best sources of antioxidants. Polyphenols such as catechin and vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage that can cause heart disease and cancer.

2. It Boosts Immunity

Okra water is high in fiber, which promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. Good bacteria in the intestines and stomach protect the body from infections, this is helpful for immunity. 

3. It Promotes Eye Health

Okra water is abundant in vitamin A and other antioxidants that protect your eyes from the harmful effects of free radicals and help you avoid macular degeneration and cataracts.

4. It Aids Weight Loss

Okra water is beneficial for weight loss due to its low-calorie and high fiber content. Fiber takes longer to digest and increases the feeling of fullness after eating. Okra is also low in fat and cholesterol.

5. It’s Good For Pregnancy

The high folate content lowers the risk of neural tube abnormalities in the fetus. Consuming folate throughout pregnancy is good for both mother and child.

6. It Manages Fatigue

Studies have shown that okra pods can help fight fatigue. This power appears to come primarily from eating okra seeds, which may increase your stamina and allow you to exercise for longer periods without getting tired.

7. It Lowers Blood Pressure

Potassium aids in sodium balance and thus maintains proper fluid balance in the body. Okra water also relieves pressure on the cardiovascular system by relaxing the blood vessels and arteries

8. It Controls Blood Sugar Levels

Okra and its water may aid blood sugar control, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering glucose absorption in the intestines, regenerating damaged insulin-producing cells, and boosting insulin secretion.

9. It Maintains Healthy Bones

Okra water contains 6% of the daily recommended amount of calcium and 16% of the daily recommended amount in a single serving. As a result, okra, along with a healthy diet and exercise, may help the body maintain better bone health.

Can Okra Water Help With Labor Or Delivery?

Okra water is very safe to drink when you are pregnant as long as it is made with clean water and fresh okra. Some people believe that drinking okra water can help ease the process of labor and delivery. But there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, drinking okra water or plenty of fluid during labor is generally recommended.  

Making Okra Water For Drinking?

The procedure for making okra water for drinking is quite simple, in a few minutes your okra will be ready for drinking.

1. Take some medium-sized okra pods
2. Rinse the okra pods thoroughly.
3. Remove both ends of the pods, and slice them into halves
4. Take a cup and fill it with water
5. Put the sliced okra pods into the water
6. Soak it for 8 to 24 hours depending on your preference
7. Squeeze out the left-over sap from the okra pod into the water (You can throw away pods after that)
8.  Take a glass and pour the water into it.

Note:

If you don’t like the taste, you can season the drink with salt and pepper or blend the soaked okra with slices of orange and make a flavorful juice out of it. And if you want it chilled you can add ice cubes. This mixture or blend will be helpful in digestion.

Alternatively, to not waste much of your time, you can boil the okra pods rather than keep them soaked in water for hours or overnight. Once boiled, you can blend the slimy okra pods with water. You can either have it warm as soup or wait for it to cool down to have it as okra water.

Some people believe that drinking okra water first thing in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating is the best way to maximize its positive effects. You need to note that just a little research has been done on the beneficial effects of okra water specifically. However, moderation is key.

Tips For Buying And Storing Okra 

Now, when going to buy okra from the market, you must pay full attention. So, you do not end up buying okra that is older and tough to chew once you cook them, and not those infested by insects. So here are tips to help you know and pick the best 

1. Clean Look

When you are about to pick your okra make sure that it doesn’t have blemishes or damaged spots. Sometimes, if you are not careful, you may find tiny black insects inside when cutting it.

2. Slender or Stout

Okra comes in different sizes; some are long and slender, and some are short and stout. The slender variety works best when you need to cook the pods as a whole such as in curries. Use the shorter variety for fries because it cooks fast.

3. Green

The color green is sometimes proof to know when okra pods are fresh. So, look out for the ones which are bright green and not dull or black. They should be smooth, tender, blemish-free, bright green pods

How To Store

Okra is best when it’s fresh, but it can be stored for up to two to three days in the fridge.

For proper preservation, don’t wash it after buying; wrap it loosely in a plastic bag; Cut holes in the bag to allow for air circulation. NOTE: It does tend to become a bit slimy when stored.

Different Types Of Okra

Below are the varieties of okra for your garden depending on your taste

The Side Effects of Okra Water

Some people may be harmed by eating too much okra or drinking it, below are listed possible side effects that may occur if not properly regularized or taken moderately:

• Stomach problems
• Joint pain
• Kidney stones
• Interference with diabetes
• Blood clotting
• Allergic reaction

Last Words

In conclusion, while okra water is often hailed for its nutritional value and potential health benefits, its specific effects on pregnancy remain largely anecdotal. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating any new dietary additions or supplements during pregnancy. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual needs and ensure the safety of both you and your baby. Remember, maintaining a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and receiving regular prenatal care are key factors in promoting a healthy pregnancy. Embrace the journey of motherhood with confidence, knowing that you are making informed choices to support your well-being and the growth of your precious little one.