Okra contains a type of protein called lectin , which may inhibit the growth of human cancer cells. Another test-tube study in metastatic mouse melanoma cells discovered that okra extract caused cancer cell death Keep in mind that these studies were performed in test tubes with concentrated and extracted components of okra.
More human research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is very important for your overall health. Consistently high blood sugar can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Research in mice indicates that eating okra or okra extract may help decrease blood sugar levels In one study, rats given liquid sugar and purified okra experienced fewer blood sugar spikes than animals in the control group Researchers suggested that the okra decreased sugar absorption in the digestive tract, leading to a more stable blood sugar response That said, okra may interfere with metformin, a common diabetes medication.
Therefore, eating okra is not recommended for those taking this drug Folate vitamin B9 is an important nutrient for pregnant women. It helps lower the risk of a neural tube defect, which affects the brain and spine of a developing fetus A review that included 12, healthy adult women found that most consumed just mcg of folate per day, on average When purchasing okra, look for smooth and tender green pods without brown spots or dried ends.
Store them in the fridge for up to four days before cooking. Usually, okra is used in soups and stews like gumbo. It contains mucilage, a thick substance that becomes gummy when heated. To avoid slimy okra, follow these simple cooking techniques:. Okra may benefit pregnant women, heart health , and blood sugar control.
It may even have anticancer properties. Cooking okra can be simple. Add it to your grocery list to try a new ingredient with powerful health effects. In addition, it is also full of fiber and folic acid, which is a boon for pregnancy. It even helps to prevent birth defects in the baby and is also a good cure for constipation. Okra is also good it you are diet and calorie-conscious. It has very few calories and is a high source of folate and riboflavin. So now you know why you should drop all fatty and junk food and include more of this green vegetable — the okra.
An interesting fact about this slender and tapered veggie is that it was discovered ages back, around 3, years ago in Ethiopia. Not only in India, okra is considered a magical vegetable in pregnancy in various parts of the world.
The vitamins loaded in okra help to prevent some birth defects in your baby and enhance healthy growth of your little one while inside the womb. You must ensure to include this veggie in your meals, especially during the 4th and 12th week of your pregnancy because that is when the neural tube develops inside the fetus and the folic acid in okra assists in development of these tubes.
Rich source of Vitamin C: Do you know why vitamin C is important in pregnancy? It helps in absorbing iron in your body, which is essential for the growth of your baby. Consuming about a bowl or cup of okra gives you mg of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is also an important antioxidant that helps to take care of hypertension and other cardiovascular issues. The vitamin C in Okra also improves the immunity of your baby and develops the capillaries, bones and skin. Packed with Folate: About half a bowl of okra contains mg of folate or folic acid.
Folate enhances metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat. During pregnancy, you need to take in at least mg of folic acid daily. A research of Maryland Medical Center proved that women with good levels of folic acid had lesser chances of giving birth to babies with birth defect. High in antioxidants: Okra is also an excellent source of antioxidants. Hence, the baby has higher chances of illness and ailments and also type 2 diabetes or heart diseases.
Full of fibre: A small bowl of okra has about 2 gm of dietary fibre. Folic acid in okra aids this development. A rich combination of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre makes okra an excellent choice to prevent constipation during pregnancy. The soluble fibre reduces the risk of diabetes, and even cuts down cholesterol in the blood. Essential amino acids like tryptophan are present in okra, along with oils and proteins that are known to improve mental well-being, and aid in getting quality sleep.
Apart from these benefits, okra can also remove toxins from your body, as the mucus and the fibre in okra stabilise the glucose in the blood. Pregnant women can also consume okra to maintain their skin and hair, especially if they are affected by rashes and hair fall. Here are some tips on how to add okra to your diet, and some precautions you need to follow while doing so:. Okra is a wonder food that has no harmful side effects to your body during pregnancy.
You can consume it every day to improve the health of both you and your baby. However, if you notice any allergic reactions to the vegetable, or feel any physical discomfort after eating it, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to rule out any serious issues. Sign in. Find out what a new study advises and why experts criticize the lack of good-quality…. Dehydration is more common during pregnancy than at other times. This is because the body has an increased demand for water.
Dehydration can be…. Learn more. What foods are off limits while pregnant? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Fish Alcohol Raw shellfish Certain meats Raw or undercooked greens and sprouts Raw or undercooked eggs Soft cheese Caffeine Unpasteurized milk or fruit juices Takeaway Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in the body, and pregnant women should consider adjusting their eating habits to adapt to these changes.
Certain fish. Share on Pinterest Fish can have a high mercury content, which is unsafe for the fetus. Raw shellfish. Deli meats or other cured or undercooked meats. Share on Pinterest Deli meats and soft cheeses are not safe to eat during pregnancy. Raw or undercooked greens and sprouts. Raw or undercooked eggs. Soft cheese. Share on Pinterest Drinking high amounts of caffeine may increase the risk of pregnancy loss. Unpasteurized milk or fruit juices.
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