Reasons to Try Okra Water During Pregnancy Third Trimester
Now that you are in the third trimester of your pregnancy, you may search for foods that induce labor. However, too much information could be overwhelming, so it’s best to consult your doctor when you try anything new for the first time.
You may hear about the benefits of okra water. An old wives’ tale suggests drinking okra water for smooth and easy labor. There is no scientific evidence, but okra and okra water have many health benefits.
If your doctor gives you a green signal to drink okra water or add Okra to your diet, you can try it, but safety comes first! Read on for more information.
What Is Okra And Okra Water?
Okra, technically a fruit is enjoyed and cooked as a vegetable, but commonly known as a lady’s finger because of its shape. Okra has a sticky center. There are many recipes for cooking and enjoying fresh Okra.
You get okra water when you soak the okra pods in water for 8 hours to up to 24 hours. It’s nutritious, and those who don’t like consuming raw okra or cooked okra can benefit from the okra water. It’s possible to make a smoothie with okra as well.
What Are The Advantages of Okra And Okra Water?
Okra has numerous benefits, which makes it an excellent choice for pregnant women.
For example, one raw cup of okra contains the following:
- Vitamin K: 31.3 mg
- Vitamin A: 716 IU
- Source of Folate: 15% of the daily value
- Source of Vitamin C: 23 mg
- Potassium: 299 mg
- Magnesium: 57 mg
- Calcium: 82 mg
Okra is also a rich source of fiber and protein and contains sodium. Therefore, pregnant women can consume Okra in moderate quantities and make it a part of their diet. However, consuming too much or excessively isn’t advisable for anything and the same goes for okra. Expecting mothers must maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet. Plus, it’s best to know what’s essential for each trimester.
On the other hand, women who don’t like raw okra or don’t want to go through the hassle of cooking or frying it can take advantage of all the essential nutrients via okra water. It can help with blood sugar management and is rich in antioxidants.
What Are Some Interesting Reasons to Try Okra Water?
There are many exciting reasons to consider okra water, especially having okra during pregnancy last trimester.
Consider the following:
#1. It’s Highly Nutritious
Why not try something that’s highly nutritious for you and the baby healthy development? After all, you want the best for your child, and when it comes to adding folic acid to your diet, okra is a viable option. Plus, when you don’t like it any other way, there is okra water to make things smooth and easy. So, enjoy the water, add some safe fruits of your choice, and go a step ahead by making a smoothie. You can adjust the taste as per your choice!
#2. It May Help with Labor
You may find women suggesting okra water for inducing labor. While it’s an old wives’ tale and there is no scientific evidence, you can still try drinking the okra water, considering it’s suitable for your health. And if it works fine, you can suggest others. But, of course, it’s best to consult your doctor rather than follow blind advice or suggestions.
#3. It’s Easy to Consume
The best and most interesting thing about okra water is the fact that it’s easy to consume. So while it’s hard to follow a recipe, or you may need more energy to cook, okra water is easy! During the third trimester, a lot is going on in your mind. But first, you need to prepare for the baby. Amidst all this, you must take care of yourself. If there is someone to help you, it’s great! Otherwise, everything falls on your shoulder, and it could be overwhelming with a baby on the way or twins, but adding okra water to your pregnancy diet can be a viable solution.
How Do You Prepare Okra Water?
Preparing okra water is fun and easy. First, you can soak 3-4 pods of okra overnight in a glass of water for 8 hours or up to 24 hours. Then, squeeze the leftover sap from okra pods and release it into the water. Finally, enjoy a glass of okra water!
Another way to prepare the okra water is to convert it into an okra soup form. It depends on what you prefer! So, you can boil the okra pods instead of soaking them overnight. You can blend once the okra pods have a slimy texture. If you prefer, you can add salt for seasoning.
What Are Some Tips to Consider for Okra Water?
Embarking on the beautiful journey of pregnancy requires responsibility. So, keep the following in mind:
- Always talk to your doctor about your health. Let the doctor know what you plan on consuming.
- It’s best to let the doctor suggest foods, fruits, and green vegetables for the third trimester.
- It’s okay to try an old wives’ tale as long as it’s safe and has no impact on the child’s health or your healthy pregnancy.
- If you are allergic to okra or if the okra water doesn’t suit you for any reason, then there is no point in forcing it on yourself.
- When the baby is here, it’s also good to know what foods to avoid or consume.
It’s always wise to remember that what works for one person may not work for the other.
FAQs
What’s the best time to consume okra water?
There is no set time or scientific backing for a particular time. You can consume it when you want. However, it must suit you.
Can okra water help with labor?
There is no scientific backing, but some suggest you try okra water. However, it’s beneficial for health, and thus, you can try it if you consume it in moderation.
Is it safe to drink okra water during the third trimester?
Okra water holds many health benefits, so it’s a viable option. But it’s always better to consult your doctor when trying anything for the first time during pregnancy.
Does okra reduce blood sugar levels?
Okra extract has a hypoglycemic effect that lowers blood sugar levels, according to several research on the plant. Its qualities could be a helpful treatment for controlling diabetes mellitus.
Does drinking okra water help with childbirth?
When prepared with fresh okra and clean water, okra water is safe to consume during pregnancy. Some individuals think that consuming okra water might facilitate labor and delivery. Although there is no scientific proof to back up this notion, it is typically advised to stay hydrated when giving birth.
Does okra water reduce blood pressure?
Okra is also high in magnesium, which contributes to the maintenance and control of blood pressure in the body.
Can a pregnant woman eat okra soup?
Okra is a healthy nutritious pod vegetable that is safe to consume when pregnant. It is high in beta-carotene, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, folic acid, protein, carbohydrate, and vitamins C, B3, and K. The nutrients it contains will be beneficial to you whether you consume it boiled, stewed, fried, or pickled okra.
Wrapping It Up
Trying okra water or fresh okra for pregnancy could be a common suggestion from friends and relatives. But you must do what suits you the best! Always follow the advice of your doctor.