Okra, also known by various names such as lady's finger, gumbo, or by its scientific name Hibiscus esculentus L., is a plant native to West Africa. In Vietnam, okra is widely cultivated and recognized as a nutritious food beneficial for health. Therefore, can postpartum women consume okra?
1. Can postpartum women eat okra?
After childbirth, mothers require time to recover their health and, in the case of cesarean deliveries, for incisions to heal. Nutritional intake during this period is critically important to facilitate a swift recovery and provide energy for nursing.
Is it safe for postpartum women to eat okra? Historically, okra has been regarded as a benign and easily digestible food. For postpartum mothers whose digestive systems may still be sensitive, incorporating this nutritious and easily digestible food can be beneficial.
2. Nutritional value of okra for health
- Rich in folic acid:
Traditionally, various cultures have utilized the stems, leaves, and immature pods of okra, which have a slightly sour and refreshing taste, to treat conditions like dysuria and gonorrhea; while the roots and young leaves are used to alleviate dry cough and sore throat. Regular consumption of okra can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and even cancer. Drinking boiled okra water daily for several months has been suggested to prevent diabetes, promote skin health, and is particularly advantageous for women post-childbirth.
Okra has antidiabetic properties due to its fiber content, which slows glucose absorption into the bloodstream. Additionally, it helps regulate lipid levels through a soluble fiber known as pectin, which may lower blood cholesterol levels.
Okra contains a considerable amount of folic acid, a nutrient essential for numerous bodily functions. This is particularly significant for pregnant women as folic acid is vital for preventing neural tube defects and other congenital disorders in the fetus.
Concerning digestion, okra supports the nourishment of beneficial gut microbiota, acts as a laxative, aids individuals with irritable bowel syndrome, and various gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, including okra in the daily diet is highly beneficial for both overall health and digestive function.
- Comparable to yogurt:
The mucilage and fiber in okra assist in regulating blood glucose levels by controlling absorption from the small intestine. Upon entering the digestive tract, okra serves as a fertile ground for beneficial bacteria and can be considered comparable to yogurt in terms of its role in synthesizing B vitamins.
Fiber absorbs water, leading to bulk formation in stool, thus helping to prevent constipation. Notably, the mucilage lubricates the intestinal system, mitigating constipation and hemorrhoidal issues, thereby improving digestion.
- Rich in vitamins:
Okra is considered a natural cosmetic for women, contributing to smooth skin, shiny hair, and youthful-looking eyes, due to its high content of vitamins A, C, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Moreover, during pregnancy and after childbirth, many women experience hair loss, acne, and dull skin. Incorporating okra into their diet can help alleviate these conditions. Okra serves as a natural beauty enhancer by improving skin and hair quality and promoting a youthful appearance due to its rich contents of vitamins A, C, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. To achieve these beautifying effects, mothers can consume various dishes prepared with okra, such as steamed okra with scallion oil, stir-fried okra, or steamed okra with dipping sauce.
3. The benefits of okra for postpartum women
- Cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention:
According to research from the Ministry of Health, women who have recently given birth are at a higher risk of developing uterine and ovarian cancers compared to the general population. Okra is termed a "superfood" due to its high folic acid content, which nourishes beneficial microorganisms and enhances the body’s cancer resistance.
In addition, okra is a cool, easily digestible food that is effective in treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
- Preventing postpartum diabetes:
The mucilage and fiber abundant in okra assist in balancing and regulating blood glucose levels by mediating their absorption from the small intestine.
- Preventing constipation:
The fiber in okra aids in water absorption, thereby preventing constipation. Moreover, the mucilage possesses lubricating properties for the intestinal system, helping to prevent both constipation and hemorrhoids, while improving digestion—issues frequently encountered by women after childbirth.
- Facilitating weight loss:
Postpartum mothers often face concerns regarding weight gain but may be hesitant to diet due to potential impacts on their ability to nourish their babies. However, okra can help address these weight-related issues. With its abundant fiber content, including both soluble and insoluble fibers, and its low caloric count, okra serves as an ideal food for mothers seeking to lose weight after childbirth.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
