Okra is a kind of vegetable that originated from Africa that has lots of health benefits for us, including for babies. It can be consumed with water too and it gives as much as eight health benefits.

In the UK, okra is also known as Lady’s Finger because of its shape that looks like finger. The edible part of the plant is the green seed pods. Most people choose to have the young seed pod as they have great taste, while the mature ones are believed to have the taste disappear.

Okra is also good for babies as it is rich in nutrients that are needed for the body, such as vitamins and minerals, supply of antioxidants, laxative properties and fiber too. Due to this fact, it is recommended to feed okra for babies as their first food.

By reading these benefits, you will be more assured to add okra into your baby’s food.

Let’s take a look at the 5 amazing health benefits of okra for babies.

• Great Source of Vitamins and Minerals

As stated before, okra is considered as a good source of numerous vitamins, such vitamin A, C, B thiamin, niacin, folate and vitamin E. All these vitamins are very essential in the development of the babies, both physically and mentally.

Other than these vitamins, there are also various minerals provided by okra, such as calcium, zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. All these minerals also benefit your baby’s development.

Even since pregnancy, if you consume okra, it will be beneficial for your baby. One of the vitamins, vitamin C, is in charge of promoting the development of the skin, bones and capillaries in the babies. It also supports the growth of the baby. So, if it is really useful even before the baby is born, why should you stop?

• Rich in Antioxidants

Besides nutrients, okra is also rich in antioxidants just like taro root. In your baby’s diet, supply of antioxidants is really needed and essential.

It protects your baby from free radicals that are likely to be produced during the metabolism process. Okra may be able to fight off the effects of free radicals. Never ever underestimate the effects of free radicals, as if it is left untreated, it will lead to the damage of DNA and cells in the body.

The antioxidants in okra will also be able to enhance and boost brain health. It is able to improve cognition, learning, and memory. The chance of having a brighter child is in your hand!

• Full of Fiber

Okra is rich in fiber and it will help your baby to have a healthy digestive system. The fiber in okra is able to maintain the health of your baby’s digestive system. The insoluble fiber in okra is in charge of lubricating the small and large intestines.

The good bacteria in your baby’s gut will also be fed with fiber and as a result, it promotes a healthy intestinal tract. If your baby consumes okra, she or he won’t probably get any diseases related to digestion, such as constipation.

• Prevent Anemia

Consuming okra regularly will be able to boost the production of red blood cells. The number of red blood cells in your baby’s body should be maintained as they play a very important role in transporting all the nutrients to all parts of the body.

By maintaining the number of red blood cells, you may also prevent your baby from getting anemia. Turkey berry is believed to have a great effect in preventing anemia too.

As babies grow, they will need dietary that can provide the optimum blood count.

• Cure for Dysentery and Diarrhea

One of the most ancient medical practice in India, called Ayurveda, suggests the use of okra for treating dysentery and diarrhea in babies. As babies are not suggested to consume medicines, so it would be better for babies to consume okra to cure those diseases.

Cautions

Despite all the health benefits of okra for babies, you still need to consider some things before deciding to feed okra for your baby. Okra may be one of the vegetables that is safe for babies as generally it doesn’t create any allergy.

However, you need to remember that the texture of okra is not as smooth as the other vegetables. It tends to be fibrous, so it might create another problem for babies who still cannot chew or shallow food.

Besides, inside the pod, you will find some seeds and slimy substance, so it will be hard to make okra into porridge.

Okra is suggested to be added to the baby’s diet, once the baby reaches 14 months onward.