Short Answer: Okra is good for fibroids because it has vitamin C, folate, fiber, and magnesium, and they can boost immunity, prevent anemia, lower estrogen levels, and reduce cramps and pain.
Fibroids are a condition that affects your uterus, the organ where a baby grows during pregnancy.
In fibroids, your body produces noncancerous growths of muscle and fibrous tissue in or around the uterus.
This can lead to various health problems, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, and miscarriage.
One of the key factors in managing fibroids is diet.
What you consume can affect your hormones, which can impact your fibroids symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage fibroids, you should consume anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, berries, and turmeric, and avoid estrogenic and inflammatory foods like red meat, dairy products, and alcohol.
Now, okra is a flowering plant with edible green seed pods. It is also known as lady’s fingers or gumbo.
People usually eat okra cooked in soups, stews, curries, or fried dishes.
Okra is good for fibroids because it contains beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, fiber, and magnesium.
One cup of cooked okra can give you 38% of your daily vitamin C needs, 15% of your daily folate needs, 14% of your daily fiber needs, and 10% of your daily magnesium needs.
Vitamin C can boost your immune system and help prevent infections that may worsen fibroids.
Folate can support DNA synthesis and cell division and help prevent anemia that may result from heavy bleeding.
Fiber can help regulate your bowel movements and lower your estrogen levels by promoting its excretion.
Magnesium can help relax your uterine muscles and reduce cramps and pain.
Furthermore, okra is a low glycemic index food and a good source of soluble fiber.
Low glycemic index foods are good for fibroids because they help maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance, which can stimulate fibroid growth.
Soluble fiber can also help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
You can eat one to two cups of cooked okra per day safely. More than that can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea, or kidney stones due to its high oxalate content.
Also, you shouldn’t eat okra if you have a history of kidney stones or gout to prevent worsening your condition. Because okra contains oxalates and purines that can form crystals in your urine and joints respectively.
You can buy fresh okra in your local market or order it online.
Always choose young and tender pods that are bright green and firm. Because they have less slime and more flavor than older and larger pods.
You can store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing fibroids effectively.
I always recommend my fibroid patients to follow a fibroid-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.