Which critical nutrient, vital for reducing the risk of neural tube defects, is okra notably high in for expectant mothers?

Folate (Vitamin B9)

Okra presents a significant nutritional benefit for prenatal wellness primarily due to its high concentration of folate, which is also known as Vitamin B9. Folate is indispensable during pregnancy, particularly in the early stages, because adequate intake is directly linked to reducing the potential for serious birth defects affecting the developing fetus’s spinal cord and brain, known as neural tube defects. While many public health campaigns encourage folic acid intake, incorporating naturally folate-rich foods like okra helps ensure expectant mothers meet these elevated nutritional demands necessary for healthy fetal development. One cup of okra alone can contribute about 15% of the recommended daily value for women of childbearing age.