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TL;DR
This qualitative study explored how pregnant women in western Ethiopia traditionally use okra, finding they consume only the pods, often preserved as powder, and attribute various health benefits to it.
BMJ Open · 3 authors, 2 centres
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This qualitative study explored how pregnant women in western Ethiopia traditionally use okra, finding they consume only the pods, often preserved as powder, and attribute various health benefits to it.
This qualitative study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 86 pregnant women in rural western Ethiopia to explore traditional values, use, and beliefs regarding the okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus). Results showed that pregnant women primarily consume okra pods, often preparing them with other foods or preserving them as a powder for later use. They associated okra consumption with health benefits like relieving gastritis pain, providing strength, and improving overall health and life expectancy. The study identified a lack of awareness about the nutritional value and use of other plant parts (e.g., leaves, seeds) as a barrier to their utilization. The findings suggest a need for nutritional behavioral change communication to promote the use of the entire okra plant.