Okra that is well known as Lady Finger is one of the common veggies rich with potassium, folic acid, vitamins B and C, calcium, and fiber.
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Nutrition and Health Benefits of Okra
Keeps Stomach Full
Okra is full of dietary fibres and hence it keeps you full for longer time and away from snacks. This will avoid the habits of eating chips and other stuffs anytime.
Easy Digestion
As okra mainly contains dietary fibres, this High fiber content is great for the digestive tract.
It helps maintaining your weight as well as keeps your body healthy.
Low-calorie food
Eat healthy food that satisfies your hunger and keeps you stay slim and trim.
Have this low calorie okra and keep your health fit and fine by having bit more quantity in your dinner or lunch.
Diuretic
It detoxifies the body and help you to reduce excessive water weight.
Control Cholesterol Levels
The pectin in okra lowers LDL or bad cholesterol, which improves cardiac function.
Fights Cancer
Packed with antioxidants, okra can provide much-needed support to cells in fighting off free-radicals that can lead to cancer.
Boosts Immune System
The healthy fiber in okra feeds much-needed good bacteria in our intestines, which builds our immunity against viruses and infection
Supports Fertility & Healthy Pregnancy
The high amount of folates in okra are especially important in a pre-conception diet as it “decreases the incidence of neural tube defects in offspring“.
Likewise, eating more folates during pregnancy helps support a healthy mom and bab
Stabilizes blood sugar levels
Okra’s fiber content is also responsible for slowing down the rate of sugar absorption in the digestive tract.
Prevent diabetes
It stabilizes blood sugar, okra actually reduces blood sugar levels and could be an option for diabetes prevention.
Prevent kidney disease
Eating more okra results in the reduction of kidney damage over time.
Reduce asthma symptoms
Content of Vitamin C will ease up respiratory issues like asthma.
Shiny, bouncy hair
Okra boiled, cooled, and mixed with lemon juice can be applied on hair for a nice bouncy finish.
Enhances Memory
This veggies is frequently eaten in Middle and the Far East who need a mental boost.
Anti-inflammatory
It is good for joints, as well as treating lung inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Good for eye health
Okra’s nutrients like vitamins C and A have been linked to a reduction in the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Supports strong bones
Because of vitamin K and folates, okra has been credited with preventing bone loss and resist osteoporosis.
Great for your skin
The high vitamin C content helps the growth and rejuvenation of skin cells and collagen, that keeps skin looking smoother, younger and healthier
Great source of vegetable protein
With 2 grams of protein per cup, okra is an easily-digestible, vegetarian source of filling, a fibrous protein.
Supports ulcer healing
Okra coats the digestive tract when consumed and helps speed the healing of peptic ulcers.
So whether you’re trying to lose weight, or just eating healthier to feel better and prevent future health issues, you must have okra in your diet.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Okra?
Okra Helps Treat Diabetes
The person suffering from diabetes are recommended to have fibrous diet, because the fibre content controls the blood sugar level and even improve insulin sensitivity.
Okra contains myricetin, a substance that can increase sugar absorption by the body’s muscles.
Protects The Heart
Because of the fiber content in okra it helps to lower cholesterol level and thus useful to maintain heart health.
High-fiber foods, like okra, also cut the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Pectin is one of the important fibers in okra – it modifies bile production within the intestines, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Okra is rich in magnesium as well, a mineral known to regulate blood pressure levels – protecting the heart by cutting down the risk of stroke
Aids Cancer Prevention
Okra has lectin content, a type of protein. This protein could fight human breast cancer cells.
Okra is rich in folate, which makes it another essential for cancer prevention.
Studies state that a deficiency in folate can increase the risk of cancers of the breast, pancreas, cervix, and lungs
Improves Vision
Okra is particularly rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene – those nutrients that promote an excellent vision
Beneficial During Pregnancy
The folate in okra makes the vegetable quite beneficial during pregnancy. Folate has been found to reduce birth defects in babies Okra also contains vitamin C, a nutrient that boosts iron absorption.
Iron is an important mineral during pregnancy as it enhances blood health and promotes the baby’s growth and development. It is also required by the growing fetus and placenta – and to increase the maternal red cell mass
Boost Skin Health
Research shows that beta-carotene can help prevent skin damage and boost skin appearance
Topical application of vitamin A was also found to fight wrinkles and fine lines
This is about the benefits of okra. There are many other benefits that are full of nutrients and promotes for great well being.
My Self Khushboo Bobade. By Profession, I am a Pharmacist and Part-Time Blogger by passion. I love to Explore new things and I like nature most so I have started to write about plants and their benefits.
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