8 Health Benefits of okra, a high quality vegetable

Benefits of okra, a high-quality vegetable

Okra or Okro popularly known as lady’s finger has its name from the shape of a women’s finger. The scientific name is Okrais Abelmoschus esculentus Moench but is adorned as bhindi, bhindi, dherosh, bamia, ochro or gumbo in different parts of the world. The tasty vegetable raw or cooked belongs to the family Mallow. Okra is adapted to tropical, sub-tropical including temperate climates. Okra grows is a year round crop.  The benefits of okra are closely linked to its sliminess which has dietary value and special taste.

 

The Nutritional benefits of Okra

Okra is a green vegetable with amazing nutrient content.  It supplies 7.45 g carbohydrate, 3.1 g dietary fiber, 2.0 g protein, 1.48 g sugar and 0.19 g fat in only 100 g or 3.5 ounces serving.  Okra also contains 90% water.

Besides, okra is rich in vitamins and minerals. Okra is an excellent source of potassium and calcium. Okra contains plenty of vitamins. It is rich in Vitamin A and various B Vitamins. The benefits of okra are due to its high Vitamin C (23%) and K (31%) from 100 g intake. Additional provisions of Thiamine (17%) and Riboflavin (5%) per 100g helpings limelight the benefits of okra as a super vegetable.

Health Benefits of Okra

There are overwhelming benefits of okra as a culinary and medicinal vegetable. It is a superb food of vegetarians. The health benefits of okra are enumerated below.

1.      Benefits of okra in digestion

Due to high water content and sufficient dietary fiber, the benefits of okra in the prevention of constipation is well known. Okra fried, boiled or taken with mixed other vegetables regulates the bowel movement. It is useful for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2.      Alleviation of Asthma

Okra being rich in Vitamin C controls asthma. To get the best benefits of okra for controlling asthma patients’, okra is suggested for daily consumption.

3.      Health Benefits of okra in controlling Diabetes

The fiber in okra is soluble. Soluble fiber is known to regulate or reduce the absorption level of glucose and so reduces blood sugar level.

4.      Benefits of okra in reducing cholesterol

The soluble fibers of okra bind with the cholesterol of other food and are excreted as waste. It, therefore, prevents heart diseases. Pectin, the slimy substance in okra prevents atherosclerosis and clotting of the blood. The benefits of okra are known in lowering of LDL cholesterol. The health benefits of okra in reducing cholesterol is proven.

5.      Okra in prevention of kidney diseases

Okra is a great help in the prevention of kidney diseases especially people with diabetes. The benefits of okra are also documented in preventing kidney stone formation.

6.      Promotes Healthy Pregnancy

Okra is an ideal vegetable during pregnancy as it contains a balanced combination of vitamin and minerals. It also a good supplement for folic acid. The fiber content of okra benefits in reducing constipation during pregnancy.

7.      Health Benefits of okra in boosting immunity

The antioxidant properties of okra such as Vitamin C and minerals act against free radicals and boost the immune system. The white blood cells created helps fight against other pathogens and infections.

8.      Benefits of okra as beauty agent

Okra is one of the vegetables that regulates the body from inside and beautifies from outside. Vitamin C in okra keeps the skin young and vibrant. The slimy juice of okra prevents the pigmentation of the skin. Okra is a skin rejuvenator.  The mucilage of okra taken out with boiled water can be added to hair to bring back the bounce. The benefits of okra can also be noticed when added to hair as a conditioner making the hair feeling soft. Besides, it makes the hair shiny and healthy.

Knowing the benefits of okra is not enough. Add okra to your diet every other day to get the best advantage from a finger-shaped vegetable. A sound physiology and a healthy look are all you need to be happy!