OKRA BENEFITS - 20 Impressive Health Benefits Of Okra
Okra is a flowering plant, famous for its edible seed pods, and is grown in warm and tropical
areas. Okra is also known as ladyfinger and comes in two colors: red and green. Both varieties of
okra have the same taste. Biologically okra is classified as a fruit but commonly utilized as
a vegetable in cooking. Okra is also loaded with nutrients and provides a lot of health benefits.
In today’s video, we will share with you the 20 impressive health benefits of okra.
#1 Rich in nutrients Okra contains an impressive nutritional profile.
One cup (100 grams) of raw okra provides
33 kcal Calories, Carbs 7 grams, Protein 2 grams, and Fiber 3 grams.
One cup of Okra also provides magnesium 14% of the daily value (DV), Vitamin A 14% of the DV, Vitamin
C 26% of the DV, and Vitamin K 26% of the DV. Okra is a great source of vitamin C and K.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to improve your immune function
while vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin and plays a vital role in blood clotting.
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#2 Contains beneficial antioxidants
Okra is rich in many antioxidants and has a lot of health benefits.
Antioxidants are compounds that fight against harmful molecules called free radicals.
The main antioxidants found in okra are polyphenols such as flavonoids and
isoquercetin as well as vitamin C and A. Researches show that consumption of a
diet rich in polyphenols helps to improve heart health by lowering
risks of blood clotting and oxidative damage. Polyphenols are also beneficial for your brain
health and protect your brain from symptoms of aging and improve cognition, learning, and memory.
#3 Lower risks of heart diseases
High cholesterol levels are linked with greater risks of heart diseases.
Okra has a thick gel-like substance called mucilage which helps to stick cholesterol
during digestion and eliminate it with stools rather than absorb it into your body.
Another heart benefit of okra is its polyphenol content.
Observational studies show that people who eat a diet rich in
polyphenols have lower inflammatory markers linked with heart diseases.
#4 Has anti-cancer properties Okra contains a protein called
lectin that helps to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. One test-tube study in cancer cells found
that the lectin found in okra prevents up to 63% of the growth of cancer cells. Another
study proved that okra extract has anticancer properties and fight against cancer cells.
#5 Helps to lower blood sugar Maintenance of blood sugar levels
is very important for your overall health. Constantly increasing in blood sugar levels
can promote prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Researches indicate that okra extract help to
reduce blood sugar levels. Okra helps to reduce sugar absorption in the digestive tract and
leads to a more stable blood sugar response. Okra also interferes with metformin which is a common
diabetes medication. Therefore consumption of okra is not recommended for those who take this drug.
#6 Beneficial for pregnant women
Folate (vitamin B9) is an important nutrient for pregnant women it helps to reduce the risks of
neural tube defects which affect on brain and spine of a developing fetus. It is recommended
that childbearing age women should consume 245mcg of folate per day. The main reason for infertility
in women is inadequate concentrations of folate in their blood. Okra is an excellent source of
folate. One cup (100 grams) of okra provides 15% of the daily needs of folate for women.
#7 Improves digestions The high fiber content of okra
is beneficial for the digestive tract. It helps in effective digestion and improves bowel movement.
The fiber found in bacteria also feeds gut bacteria which promotes a healthy intestinal
tract that leads to less cramping, bloating, and other stomach problems.
#8 Promote weight loss Okra is an excellent source of
fiber which not only improves your digestion but gives you feelings of fullness for a longer time.
It also reduces your cravings for food. Okra is also packed with
essential nutrients that boost your body’s metabolism and help you to reduce weight.
#9 Benefits for skin Vitamin C found in okra help to
keep your skin young and vibrant. This vitamin helps in the growth and repair of body tissues
which promotes collagen formation and helps to renovate damaged skin.
#10 Benefits for hair Okra is packed with calcium,
potassium, vitamin C, A, and K, and lots of ingredients that are good for hair growth,
moisturize dry scalp and help to get rid of dandruff. Okra makes your hair soft and helps
in strengthening hair roots and follicles. It is also good for the treatment of hair loss.
#11 Helps to reduce asthma symptoms
The vitamin C found in okra help to reduce respiratory issue like asthma.
Consumption of okra is a natural way to prevent and relieve asthma symptoms such as wheezing.
#12 Beneficial for eye health Okra is rich in beta-carotene,
zeaxanthin, and lutein which are essential nutrients for the maintenance of good vision.
The higher content of vitamin C helps to improve overall eye health.
#13 Heals ulcers in the digestive system The mucilage content of this vegetable
neutralizes acid present in the digestive tract and forms a protective coat on the
layers of the digestive tract. It also heals ulcers and prevents their formation.
The insoluble fiber of okra lowers the risks of colon cancer.
#14 Promotes men health Antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium
found in okra are very essential nutrients for men's health. They help to boost sexual function
and also increase sperm count. These nutrients also help to increase libido in diabetic men.
#15 Prevents constipation Okra is rich in fiber and contains mucilage.
These properties help to increase the bulk of stools and made them soft.
Regular consumption of okra helps to neutralize bowel movement and eases the evacuation of feces.
#16 Boosts the immune system Okra is a great source of vitamin C
and other oxidants that help to strengthen our body’s immunity by fighting against the harmful
free radicals that cause diseases. Vitamin C also promotes the production of more white blood cells
which is our body’s primary defense mechanism against foreign pathogens.
#17 Act as a detoxification The liver acts as the chemical
factory of the human body. Toxins tend to accumulate in the liver during its function.
The nutrients in okra help to eliminate these toxins and reduce the load on the liver.
The fiber found in okra binds to toxic metabolites in the digestive tract
prevents its reabsorption which is a fundamental aspect for proper detoxification.
# 18 Treat lungs inflammation
Okra provides high amounts of phytochemicals or nutrients which are known as antioxidants.
These antioxidants help the body to prevent inflammation, especially in the lung.
#19 Prevents irritable bowel syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common
disorder that acts on the large intestines. This irritable condition can cause cramping, bloating,
diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. The fiber and mucilage content of okra help to
promote healthy bowel movements and gives protection against irritable bowel syndrome.
#20 Reduce sore throat A sore throat is a painful
and scratchy feeling in the throat that worsens when you swallow.
The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of okra helps to reduce sore throat. Consumption
of lady finger’s infused water can be an effective way to cure a sore throat.
Okra is a nutrient-dense food with a lot of health benefits. It is a great source of magnesium,
fiber, folate, antioxidants, and vitamins. The cooking of okra is also very simple
you can add it to your grocery list to try a new ingredient with a lot of benefits.
Will you start eating okra after watching this video? Let us know in the comment section below.
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