Here’s How Okra Can Improve Your Overall Health

Okra is a vegetable that originally grows in warm tropical and subtropical regions around the globe. In Asia, okra is known as lady fingers and it has a number of other names around the world but it’s the same veggie with the same properties and nutritional benefits. Okras have a pretty distinctive taste and texture, they’re crunchy and most people like them because of it.

They can be consumed raw but it’s better if you steam them or stir-fry them to improve their taste a bit. Okras should be consumed while they’re fresh and tender because as they get older they can be quite fibrous.

Nutritional profile of okra

They’re low in calories but rich in all other beneficial nutrients like fiber, folates and vitamin A and C. They’re also rich in calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin K and all the B vitamins. It has an incredibly high content of antioxidants and phytonutrients like lutein, xanthin and beta carotene.

Health benefits of okra

Okra has a number of health benefits but it’s highly underrated as a veggie and many people rarely consume it because they’re not familiar with all of its advantages. Here’s a list of everything okra can help you with and maybe after reading it you’ll start introducing it in your diet more regularly:

Anemia

Okra boosts the production of red blood cells and prevents anemia.

Cancer

It’s rich in antioxidants which prevent free radicals damage, cell mutation and stimulate the immune system function. This lowers your risk of cancer significantly.

Asthma

Okra has a high level of vitamin C and antioxidants which make it an excellent natural remedy against asthma attacks.

Stronger Bones

Okras are rich in folates which help strengthen your bones and increases their density, lowering the risk of osteoporosis.

Cholesterol

Having in mind the high content of soluble fibers in okras it’s no wonder they help reduce the high cholesterol levels in your blood. This also lowers the risk of heart conditions and atherosclerosis.

Constipation

This veggie is rich in fiber, as we already said, and it makes it an ideal natural remedy against constipation. It has mild laxative properties and also reduces the colon cancer risk.

Diabetes

Okra has properties similar to insulin which helps lower your blood sugar levels. If you have high blood sugar you should start consuming 6-8 raw okra pods every day and the levels will get back to normal.

Gut flora

Regular consumption of okra will improve your gut flora and increase the number of good bacteria in your intestines.

Immune Booster

Okra is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which give your immune system a healthy boost and improve your resistance to the common cold and cough.

Peptic Ulcers

Okras have a special mucilaginous texture which temporarily coats your stomach lining and digestive tract, protecting you from peptic ulcers.

Pregnancy

Folates are extra beneficial for pregnant women and okras abound in folates which means if you’re pregnant you should start consuming okras more often.

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