Health Benefits of Okra
Okra or Gumbo or as we call it ‘Ladyfinger’ is one of the popular dishes that have been part of the Indian cuisine for quite a long time. Also called as ‘bhindi’ in Hindi this tender as well as delicious tasting vegetable is known for many health advantages. This vegetable which is consumed in numerous forms throughout the world can either be eaten raw, boiled, fried or even in pickled form. They are used in number of countries as a thickening agent in a food called as ‘gumbo’. Okra is actually a pod of a plant and is grown typically in tropical regions. When this vegetable is cut it releases a juice which is utilised for thickening the dish which we call as okra. This slim as well as tender vegetable is known to possess plenty of health advantages.
Nutritional Value of Okra (100g)
Calories | 33 | |
Total Fat | 0.2g | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate | 7g | 2% |
Dietary Fibres | 3.2g | 12% |
Protein | 1.9 | 3% |
Vitamin A | 14% | |
Vitamin C | 38% | |
Calcium | 8% | |
Iron | 3% |
Health Benefits of Okra
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Helps in Controlling Diabetes
This vegetable is known to be packed in with high amounts of dietary fibres which help in regulating the levels of sugar in the body as well increase the levels of sugar absorption in the digestive tract. They also tend to contain property of inhibiting the enzyme which process the carbs and hence generate insulin.
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Helps in Prevention of Number of Heart Issues
High levels of cholesterol are associated with increased chances of heart disease. Pectin, one of the soluble fibres which are present in okra tends to lower the levels of cholesterol and hence prevents number of heart disease. Also, they are known to contain high levels of anti-oxidants which tend to oxidise cholesterol and thereby reducing the levels of the same.
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IS helpful in Losing Weight
People who want to lose weight quick should definitely switch to consuming these vegetables. They are known to consist of extremely low amount of calories and hence are very good for getting number of nutrients without any excess calories.
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They help in Improving the Immunity
Ladyfinger is known to be a good source of Vitamin C and can meet almost 38 per cent of your daily requirement. This class of Vitamin is known to be beneficial in improving the immunity and hence can protect you against number of diseases.
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Is Good for Pregnant Women
Consumption of this vegetable is sure to benefit pregnant women. Okra is known to contain folic acid as well Vitamin B9 both of which are responsible for healthy development of child as well as prevents any neurological defect from occurring.
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Helps in Improving your Mental Health
As told before, this vegetable is known to contain Vitamin B9 along with folic acid, both of which are responsible for improving the neural health. They tend to improve the functioning of brain as well as help in increasing focus as well as attention.
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Can Help in Prevention Against Cancer
This vegetable is known to have higher amounts of anti-oxidants than most of the vegetables. These anti-oxidants tend to fight against number of free radicals present in the body which can cause harm to the cells. They are also known to contain fibres which promote healthy digestive tract and hence avoiding issues such as colorectal cancer.
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Contain Sufficient Levels of Iron
Okra is known to contain iron which is beneficial against issues such as Anaemia. It also tends to improve the blood supply to various parts of the body and hence ensuring their healthy working.
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Is Helpful in Treating Hair Issues
Okra has been found to treat number of hair issues primarily dandruff. Make an okra extract by slicing it into pieces and then boiling it. Apply this on your hair just like shampoo and then rinse it. This will help against issues such as hair fall and dandruff.
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Helps Cure Asthma
Consuming this vegetable which is high in Vitamin C is known to cure number of symptoms related to asthma. They tend to act as a shield from numerous disease related to respiratory system and can cure mild cold and cough.