TOP 22 HEALTH BENEFITS OF OKRA (LADY’S FINGER):
1. Rich
Fiber Source: Okra’s rich fiber content helps in better digestion, and
regularization of bowels. The soluble fiber, Pectin, swells up in the
intestine and helps in easier elimination of the wastes from the intestine.
2. For Diabetes: It has insulin-like properties that help to reduce
blood sugar levels. Eugenol, a type of fiber found in Okra, helps to
stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed
from the intestinal tract.
3. For Pregnancy and Fetal
development: Abundant Folates in Okra, not only help in conceiving but
also in fetus’ brain development, prevention of miscarriages, formation
of the fetal neural tube, and preventing any defects in the tube.
4. For Strong Bones: Vitamin K is a co-factor in the vital
blood-clotting process and along with Folates, restores bone density,
strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
5. For Asthma: The
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Okra, and rich vitamin C
content, curtail the development of asthma symptoms and prevent fatal
attacks.
6. Respiratory Soother: A decoction of leaves and
flowers of Okra are used in treating bronchitis and pneumonia. Its
mucilaginous (slimy, gluey) quality makes it an excellent home remedy
for treatment of common cold and flu.
7. Relieves Constipation:
The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in Okra pods help increase
stool bulk, facilitate proper absorption of water, bind to toxins,
lubricate the large intestines, and ensure easy bowel movements, with
its natural laxative properties.
8. Treats Sun Strokes: Those
suffering from summer heat and sun strokes should include Okra in their
diet. Relieves from weakness, exhaustion, and overall depression.
9. Lowers Colon Cancer Risk: The insoluble fiber found in Okra cleans
out the intestinal tract, decreasing the risk of colon-rectal cancer.
The high antioxidants in Okra helps protect the immune system against
harmful free radicals and prevent mutation of cells.
10.
Prevents Obesity: Obesity is not necessarily due to consumption of fatty
and calorific foods but also due to lack of nutrients. Okra provides
minimum calories, the fiber helps in keeping you full for longer, and
the abundant nutrients nourish you.
11. Lowers Cholesterol:
Okra contains soluble fiber pectin, which helps in lowering the serum
(bad) cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis. It does it by altering
the production of bile in the intestines and aiding in elimination of
deposited cholesterol and clots.
12. Skin Cleanser: Fiber
aids toxic waste cleansing and Vitamin C aids in repairing body tissues,
preventing skin pigmentation, reducing acne, psoriasis and other skin
conditions.
13. For Lively Hair: The transparent mucilage
imparts life and bounce to unruly, curly and lifeless hair. It acts as a
great hair conditioner, scalp moisturizer for dry and itchy scalp,
fights dandruff and lice, and adds a youthful sheen to your hair.
14. For Detoxification: Okra's fiber not only aids the stool function
but the mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid, ejecting toxins,
dumped into it by the filtering liver.
15. Immunity Booster:
The high antioxidants and vitamin C content make Okra a good immune
booster food. Other essential minerals like magnesium, manganese,
calcium and iron fight against harmful free radicals and promote healthy
immune system.
16. Clears Vision: Okra contains beta-carotenes
(precursor of vitamin A), xanthin and lutein, all antioxidant
properties, preventing eye problems like cataract and glaucoma.
17. Prevents Anemia: Iron, Folate, and Vitamin K aid in hemoglobin
formation, blood coagulation, and red blood cells production, providing a
supreme defense against anemia.
18. Cures Ulcers: The alkaline
mucilaginous content helps neutralize acids and provides a temporary
protective coating for the digestive tract speeding up the healing of
peptic ulcers.
19. Treats Genital Disorders: Okra increases
sexual potency and is beneficial in treating genital disorders like
syphilis, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, dysuria and excessive menstrual
bleeding.
20. Rich Protein Source: The seeds of Okra are an
excellent source of first-rate vegetable protein and oils, enriched with
amino acids like tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids.
21. Feeds Blood Network: Studies show that eating plenty of flavonoid
and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, such as Okra, helps to support
the structure of blood capillaries.
22. Probiotics Feed: Good bacteria (probiotics), in intestines,
thrive on Okra, contributing greatly to the health of the intestinal
tract. It helps biosynthesis of Vitamin B complex, similar to how
yoghurt serves the small intestine.
