Okra, also known as lady’s finger, is a delicious vegetable, belonging to the mallow family. This plant grows mostly in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate areas.
It has been a low-calorie food item with little fats and is rich in nutrients.
Fresh, okra pods and leaves have wide medicinal applications.
These are also used in cuisines and varieties of salads. This is easily enjoyable either in boiled, pickled or cooked form.
The seeds of okra are yellow in colour, used to extract oil. This oil has unsaturated fats, such as oleic and linolenic acids.
Explore these top 10 health benefits of okra (lady’s finger).
Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Okra has insulin-like properties and helps in the reduction of sugar levels in the human body.
Not only this but also it has a low glycemic index of about 20, due to which it is good for diabetic patients.
Studies have revealed that okra has antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential, due to which it acts as a miracle vegetable for sugar patients.
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Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Okra is of great use for lowering the cholesterol level in the body. Studies proved that the hypolipidemic activities of okra are having wonderful cholesterol-lowering benefits.
It can inhibit cholesterol of the pancreas and can reduce the efficacy of micellization by binding with the bile acids of the body.
This, being non-saturated food, is good to keep you fit.
Treats Leucorrhea
Okra is said to be effective to treat leucorrhea, which is the reason behind white or yellowish vaginal discharge between menstruations.
Okra has mucilaginous properties due to which can help in the removal of mucous from the body.
Also, it neutralizes the colour of vaginal discharge to too much extent by boosting your immunity.
Promotes a Healthy Pregnancy
Okra is always recommended to pregnant females. This has vitamins and ensures healthy baby delivery. This also prevents birth defects such as spinal Bifida etc.
Also, okra is a rich source of folic acid which is known to aid the production of new body cells.
The women should include okra in their diet during pregnancy months.
Prevents Liver Disease
Okra is helpful for your liver. It acts as a liver cleansing medium and prevents multiple diseases including the accumulation of fats in the liver.
According to recent studies, the potent antioxidant properties of okra can able to provide protection against chemically induced liver damages.
This improves liver health, in other words.
Makes Your Hairs Soft and Shiny
Having soft and shiny hair is like a dream come true. The antioxidants and vitamins of okra are helpful to fulfil this dream.
This also has nutrients like copper, zinc, potassium, folate and thiamine which are good to make your hair strong and beautiful.
Apart from that, okra has transparent mucilage which is known to work as a natural conditioner, adding life to dull hairs.
Improves Eye Health
Okra greatly improves eyesight. In other words, we can say that this can boost vision because of contains vitamin A and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin which are good for human eyes.
Vitamin A is the medium that protects the cornea, while lutein is protective for the eyes from the UV rays of the sun.
Okra is great for clear and wonderful vision.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Okra promotes healthy skin. This has several skin-friendly nutrients which make you look younger and vibrant.
This strengthens the body tissues and can affect collagen formation and skin pigmentation, turning them to be positive.
This is also good to prevent acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Improves Digestion
Okra greatly improves the function of the digestive system. This is a wonderful source of dietary fibres which boost colon health to much extent.
These fibres also facilitate water regulation of the body, ensuring that waste products are extracted out of the body efficiently, and without any problems.
Boosts Immunity – Benefits of okra
Regular intake of okra gives a strengthened and powerful immune system.
This has been a source of vitamins and antioxidants due to which protects the body from harmful free radicals.
Also, okra is good in the reduction of episodes of illness, as well as preventing heart disease, cancer and premature ageing.
