Okra or lady finger or gumbo or bhindi is a very common and popular vegetable found around the world. It is healthy and tasty and loved by everyone. The pods of okra have long been used as a vegetable and a source of dietary medicines. In traditional Asian and African medicine, okra pods are used as a mucilaginous food to combat gastritis.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS OF OKRA
Okra is a rich source of numerous nutrients and offers countless health benefits to us.
IT CONTROL DIABETES
Diabetes occurs when your blood sugar level rises. The okra seeds inhibit an enzyme, alpha-glucosidase, that breaks down carbs and improves insulin sensitivity of cells, and thus effectively treats diabetes and reduces fasting glucose levels.
Various studies on Okra (Abelmoscus esculentus) showed that Okra extract or Abelmoscus esculentus (AE) has a hypoglycemic effect that helps decrease blood glucose level. Its properties can be a useful remedy to manage diabetes mellitus.
In addition, it leads to inhibition of cholesterol absorption and subsequently decreases the level of lipid and fat in the blood. The results of an investigation on diabetic mice by using this material has shown the same effect and confirmed this conclusion.
Various studies on Okra (Abelmoscus esculentus) showed that Okra extract or Abelmoscus esculentus (AE) has a hypoglycemic effect that helps decrease blood glucose level. Its properties can be a useful remedy to manage diabetes mellitus.
In addition, it leads to inhibition of cholesterol absorption and subsequently decreases the level of lipid and fat in the blood. The results of an investigation on diabetic mice by using this material has shown the same effect and confirmed this conclusion.
HELP TO REGULATES CHOLESTEROL LEVEL
Studies indicates that supplementation of okra seed significantly controlled the hyperlipidemic condition including the body weight reduction. Consumption of okra seed probably decrease the probability of cardiovascular disease as it decrease the LDL level.
The results show that lipid profile of okra seed fed rats is comparable with normal diet fed rats. Results also indicate that okra seed is effective for LDL reduction.
Eating okra prevents the accumulation of fat in the body and lowers cholesterol levels.
OKRA CONTROLS FOOD CRAVINGS
Okra is rich in dietary fiber. Eating okra keeps your stomach full and controls your food craving. Hence okra helps in weight reduction.
Okra has the prebiotic fiber which helps in digestion inside stomach.
OKRA HELPS IN FATIGUE
Okra is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that support the storage of glycogen in the liver and thus increase energy levels.
A study indicated that okra seeds is the anti-fatigue part of okra, and polyphenols and flavonoids were likely to be the active constituents of okra seeds because of their antioxidant activity.
However, fatigue is a complex phenomenon, and the present study on the anti-fatigue mechanisms of okra is very preliminary.
BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM AND VISION
Vitamins are essential constituents of our diet that have long been known to boosts the immune system. Vitamins A and D have received particular attention in recent years as these vitamins have been shown to have an unexpected and crucial effect on the immune response.
Okra is a rich source of vitamin A. It increases the count of white blood cells which enhances your immune system.
Okra has good amount of vitamin C which supports the immune system as it helps to create more white blood cells, which can help protect against pathogens and help to boost immune system.
This vitamin A also improves eye health and prevents vision issues.
PREVENTS KIDNEY DISEASE
The regular consumption of okra vegetable will help you prevent the risk of kidney diseases. A 2005 study published in the Jilin Medical Journal also indicates that okra is useful for preventing kidney disease as results showed that patients who ate okra daily had reduced signs of kidney damage more than those who were on a diabetic diet.
HELPS TO PREVENT GASTRITIS
A study suggests that okra has a gastroprotective effect against ethanol and could reduce the gastric ulcer as seen from biochemical and histopathological results.The juice of okra fights inflammation and bacteria, such as H. Pylori bacterium in the stomach, and lowers the risk of gastritis.
IT IMPROVES SKIN HEALTH
Okra is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. The high antioxidant content will help you prevent aging and skin pigmentation. It is beneficial in skin rejuvenation and repair damages.
IT PREVENTS CONSTIPATION
The okra fiber, absorbing water and ensuring bulk in stools, helps prevent and improve constipation. Fiber is helpful for this, but okra is one of the best, along with ground flax seed and psyllium.
Okra improves the absorption of water and ensures a free motion disposal and prevents constipation.
HELPS IN PREVENTING SUNSTROKE
Sunstroke or heat stroke is a life threatening condition. Okra helps to prevents sunstroke.
HELPS TO IMPROVE HAIR HEALTH
Okra is full of nutrients. it has good amount of folic acid. Folic acid helps to repair cell damage in your scalp. To get good amount of folic acid. eat okra vegetable regularly.
Eating okra enables you to effectively fight against dandruff.
Okra can be consumed in many way. The best to make it without gravy. It is very popular and can be make differently. Eat regularly and you will find it's amazing benefit.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4632455/
http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/okra-for-managing-diabetes-and-preventing-kidney-disease/
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