Okra or commonly known as lady’s finger is a widely consumed vegetable in tropical regions. Especially in Indian kitchen okra is one of the most versatile foods, which are loved and consumed by all. It is biologically categorized as a fruit, but is generally consumed as a vegetable.
A lot of people dislike the cooking procedure of this flowering plant due to its sticky texture.
But nevertheless, the delicious taste of any okra dish makes it all for the efforts. But did you know okra is loaded with nutrients, which can be really beneficial for your health?
This green veggie is filled with folic acid, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, fiber, potassium, antioxidants, and some vital phytonutrient. Keep scrolling to find out the importance of consuming okra on a daily basis.
Here are 8 reasons you may want to eat okra.
1. Kidneys
According to a study published in the Jilin Medical Journal in the year 2005, people who consumed okra showed improvement in nephropathy or kidney disease. For the study, there were two groups. One was treated with okra, and the other was treated with traditional medical therapy for six months. At the end of the study, there were no changes in the group that participated in traditional therapy. However, the people who took okra saw a reduction in urine protein and uric acid.
2. Liver
In 2011, a study was published in the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal outlining okra’s ability to protect against liver disease. In fact, researchers discovered that okra protects against chemically induced liver damage because of its antioxidant activities.
3. Diabetes
People with an elevated blood glucose level should definitely include okra in their daily diets. As okra is rich in fiber, it helps in improving insulin sensitivity and also aids in controlling and maintaining blood sugar levels in the body. Ladyfinger contains a substance called myricetin, which is known to improve and increase sugar absorption by muscles and thus, can help in lowering the high sugar level in the blood.
4. Cancer
Another study shows okra’s ability as a cancer fighter. Researchers have discovered that a newly discovered lectin (a type of protein that can bind to cell membranes) in okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (AEL), actually induces cell death in human breast cancer cells, in vitro – 72 percent to be exact. However, these tests are only in preliminary stages.
5. Depression
Okra has a high phenol and flavonoid content. This may be the reason it helps one fight off depression. Researchers from the Mazandaran University of Medical Science decided to examine its effect on mood. Their results showed that okra seed extracts acted as a potent agent for elevating mood, in some cases performing just as well as typical antidepressants.
6. Lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Okra is a good option for people who have cholesterol or any other heart ailment as the fiber present in this veggie will help in lowering the bad cholesterol level and promote good cholesterol in the body. Fibers modify the production of bile juice in the intestines, thus, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Apart from that okra is rich in magnesium and therefore, helps in maintaining and regulating your blood pressure level in the body.
7. Boosts digestion
Dietary fibers present in okra aids in effective digestion and improve bowel movement. Fibers are known to cure stomach ailments such as constipation, IBS and even indigestion.
8. Helps in achieving a healthy skin
Okra has a good amount of antioxidants which not only reduces oxidative stress but also effectively eliminates free radicals present in the body. Antioxidants aids in reversing the skin damage and slows down the aging process, thus, giving you a youthful skin.