Okra, also known as Lady’s Fingers or gumbo is high in fiber, this vegetable is known for its high soluble and insoluble fiber content. Okra contains potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium. It’s low in calories and has a high dietary fiber content, its popular form for medicinal purposes include okra water, okra peels, and powdered seeds.
It has long been favoured as a food for the health-conscious. Okra plant does have many proven health benefits which includes the following.
Anti-stress effects: There is evidence that the seed extracts of okra have an antioxidant, anti-stress effect in the bloodstream. Managing stress levels is an important part of managing diabetes. Long-term, high stress levels can cause blood sugar levels to spike.
Anti-fatigue benefit: Studies shows that recovery times and fatigue levels can be improved by use of the okra plant. By including okra in your diet along with a healthy exercise routine, you may be able to work out for longer and recover more quickly from your exercise. Cardiovascular activity is an essential part of preventing and treating diabetes. This means that the okra plant may contribute to a more active lifestyle.
It’s a good source of minerals: Including iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese. It also contains vitamin K, which is important for bone health and plays a major role in blood clotting.
It contains lots of dietary fiber: It acts as a natural laxative which can help you to natural get rid of constipation. The pods are rich in mucilage substance, which is a thick, gluey substance that lubricates the large intestine and helps with elimination. Okra’s fiber also feeds the gut’s beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and helps maintain the pH balance of your digestive tract.
Good folate content: The folates present in okra reduce the neural tube defects in a newborn baby. So, it is highly recommended for women during the preconception period or pregnancy.
Scalp moisturizer: Okra is an excellent moisturizer for your dry and itchy scalp. It leaves your hair feeling soft and is not harmful like the other cosmetics available in the market. It is great for people with unruly, curly and lifeless hair. Okra improves the overall scalp condition and fights dandruff, it moisturizes your scalp and keeps dandruff away.
Controls asthma: Asthma can also be treated by including okra/ lady’s fingers in your meals. People diagnosed with asthma are strongly suggested to consume okra.
Prevents colon cancer: It is believed that all diseases begin in the colon. Adding okra to your meals ensures the prevention of colon cancer and other related diseases to a great extent.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C found in okra helps maintain a younger looking skin. It aids in repairing the body tissues. This, in turn, helps keep your skin younger and also makes it look more vibrant.
Bouncy hair: If you are tired of your distressed hair, try using okra to get that bounce back. Boil okra with some water and the transparent mucilage that you get can be used to get your bouncy hair back. It can also be used as a hair conditioner. Wash your hair and squeeze out the excess water. Massage the watery mucilage through your hair and rinse thoroughly with water.
Shiny hair: Okra, when used as a hair rinse, gives great shine to your hair. You can give your regular conditioner a miss once in a while and take care of your hair the natural way.
It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol
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