Health Benefits of Okra!
Biologically classified as a fruit, okra is generally utilized like a vegetable in cooking.
One cup (100 grams) of raw okra contains:
- Calories: 33
- Carbs: 7 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Magnesium: 14% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Folate: 15% of the DV
- Vitamin A: 14% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 26% of the DV
- Vitamin K: 26% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 14% of the DV
Okra is low in calories and carbs and contains some protein and fiber which makes it unique.The vitamin C in okra helps support healthy immune function. Okra is also rich in vitamin K, which helps your body clot blood.
AntiOxidant properties:Okra contains antioxidants called polyphenols, including vitamins A and C. It also contains a protein called lectin which may inhibit cancer cell growth in humans.
Cholesterol control:Mucilage—a thick, gel-like substance found in okra—can bind with cholesterol during digestion so it is passed from the body.
Blood sugar control:Various studies have shown okra may help control blood sugar levels. Researchers believe okra may help prevent sugar from being absorbed during digestion.
Beneficial for pregnancy:Folate,a critical nutrient for healthy fetus development, and okra contains lots of it.
Bone strength:okra is rich in calcium, which helps keeps your bones healthy and strong.
Natural Viagra:The polysaccharides in okra are thought to open up the arteries in a similar way to Viagra.Okra helps due to its mucilaginous nature in reducinh vaginal discharge.Okra pieces can be boiled in water till the water is reduced to half. The residual water can be consumed to alleviate leucorrhea.
Precautions:Diabetics should be careful when adding more okra into their diets as it can also interfere with metformin, a medication often used to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Gastrointestinal problems:Okra contains fructans, which is a type of carbohydrate. Fructans can cause diarrhea, gas, cramping, and bloating in people with existing bowel problems.
Kidney stones: Okra is high in oxalates.
Okra seeds are very rich in toxic pigment called Gossypol which promote infertility in men by arresting sperm production (spermatogenesis) even at lower doses.It makes sense to include Okra in one's diet as much as possible as it's full of nutrients & fibre.
