Okra contains vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins, such as folic acid, vitamin B1, B2, B6. This vegetable contains polysaccharides that improve blood flow and has stimulating influence. It also contains antioxidants, especially epicatechin, catechin, rutin and quercetin.
This vegetable belongs to the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton. Commonly, also known as ‘lady’s fingers’, this food is used in various recipes. You can consume it raw, cooked or steamed. This amazing vegetable has high medicinal and nutritional value.
Read Here More About Okra and Healthy Benefits From Okra
Let’s sym some of the health benefits and reasons why you need to consume this healthy food.
Helps in Prevention of Diabetes
Consummation of this vegetable may stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing its absorption from the intestines. Although, medical research on okra for diabetes is still in early stages, seeds from this vegetable have been studied and proven to have a positive effect on lowering blood sugar.
Helps in Lowering Cholesterol
Okra is food with extremely high fiber content. Thanks to the fiber and antioxidant qualities which this plant have, helps in maintaining cholesterol level. Also, in lab studies is shown that okra lower cholesterol levels.
Skin Health
Vitamins and antioxidants found in okra are able to maintain healthy skin. Also, gel in okra has antibacterial, anti inflammatory and antifungal properties, which treat dry skin, skin infections and acne.
Anti-Fatigue Benefits
This food may contribute to more active lifestyle. With this vegetable in your diet regime, you will be able to work out longer and to recover faster from your exercises.
Healthy Pregnancy
This food is rich in Vitamin C and most important for pregnancy, vitamin B or folic acid. Folic acid is essential and very important for healthy and optimal pregnancy. Department of Health recommends that women should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid and this food (100g raw.) contains almost 200 micrograms.
Lowers the Risk of Colon Cancer
Extremely high amount of fiber cleans the intestinal tract and in that way is decreasing the risk of colon cancer. Antioxidants protect the immune system from harmful free radicals.
