Okra or lady’s finger or gumbo is a green vegetable that is versatile, nutritious and tasty. It has a lot of benefits. Without much ado, let us dig into the various benefits that this vegetable offers to its consumers.
Okra or lady’s finger or gumbo
The green vegetable, Okra or lady’s finger or gumbo is sighted at the vegetable shops and vegetable corners of supermarkets and grocery stores. But not many people like it. If you are one of those who feel that it does not taste well, then you must read this further. Because here we are going to enlist for you the 9 benefits of eating this vegetable. You are sure to like it after that.
Nutrient-dense vegetable
Okra is full of nutrients. It has minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and dietary fiber. It is low calories at 33 calories in one cup of the raw vegetable. Okra has 1.9 grams protein, 7.5 g carbs and 0.2 g fats. There is 3.2 g of fiber in this quantity of okra.
Lady’s finger (Source: Pinterest)Furthermore, it has vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, calcium, folate and vitamin A. Moreover, it is rich in antioxidants. These fight body inflammation, keep chronic diseases away and mop up harmful free radicals. They also reduce cancer risk.
Immune booster
Okra is an immune booster thanks to their high content of antioxidants and vitamin C.
Heart friendly
Okra is good for the heart. Its antioxidants protect it. Also, it has mucilage which helps the body rid the excess cholesterol. A 2014 mice study showed that those fed on okra excreted more cholesterol in their feces. Similarly, a 2020 study on 60 diabetic patients showed that consuming okra powder for 8 weeks helped them to lower their blood cholesterol significantly.
Cancer risk reduction
Okra has protein lectin in it. In 2014, one study showed that this protein slowed the growth of breast cancer cells. A recent review article also talked about its role in this. But the fact is that more studies are required to confirm the point.
Lady’s finger cut (Source: Gourmet Garden)Good in pregnancy
Okra has folate. And this vitamin is good for the growing fetus. It can prevent neural tube defects in them. But the amount of okra required to fulfil the daily requirements of folate in these women is large and difficult for consumption.
Bone strengthening
It has vitamin K that makes bones stronger. It aids clotting and protects heart. A cup or two of okra per day can help to meet the daily requirements of this vital vitamin.
Gut health
It has good amount of dietary fiber. This keeps gut health and prevents constipation. It minimizes body inflammation.
Oven roasted Lady’s finger (Source: Bear naked food)Helps stabilize blood sugar
Okra can stabilize high blood sugar. It has low calories with fiber. Both can control blood sugar.
Also, read Green vegetables: Tips to make children and toddlers eat healthy!
Easy to cook
It is versatile and can enrich any food dish. Make a vegetable dish of it or add it to stews or soups. It is also a good side dish food. It is available fresh or pickled. Also, one can use dried okra to thicken soups and sauces. One can also eat roasted seeds of okra.