Okra
Okra is a flowering plant comprising of digestible seed pods. It thrives in warm and tropical climates. It is commonly known as “lady’s finger”, and it only assumes green and red colours. Apart from the red variety turning green when cooked, the two taste the same.
Okra is biologically categorized as a fruit, but it is treated as a vegetable, as most people don’t consume it raw instead they cook.
Okra has plenty of nutrients, although it is no longer one of the most common foods. Here are the health benefits of okra.
Packed with Nutrients
Okra has a high rich content of nutrients. Some of the nutrients contained in okra include vitamin C and K1. Vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in blood clotting. On the other hand, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in the overall functioning of your immune system.
Besides, okra is rich in proteins and fibre but low in carbs and calories. Okra somewhat unique when compared to fruits and vegetables in that it contains protein while the two don’t.
Taking foods rich in protein such as okra is beneficial to the body as it promotes bone and muscle growth along with weight management and blood sugar control.
Rich in Beneficial Antioxidants
Okra has plenty of antioxidants that are beneficial to your health. They are compounds contained in the food that fight off damage resulting from harmful molecules known as free radicals.
The primary antioxidants contained in okra include polyphenols such as isoquercetin and flavonoids along with Vitamin A and C.
Studies have shown that taking a diet rich in polyphenols can enhance your heart health by reducing the risk of blood clots as well as oxidative damage.
Polyphenol is also beneficial to your brain health in that it is capable of penetrating your brain and fend off inflammation.
These defence strategies can aid in protecting your brain from the signs of aging and enhance cognition, learning, as well as memory.
Can Lessen the Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is linked to abnormal levels of cholesterol. Okra is packed with mucilage which can stick to cholesterol during digestion, preventing it from being absorbed into the body but instead get it excreted as waste.
Polyphenol content is the other heart benefit of okra. According to the recent studies, people who take a diet rich in polyphenols are less likely to experience inflammation which is one of the causes of heart disease.
Contains Anticancer Properties
Okra contains lectin, a type of protein that is responsible for restraining the growth of human cancer cells. According to one study findings, the lectin in okra can impede cancer cell growth by over 60%. Keep in mind that there is no scientific evidence backing these findings.
It Helps Prevent Diabetes
One of the health benefits of okra is its ability to stabilize blood sugar which is one of the remedies of curbing diabetes.
From the above, it is evident that okra has plenty of health benefits to offer. Incorporation of okra into your diet is recommended if you’re to reap these benefits.