

Okra, or known under the name lady’s finger, is a vegetable cultivated in tropical, warm and subtropical areas because of the pods rich in phytonutrients. Its value is in the green seed pods which can be eaten.


Here, we will share some facts about the vegetable with abundant with nutrients which makes it very healthy.

Nutritional Benefits

It does not contain any calories and it is very nutritional. Okra is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, B, K, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron. It is also great source of folate and fiber. This green vegetable is the one that contains phytonutrients and antioxidants like xanthin, luten and beta-carotene.

Health Benefits

Anemia: It can prevent anemia by helping in production of red blood cells.

Anti-Cancer: As an amazing source of antioxidant, okra can improve the immune system, prevent any mutation of cells and protects the body from free radicals.

Asthma: Being rich in both, vitamin C and antioxidants, okra is excellent in reducing attacks of astma.

Bone Strength: Because of the folate, okra can build strong bones and prevent osteporosis.

Cholesterol: Due to the soluble fiber, okra can lower the level of cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis.

Constipation: It has natural laxative properties because of the mucilaginous and fiber. Okra can increase bulk, attach to toxins and provide easy bowel movements. If you consume okra regularly, you will lower the risk of colon cancer.

Diabetes: Because it possesses properties like insulin it can easily reduce blood sugar levels. People who have diabetes should consume six to eight young and raw okra daily. The blood test will show the lower blood sugar level and you will feel that.

Immune Booster: It contains vitamin c and antioxidants, so it is an amazing immune booster and can prevent many health problems like cough or cold.

Pregnancy: It is very important for pregnant women to take folate and okra can help with that, since it can lower the incidence of neural tube defects in babies.

Skin Health: If you have good bowel movements you will have improved skin health. In this case okra can prevent the appearance of psoriasis, acne or other skin problem.

Vision Health:

Being a great source of lutein, beta-carotene and xantin, okra is very beneficial when it comes to the eyes and vision. It can prevent many eye issues including glaucoma and cataract.

Take Okra to Lower the Blood Sugar Levels

Cut the stem part and eat at least 3 to 4 pieces. Make an opening so that the inside is exposed and cut it into 2 pieces. Take a glass of water and sink the okra pieces into it. Let it sit overnight at room temperature and the next morning drink the water. You will make a difference after two or four weeks and the blood sugar level will significantly lower. In order to have good results you should have proper diet when having diabetes, not only drink okra water.

Consumption Tips

When buying, look for the small ones, not the ones in big size. Remember to use it when tender, since they tend to be fibrous once they get older. If you see it with dark color and soft on touch do not use it. Bare in mind that it its better to buy it fresh and organic. Make sure to soak in water with sea salt and apple cider vinegar, if it is not organic. Let it sit for ten minutes and rinse well. Then, cut the tops and slice it to small pieces of two or three inches. Try steaming it or fry in order to lower the green taste and mucilage. Consume it as you wish, on its own or as a part of your favorite salad.

You cannot use it in a blender and make a juice out of it, since it has fibrous texture and gummy content.

Note: Not recommended for people who have suffered from kidney stones.




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