For people that are concerned with living healthy, okra has long been recommended as favored food, since it contains vitamin B and C, folic acid, calcium and potassium, it has a high dietary fiber content and is very low in calories.

10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Okra

1. Promotes Healthy Pregnancy

Okra’s high levels of vitamin A, B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), and vitamin C, and traces of zinc and calcium, make it an ideal vegetable to eat during pregnancy. Okra also serves as a natural supplement for fiber and folic acid.

2. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

Okra contains insulin-like properties that help reduce blood sugar levels. It also has a low glycemic index of about 20, making it a good choice for people with diabetes. A number of studies have proved that lady’s finger juice can help in controlling diabetes for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. It’s anti-diabetic properties plays a significant role in reducing the blood sugar levels.

The best way to use okra for controlling diabetes is with the use of okra water.

Okra Water Recipe

Preparation:

Take two okra pods and cut off their ends. Sticky liquid will ooze out once you slit the pod. Do not wash it. Take a glass full of water and drop these pods into it at night and cover with a dish. In the morning, take out the pods and drink the water in the glass.

You have to prepare okra water daily and drink daily in the morning to control your raised blood sugar level. It is important to note that okra water helps cure diabetes much better than cooked okras. It is fine to add okra to your curries and soups, but take raw okra soaked in water for faster recovery from raised blood sugar levels.

3. Prevents Kidney Diseases

Kidney problems are a threat if you are diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. Almost half of the diseases related to kidneys are caused by diabetes. If you take okra regularly in your diet and okra water as well, it will help prevent kidney diseases.

4. Lowers Cholesterol

Okra not only promotes good digestive health, but also good cholesterol levels due to it’s high fiber content. Soluble fiber can be dissolved in water, which means that it breaks down in the digestive tract. There, it also binds to cholesterol in other foods so that it can be excreted along with other wastes. In turn, total cholesterol levels plummet, according to Harvard Health Publications.

5. Good Source Of Antioxidants

If you take foods rich in antioxidants, it helps prevent cancer, heart diseases, and premature aging. Okra contains a large number of antioxidants like quercetin, catechin and rutin. No doubt it is called a super food!

6. High Fiber Content

The dietary fiber content of okra is known to be high, and hence, many health specialists recommend it for digestive benefits. The fibers aid the process of digestion in the body by facilitating proper bowel movement.

7. Healthy Heart

Keeping our heart healthy and safe is the top priority. Rather than taking expensive medications, we think it’s better to try out natural remedies. And, one such remedy that you can try out is our wonder vegetable – okra. Like we mentioned earlier, ladyfinger controls your cholesterol levels, improves the capillaries functions and the potassium content helps in maintaining the heart and it’s function.

8. Lung Inflammation

With the presence of antioxidants like phyto chemical and other nutrients, okra can help your body in preventing the inflammation of your lungs.

9. Healthy Skin

Okra is a rich source of dietary fiber. It also keeps the digestion problems away. Proper digestion reflects through a healthy-looking skin. The nutrients found in okra actually help prevent skin pigmentation. It is useful for rejuvenating your skin and repairing damages. Vitamins A, C and other nutrients fight free radical which cause aging and dull skin.

10. Healthy Liver

Okra helps in keeping your liver healthy. Research has proved that the okra extracts can help in keeping your livers damage and disease free. So ensure that you include healthy okra dishes in your daily diets.