Okra, or popularly called Lady’s finger, Bhindi, Bamia or Gumbo, is an exotic, medicinal, and culinary vegetable, which is usually available all year round. The biggest medicinal value of this plant is in the edible green seed pods, and the plant is cultivated in tropical and warm temperature regions across the entire globe.
The name okra, is popular in United Kingdom, Unite States, and the Philippines, while in much of South Asia, it is called Bhindi.
Based on research data, one single cup of raw okra can have around 30 calories, 3 grams of dietary fiber, 2 grams of protein, 7.6 grams of carbohydrates, 0.1 grams of fat, 21 milligrams of Vitamin C, around 99 micrograms of folate, and 56 milligrams of magnesium. Having this structure, okra is really exotic, medicinal super-vegetable!
Okra can be consumed fried, boiled, stewed, or even in a pickled form.
The biggest benefits from adding this vegetable to your diet are:
IT HELPS WITH ASTHMA
When you consume fruits or vegetables that are rich with vitamin C, it can help with alleviating asthma symptoms.
LOWERS CHOLESTEROL
Okra can directly benefit and improve our digestive system, but can additionally lower cholesterol because of its high fiber components. This plant contains very little fat and no cholesterol.
IT MANAGES DIABETES
Because okra contains soluble fiber, that can be dissolved in water and can break down in the digestive tract, it has the ability to maintain blood glucose levels stable. It practically helps by reducing the absorption rate of glucose.
IMPROVES IMMUNE SYSTEM
The high level of vitamin C present in Okra, helps the overall body health and helps us fight with viruses.
PREVENTS KIDNEY RELATED DISEASES
Because it boosts the immune system, and as well manages the diabetes, when okra is consumed regularly, it can help improve the health state of our kidneys.
HELPS WITH FERTILITY
Beside the high level of vitamin C, okra contains vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and has also some amounts of zinc and calcium, which makes it the ideal plant to consume while in pregnancy.