6 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Okra

Okra or ladyfinger is a popular vegetable of the North East African region and is cultivated in tropical and warm regions. It is scientifically known as “Abelmoschus esculentus”. Being an excellent source of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc, okra provides numerous health and beauty benefits.

# Promotes Weight Loss

Okra has a low calorific value of 30 calories per 100 grams and promotes weight loss.

Dietary fibers in okra provide stomach satiety and control overeating, a major cause of obesity.

# Regulates Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common health condition that affects millions around the world and causes cardiovascular and other health problems.

Okra contains potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.

Despite the advantage, consume okra in moderation as too much potassium may drop the blood pressure below the healthy range, and cause dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, confusion, fainting, etc.

# Manages Cholesterol Level

A soluble fiber called “Pectin” in okra helps in managing cholesterol levels as it reduces LDL cholesterol and minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries and is mainly caused by the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls. It is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart stroke, etc.

# Improves Cardiovascular Health

Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in the okra improve our cardiovascular system.

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.

# Better Digestive System

The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in okra improve bowel movement, helps in stool elimination, and thus relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating, flatulence and indigestion, etc. The slimy substance called mucilage in okra improves our digestive health.

# Prevents Diabetes

With a low glycemic index of 20, okra slows down the rate at which sugar is released into the bloodstream, prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar level, and thus aids in managing diabetes.Dietary fibers t slow down sugar absorption by the bloodstream and manage blood sugar levels.

Even with this benefit, consume okra in moderation as excessive consumption may increase the risk of hypoglycemia with symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, shaking, hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion, and irritability.