8 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Ladyfinger

Ladyfinger, also known as okra, is a vegetable that has been consumed for centuries for its various health benefits. This unique vegetable is a rich source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Regular consumption of ladyfinger can provide numerous benefits for the body, ranging from improving digestion to promoting weight loss. In this article, we will explore the health benefits of eating ladyfinger in more detail. So, let's dive in and discover the advantages of including this versatile vegetable in your diet.

# Promotes Weight Loss

The low calorific value of okra makes it beneficial for individuals who are on a weight loss journey and would like to get rid of some extra pounds. Eating 100 grams of okra provides 30 calories of energy which means consuming this vegetable doesn’t cause a high-calorie load.

Dietary fibers in okra provide stomach satiety, control urges to eat again and again, and thus controls overeating which is a major cause of obesity.

# Regulates Blood Pressure

Okra minimizes the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure, a common condition that globally affects millions of people, and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat, etc.

Okra contains potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension.

# 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.

Pectin, a soluble fiber in okra minimizes LDL cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of cardiovascular issues.

It also contains potassium that provides relief from hypertension and minimizes the risk of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and, irregular heartbeat, etc.

# 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.

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in okra protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, abdominal cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.

# 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 in it 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.

If you are already on diabetes medication, then consult your doctor before adding okra to your diet to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.

# Good For Brain

Okra is good for the brain and improves our neurological health.

It contains vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols that protect our brain cells aka neurons from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and amnesia, etc.

Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium in okra improve nerve functioning and provide cognitive benefits like a sharper memory, better focus, improved concentration, reduced confusion, etc.

# Beneficial During Pregnancy

Okra is good for pregnant women as it contains several essential nutrients in them.

Pregnancy is a crucial stage in which whatever food a woman determines not only her health but also the health, wellness, and development of the fetus in her womb.

Antioxidants in okra like vitamin C and vitamin A protect the uterus from free radical damage.

It also contains folate, an essential amino acid that aids in the brain development in the baby and minimizes the risk of spina bifida, neural tube defect, congenital disabilities of the brain, spine, or spinal cord.

Dietary fibers reduce LDL cholesterol and manage cholesterol during pregnancy.

As it has a low glycemic index of 20, it regulates blood sugar and minimizes the risk of gestational diabetes.