Because it is slimy and has a rather bland taste, a lot of people don’t really like eating okra or lady’s fingers – and they miss on the many amazing health benefits that this vegetable can actually offer! With okra having so many wonderful benefits for your health, you might want to add this to your diet and try to enjoy the taste of this invigorating vegetable…
Here are Top 8 Health Benefits of Okra
1. Helps Prevent Birth Defects
Rich in folate, okra is something that pregnant women should definitely add to their diet to help prevent birth defects like spina bifida. Okra also helps prevent miscarriages.
2. Helps Manage Asthma
Rich in vitamin C as well as having plenty of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, okra is also a good option for those with asthma. Not only can it help manage the symptoms of asthma, it can also help prevent fatal attacks.
3. Helps Lower Cholesterol
A lot of those who eat okra for medicinal purposes, do so to lower their blood cholesterol levels. Thanks to its high content of soluble fiber pectin, okra helps prevent atherosclerosis and lowers ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels by altering bile production.
4. Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels
The eugenol in okra acts as stabilizer to help stabilizing blood sugar levels in the body.
5. Helps Prevent Anemia
Thanks to its rich content of vitamin K, iron, and folate, okra helps prevent anemia by aiding in the production of red blood cells as well as helping in blood coagulation.
6. Helps Cure Ulcers
That alkaline mucilaginous content in okra comes in handy as a protective coating in the digestive tract which helps promote healing of peptic ulcers.
7. Helps Relieve Constipation
Rich in mucilaginous content and fiber, it is but natural that okra is a good option for relieving constipation.
8. Helps Prevent Obesity
Because it is rich in fiber and nutrients but has a low calorific value, okra can help prevent obesity and make you feel fuller for a longer time.