Okra may be low in calories, but it’s a powerhouse of nutrients! The vitamin C in okra supports a healthy immune system, while its rich vitamin K content helps your body clot blood efficiently.
Let’s explore more about how okra can benefit your health:
1. Good for Diabetes
Folks dealing with elevated blood sugar levels should definitely consider adding okra to their daily meals. Okra’s high fiber content enhances insulin sensitivity and assists in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. There’s also a compound called myricetin in okra that boosts the muscles’ ability to absorb sugar, thereby helping to lower high blood sugar.
2. Promotes Weight Loss
Okra is not only high in fiber, which aids digestion, but it also keeps you full for longer, helping you curb those pesky food cravings. Plus, it’s packed with essential nutrients that speed up your metabolism and fortify your core muscles.
3. Lowers the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
If you have cholesterol concerns or heart issues, okra can be a great addition to your diet. The fiber in okra helps reduce bad cholesterol while promoting good cholesterol. Fibers also alter bile juice production in the intestines, contributing to lower cholesterol levels in your blood. Additionally, its rich magnesium content helps regulate blood pressure.
4. Boosts Digestion
The dietary fibers in okra aid effective digestion and promote smooth bowel movements, making them a natural remedy for constipation, IBS, and indigestion.
5. Has Anti-Cancer Properties
Okra contains a protein called lectin, which has been linked to fighting breast cancer. Research also suggests that okra can suppress cancer cell growth, thereby reducing the risk of various cancers. Folate, another essential nutrient found in okra, also helps in cancer prevention.
6. Helps in Achieving Healthy Skin
Okra is abundant in antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and eliminate free radicals in the body. This aids in reversing skin damage and retarding the aging process, leaving your skin youthful and radiant.
