Here is why you should eat okra regularly
Popularly called "lady's finger," okra is a flowering plant that is best grown in warm climates. Although it is a fruit, many use it as a vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of culinary styles. Packed full of vital nutrients, it is one of the most healthy offerings from nature that you can eat daily. Here's why you should.
Lowers heart disease risk
Okra is good for heart health because it is abundant with a gel-like substance named mucilage. Mucilage helps the body to pass out excess cholesterol. Additionally, in a study conducted in 2020, 60 people who consumed okra powder for two long weeks witnessed a significant drop in their cholesterol levels. Another study revealed that it reduced inflammatory markers related to heart diseases.
Good for pregnant women
Okra is loaded with folate or vitamin B9, which is an important nutrient for pregnant women as it lowers the risk of a neural tube defect. One cup of this green goodness offers 15% of the daily requirement of this nutrient. Folate also keeps the growing fetus away from various brain and spine diseases. Experts recommend pregnant women consume 400 gm of folate daily.
Reduces blood sugar
A disbalance in blood sugar levels can cause multiple acute and chronic health issues at once. However, by eating okra, you can bring down a high blood sugar level to stable levels because it decreases sugar absorption in the digestive tract. And if you include it in your daily diet, you can prevent sudden spikes in blood sugars.
Prevents cancer
Okra contains high levels of lectin which can hinder the growth of cancer cells in the body. This has been backed by various test tube studies. One revealed that okra can effectively prevent breast cancer cells from growing by 63%. Another one showed that its extract can also kill cancer cells in the body. Need we say more?
Strengthens bones
Besides all other nutrients, okra is also blessed with a high amount of vitamin K which is known to strengthen bones. Of the daily 120 micrograms (male) and 90 micrograms (female) requirement of vitamin K, a cup of this popular vegetable contains 30 micrograms of this nutrient. With that, regular consumption of okra can make your bones and joints strong.
