Okra is very low in the calories and densely packed with nutrients. It is high in the fiber, vitamin A, C, and folate content.
It is also the good source of vitamins B, vitamin K, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, and traces of the magnesium and manganese.
Okra or ladies fingers is one of best medicinal vegetable even though it is not everyones favorite. You might like to try it if you knew about its enormous health benefits of ladies fingers:
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Anemia:
Helps the red blood cells production and prevent anemia.
Anti-Cancer:
The high antioxidants in okra or ladies fingers helps to protect immune system against the harmful free radicals and prevent alteration of cells.
Asthma:
The high antioxidants and vitamin C content make okra or ladies fingers useful for reducing the asthmatic attacks.
Bone Strength:
Folate in okra or ladies fingers builds strong bones and density, preventing the osteoporosis.
Cholesterol:
The soluble fiber helps to lower the serum cholesterol, thus also reducing the atherosclerosis and risk of the heart diseases.
Constipation:
The rich fiber and mucilaginous or slimy content in okra pods or ladies fingers help to increase the bulk, bind to toxins and make sure the easy bowel movements with its natural laxative properties. Regularly eating okra also reduces risk of colon cancer.
Diabetes:
It has insulin-like properties that help to reduce the blood sugar level.
Gut flora:
The fiber helps to improve population of beneficial bacteria in gut.
Immune Booster:
The high antioxidants and vitamin C content make okra a good enormous enhancer food that reduce the catching of cough and cold.
Peptic Ulcers:
The mucilaginous content provides the temporary coating to digestive tract and stomach lining as healing ulcers.
Pregnancy:
The rich folate content in the okra or ladies fingers can help to decrease the occurrence of neural tube defects in the babies.
Skin Health:
With good bowel movements, skin health will enhance. Helps to reduce acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Vision Health:
Okra or ladies fingers contains beta-carotenes or precursor of vitamin A, xanthin and lutein, all the antioxidant properties that are helpful for the vision health, preventing eye problems like cataract and glaucoma.
Choose smaller-sized okra over big ones. The feel should be crisp and firm to be sure they are tender and not overly fibrous. Avoid those which color does not look fresh and are soft.
Photo credit: Paul and Jill / Foter / CC BY