Top 10 Benefits of Okra

Lisa Franchi August 12, 2015

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More like a pepper at a first glance, this magical vegetable has a very mild flavour – making it a versatile addition to any dish. Also known as “ladies’ fingers” because of its shape, okra offers a wide range of health benefits that will surely surprise you.

It’s low in calories.

Like most other greens, okra provides tons of nutrients minus the calories. There are only 36 calories in one cup of okra. Yes, that’s how few they are. So if you’re looking for something delicious and nutritious to add to your diet, okra is a great choice.

It’s very filling.

Not only is okra low in calories, it is also very filling – making it a hit for dieters! The reason for this is that the vegetable is actually high in fibre which keeps you feeling full for longer by keeping your blood sugar levels steady.

It’s good for digestion.

The high fibre content of this vegetable stimulates regular bowel movement, which does not only aid in weight loss but also cleanses your colon and benefits your health big time. Moreover, okra contains a substance called ‘mucilage’ which binds with the toxic acid produced by the liver, helping eliminate it from your body.

It’s a great source of nutrients.

Being a super food, okra is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in potassium, which is vital to your well-being, keeps the balance of fluid in your body, and aids in muscle development and metabolism.

It has cancer-fighting abilities.

Okra is packed with antioxidants that fight the cancer-causing damage brought by free radicals in our body. Eating this vegie regularly is one way to nourish your cells and guard it from potential damage.

It lowers cholesterol.

Good news for those with cardiovascular issues! A study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found that okra affects absorption of cholesterol, lowering it down. The study also found that the vegetable contains large amounts of pectin which decrease blood cholesterol by interfering with bile absorption in the intestines and forcing the liver to use circulating cholesterol to produce bile.

It’s a brain food.

Not only is okra good for your heart and digestive system. It is also beneficial for your brain! It is popularly consumed by young students in the Middle East, Far East and South East Asia, where it is believed to boost mental function.

It has anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammation is one of the main causes of chronic diseases. Okra is an anti-inflammation food which is great at fighting lung inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel syndrome.

It helps prevent diabetes.

Okra is great at stabilising blood sugar levels, which in turn protects you from developing diabetes. In a 2011 study published in the ISRN Pharmaceutics journal, researchers found that okra may help reduce diabetes risk by reducing the absorption of glucose in the body. They noted that okra is a rich source of dietary fibre and has been traditionally used to manage diabetes.

It’s great for your skin.

Okra is high in vitamin C content, which aids in the growth and rejuvenation of skin cells and collagen, resulting to a younger and healthier-looking skin.