Okra has recently gained the limelight in the world of medicine and lifestyle as it provides numerous health benefits.
Okra is known as THE POWERHOUSE OF CRITICAL NUTRIENTS as it is enriched with Vitamins A, C, K, folate, and minerals like magnesium and potassium.
There are numerous health benefits of eating boiled/steamed okra. Okra is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber. It has been shown to help with digestion, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, okra is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect against cancer and other diseases.
Ogasabi on 9am News Nigeria uncovers for you these and more health benefits of okra.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF OKRA
1. Blood Sugar and Diabetes Control
We all know that okra has a good content of fiber which can be further classified as soluble and insoluble fiber.
The soluble fiber forms a lining in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps regulate blood glucose. Which makes it a food that helps manage high blood sugar and diabetic condition.
2. Heart Health
The presence of high fiber content can also help lower cholesterol levels in bodies.
The antioxidants of okra help combat oxidative stress, thus protecting heart health.
3. Improves sexual health
The mucus of okra contains natural substances similar to hormones. This natural mucus has aphrodisiac effects that increase male and female sexual performance.
4. Digestive health
The fiber in okra also feeds the good bacteria in your gut, which promotes a healthy intestinal tract. That ultimately leads to less cramping, bloating, and other unpleasant stomach problems.
5. Breast Cancer
There are researches done that have displayed that eating okra reduces the threat of most breast cancers. For instance, a substance in okra is said to make you 63% less likely to develop breast cancer.
6. Pregnancy
One hundred grams of okra contains no less than 22% of the day by day amount of folic acid. And folic acid assists in preventing many pregnancy issues.
7. Fatigue
The seeds contained in an okra fruit lower lactic acid and urea nitrogen in the blood. That sounds a piece technical, but the backside line is that it makes you feel much less tired.
8. Intestines
Okra can act as a herbal laxative. It is also proven that okra enables the cleansen of your bowels. The okra fruit includes a slimy, sticky substance that lubricates your intestines whilst you bypass stool. In addition, the fibers in okra feed the coolest intestinal micro organism, which in turn is ideal for your intestinal health.
9. Eye Health
The substance beta-carotene is also within the okra fruit. This substance is now known to sharpen eyesight and improve already existing eye conditions in most patients.
10. Antioxidant Properties
The flavonoids and phenolic compounds are antioxidants. Regular consumption of okra can benefit many chronic disorders.
Antioxidant properties allow it to combat oxidative stress, which is produced by free radicals.
So, if you enjoy boiled or steamed okra, keep on eating it please!
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