Health Benefits of Lady finger, Top 10 Benefits of Lady finger, Benefits of Okra,

Health Benefits of Lady finger

Okra is better known by its common name as lady’s finger or gumbo. This high fiber vegetable is known for its high soluble and insoluble fiber content. This vegetable is usually used in many recipes and is also a part of many nutritional diets as it is highly beneficial. Let us quickly look at the some of the amazing benefits of okra.

1.Controls Asthma

Asthma can also be treated by including okra/ lady’s fingers in your meals. People diagnosed with asthma are strongly suggested to consume okra.

2.Controls blood sugar levels

 This benefit of lady finger may be attributed to its fibre content. Eugenol a type of fibre, helps in slowing down digestion and absorption of sugar from the blood stream. Hence it helps in avoiding sugar spikes after meal and stabilizes the blood sugar levels. Its fibre further helps in lowering blood sugar levels.

3.High Fiber Content

The dietary fiber content of okra/lady’s finger is known to be high and hence, many health specialists recommend it for digestive benefits. The fibers aid the process of digestion in the body by facilitating proper bowel movement.

4. Improves digestion 

 The fibre content of lady finger helps in better digestion, and regularization of bowels. Pectin swells up in the intestine and helps in easier elimination of waste from the intestine. People suffering from constipation benefit from regular consumption of  lady finger.

5.Good Folate Content

The folates present in okra reduce the neural tube defects in a newborn baby. So, it is highly recommended for women during the preconception period or pregnancy.

6. It improves your mental function

 Folate or Vitamin B9 is another critical nutrient present in lady’s finger. This nutrient is required by your brain to function properly as it aids in the production of several important compounds.

7. Treatment of dandruff and lice 

Okra is used as  home remedy for dandruff and lice. Cut okra horizontally and boil in water, add lemon to this water and use this water for rinsing hair.

8.Vitamin K Benefits

Vitamin K is a co-factor in the blood-clotting process. It also plays a major role in strengthening the bones in our body.

9.It prevents heart disease

People are often affected with heart disease due to high levels of cholesterol in their blood. Pectin, a soluble fibre present in lady’s finger helps lower this cholesterol and thus is helpful in preventing heart disease. Okra is also fairly rich in antioxidant compounds like polyphenols. These compounds, especially quercetin, helps prevent oxidation of cholesterol and blocking of arteries, preventing heart disease development

10.Prevents Colon Cancer

It is believed that all diseases begin in the colon. Adding okra to your meals ensures the prevention of colon cancer and other related diseases to a great extent.