OKRA - HEALTH BENEFITS

Okra botanically known as Abelmoschus  esculuntus belongs to family  Malvaceae. It is commonly known as ladies finger or bhindi. The sodium content of okra is very high. It also contains mucin which protects the internal membranes of the intestinal tract. Okra has an alkaline reaction.

Health Benefits

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.

 Prevents Diabetes:

Okra is known to aid in prevention of diabetes. It is rich in fibre which helps in the prevention of this disease.

 Good folate content:

Folates present in okra reduce the neural tube defects in a new born baby. So it is highly recommended for women during pre conception period or pregnancy.

Vitamin K benefits:

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

Controls Asthma:

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

 Prevents Constipation:

Facilitating proper absorption of water, Okra/ lady finger vegetable ensures free motion disposal by the body and hence prevents constipation.

 Prevents Sun stroke:

Okra helps prevent sun strokes.

 Prevents colon cancer:

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

Controls obesity:

With regular usage of okra, in either raw or cooked form, you can avoid obesity to a great extent. Obesity is not necessarily due to consumption of fatty and calorific foods but also due to lack of nutrients.

 Controls cholesterol level:

This vegetable ensures lesser absorption of cholesterol preventing heart diseases and ailments occurring due to cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a dominant factor in the body that triggers obesity and heart diseases.

 Dietary fibre for healthy skin:

Okra is a rich source of dietary fiber. It is also keeps the digestion problem away. Proper digestion reflects through a healthy-looking skin.

 Vitamin C for younger skin:

Vitamin C found in okra actually helps maintain a younger looking skin. It aids in repairing body tissues. This in turn helps keep your skin younger and also makes it look more vibrant.

 Prevents skin pigmentation:

The nutrients found in okra actually helps to prevent skin pigmentation. It is useful for rejuvenating your skin and repairing damages.

Bouncy hair:

If you are tired of your distressed hair, try using okra to get that bounce back. Boil okra with some water and the transparent mucilage that you get can be used to get your bouncy hair back.

 Hair conditioner:

The same mucilage can be used as hair conditioner. Wash your hair and squeeze out excess water. Massage the watery mucilage through your hair and rinse thoroughly with water.

Scalp moisturizer:

Okra is an excellent moisturizer for your dry and itchy scalp. It leaves your hair feeling soft and isn’t harmful like other cosmetics available in the market. It is great for people with unruly, curly and lifeless hair.

 Fights dandruff:

Okra improves the overall scalp condition and fights dandruff. It moisturizes your scalp and keeps dandruff away.

 Shiny hair:

Okra, when used as a hair rinse, gives great shine to your hair. You can give your regular conditioner a miss once in a while and take care of your hair the natural way.

Other  uses- It is also used for improving immunity, eye sight, weight loss etc