This vegetable comes from Malvaceae family. Okra is also known as gumbo or ladys’ finger. It is rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins. It is the most commonly used vegetable. Okra contains potassium, vitamin B, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium. This pod vegetable is available all year round.
Okra helps in managing diabetes, it is low in calories. It helps in lowering cholesterol and disease control. Okra is rich in antioxidants.
Nutritional profile of okra
Fresh raw pods value per 100 g:
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Proteins: 2 g
Dietary fiber- 9 g
Total fat- 0.1 mg
Calcium- 81 mg
Iron – 0.80 mg
Magnesium- 57 mg
Phosphorus- 63 mg
Vitamin C – 21.1 mg
Zinc- 0.60 mg
Health Benefits of Okra
A 100 gram serving of okra contains only 30 calories and zero cholesterol, it is high in soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber in okra has benefits such as weight management, reduced risk of heart disease. Fiber aids in the process of digestion.
It is a good source of nutrients, one of the key nutrient is vitamin C which helps in supporting our immune system, prevent free radical damage and regulates blood pressure.
Okras are a good source of vitamins, which aids in the metabolism of fat, carbohydrates, amino acids and promotes health of lymph nodes and regulates blood sugar levels and lowers blood pressure.
High levels of vitamin A is found in okras which are associated with good vision, healthy skin and mucous membranes, and protects from cancer.
Okras are also rich in Vitamin K and folate , vitamin K assist in blood clotting function, folate is beneficial for pregnant women.
Minerals found in okras are rich in iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium.
Asthma can also be treated using okras, people suffering from asthma are recommended to consume okras.
Eating raw okra aids in weight loss. Also prevents kidney disease.
Okra prevents birth defects and also relieves from constipation.
Okra also helps in maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes.
Side effects:
Okra is said to have few side effects. Over consumption can induce cramps, diarrhea , kidney stone risk and bloating.
Summary
Okras are available in all the seasons. It helps in lowering cholesterol and disease control. Okra is a vegetable which contains almost all the nutrients essential for body. Being rich in proteins it has various health benefits.
