The Health Benefits of Okra is well known to its slimy texture. Another term for Okra is “ladyfinger,” mostly cultivated in a warm and tropical climate region. Many of us did not know that Okra has two colors, the green one that is very common, and the red one, which becomes green when you cook it. One of the okra benefits is that it is rich in a nutrient that helps boost our body’s immune system. Adding Okra in the daily diet can improve heart health. It can control blood sugar and properties that can help to lower the risk of having cancer.
1. It can help to Fight Stress
Antioxidant comes from the seed extract of Okra. Okra, good for you because it helps to fight stress. Okra for diabetes may help lower blood sugar levels, and managing stress levels is an essential part of controlling diabetes.
2. It helps to Lower Cholesterol Level
Some of the health benefits of okra are it has high fiber content and antioxidant properties. Good for you because it may help to lower cholesterol levels. According to The American Heart Association, people with diabetes have an unhealthy cholesterol level.
3. Dietary Fiber
In every 100 grams of okra or 1 cup, it contains 3 grams of fiber. Okra for diabetes with high fiber content is very important in daily treatment plans because it helps maintain good digestion, cuts hunger, cravings, and keeps those who eat it fuller for a longer time.
4. Rich in Nutrients
Okra is high in nutrients that help to boost the immune system of the body. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C and K. In every 100 grams of okra, there is 26% of the Daily Value of Vitamin C and K. Aside from Vitamin C and K, okra benefits are the fact it is low in calories and carbohydrates. Okra, good for you because it contains protein and fiber that helps you to stay full.
5. Anti Cancer
A common disease nowadays is cancer. Cancer develops abnormal cells that, most of the time, results in having malignant tumors. Lectin is a type of protein that okra contains that can help to fight cancer cells. Many studies conducted in test tubes show that lectin in okra may prevent cancer cell growth by up to 63%. Okra, good for you when you add it to your daily diet plan to fight cancer.
6. Prevent Heart Disease
Okra benefits patients with heart problems as it contains polyphenol. Polyphenols help and improve digestion problems, weight management, and cardiovascular disease. Studies showed that those who ate a diet rich in polyphenols had decreased inflammation and heart disease. People with high cholesterol levels tend to be more prone to heart disease. Okra, good for you by adding okra in the daily diet may lower cholesterol level.
7. It can help to lower blood sugar
Diabetes is a disease in which the blood sugar level is too high. Balancing blood sugar is very hard for diabetic people. Most of the foods nowadays are high in sugar and carbohydrates. The study showed that Okra for diabetes, like okra water, improved the blood sugar levels of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes. There is a study that Okra and metformin have good interactions, a drug that can reduce blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
8. Easy to add in Daily Diet
Okra, good for you because of the nutrient content. Also, it is easy to add to a daily diet. The slimy texture of okra is naturally healthy, mostly when cooked. There is a simple method to avoid slimy texture in okra. Cooking okra with a high temperature is one of the simple techniques. You can also roast or grill the okra. However, many people love okra, especially in “pinakbet.” Aside from “pinakbet,” there are many recipes for okra like soups and stews like gumbo.
