Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, Family: Malvaceae) is also known as lady’s finger, bhindi and gumbo. It is a tall-growing vegetable that traces its origin from ancient Ethiopia (Abyssinia) through to Eastern Mediterranean, India, the Americas and the Caribbean. People often have love-hare relationship with okra. Some can’t stand the sight of it, while some can devour it in minutes! And yes, it also forms a part of some interesting recipes.
Pharmacological studies have revealed that okra possesses antioxidant, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-fatigue activities.
What are the health benefits of consuming bhindi or okra?
Here are few!
- The superior insoluble fibre contained in okra is believed to help stabilise blood glucose by slowing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
- From practical experience many people with diabetes have reported decreasing blood sugar levels after soaking cut-up okra pieces in water overnight and then drinking the juice in the morning
- In Turkey roasted okra seeds have been used as a traditional therapy in diabetes for generations.
- Okra seeds has shown to have anti-fatigue properties which means that it can reduce tiredness/fatigue in stressed individuals.
- Seeds of Ladies finger also have anti-oxidant properties which help increase levels of favourable enzymes that fight against infections and inflammation.
Make sure that you include okra in your diet plan. It provides several health benefits!
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