Okra (Hibiscus Esculentus), also known as gumbo, lady’s fingers, kiabo and okro, is a plant of Ethiopian origin, although it is now grown and cultivated all over the world. The pod of the vegetable has a greenish color and tiny seeds which can be added to broths, stews and salads.
Thanks to its rich nutrient profile, okra has been used as a healthy and natural remedy for a variety of health conditions in the past. This vegetable has been used by people to lower high cholesterol, control diabetes, curb cravings and even to fight cancer.
Here are some of the powerful health benefits of okra:
Curbs Your Cravings
Okra is rich in soluble fiber which helps us feel and stay full for long periods of time. By maintaining the feeling of satisfaction and fullness, okra reduces food cravings and helps to prevent weight gain.
Treats Fatigue
Many people around the world suffer from fatigue as it is a common symptom of numerous conditions. Thankfully, okra can help us overcome fatigue. Okra seeds contain antioxidants and polyphenols which can promote glycogen storage in the liver, resulting in more energy for our cells.
Controls Diabetes
Okra has been suggested to help manage blood sugar in cases of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Okra seeds help reduce fasting glucose levels and controls diabetes by inhibiting the enzyme alpha-glucosidase which breaks down carbs and improves the insulin sensitivity of cells. Okra has a history of being used to treat diabetes, and science is now catching up to realize the many benefits it gives to help those struggling with this difficult condition.
Regulates Your Cholesterol Levels
Okra not only helps to promote good digestive health in the body, but it also promotes good cholesterol levels as well, due to its high fiber content. Soluble fiber can be dissolved in water, which means that it is able to break down easily in the digestive tract. There, it also binds to cholesterol coming from other foods allowing it to be excreted along with other wastes. The result is that overall cholesterol levels greatly decrease, according to Harvard Health Publications.
Helps Fight Cancer
A Brazilian study reported that a specific lectin found in okra destroyed up to 72 percent of human breast cancer cells in an in vitro setting, primarily by the induction of apoptosis: the programmed cell death of tumor cells. The researchers also found that this particular lectin, found in the seeds of the okra, slowed the growth of breast cancer cells by 63 percent.
Another study found promising effects of using okra pectin on melanoma cells, and concluded that it, “might open the way to new melanoma therapies.”
Stops Bleeding And Prevents Brittle Bones
Okra is loaded with vitamin K, a vitamin which helps to reinforce our bones and promotes better blood coagulation. The result is that fractures, osteoporosis and excessive bleeding due to injuries can be prevented.
Prevents Kidney Disease
Regularly eating okra can also potentially be helpful for preventing kidney disease. A 2005 study published in the Jilin Medical Journal found that patients who ate okra daily reduced clinical signs of kidney damage when compared to those who were on a diabetic diet. This is helpful as a large percentage of kidney disease cases develop from diabetes.
Boosts Your Immune System And Improves Your Eyesight
Okra is rich in vitamin A, the vitamin which helps to boost our immune system by increasing the body’s white blood cell count. The vitamin A found within Okra also helps to improve eyesight.
Prevents Gastritis
Okra’s polysaccharides may inhibit the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori, a stomach bacterium that can cause inflammation and lead to gastritis and gastric ulcers. Okra juice has been noted as a powerful tool to use against unhealthy bacteria. By removing excess H. Pylori bacterium in the gut, okra can effectively reduce inflammation and the risk of gastritis.
Do you eat okra?
Let us know in the comments.
Stay happy and stay healthy!
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