Health Benefits 101: OKRA

Okra is one of those vegetables wherein it’s you’ll either love them or hate them. Some people refuse to eat it because of its slimy texture and feeling in your mouth. But personally, okra is one if not of my favorite vegetables. I don’t find its texture gross, or maybe it’s just the way I got used to eating it. Okra’s taste is mild but it has a unique texture with peach-like texture on the outside, edible seeds on the inside of the pod that’s why some might find it unappealing. Little do they know how nutritious this vegetable is. Whether you consume okra stewed, boiled, fried, or even in pickled form, you can reap the health benefits of this little green vegetable any time of the year. In this blog, we’re going to talk about how nutritious Okra can be.

Did You Know? 

A single durian weighs nearly 602 grams and is a good source of energy. 100 grams of this fruit renders about 147 Kcal of energy, which is about 7% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).

Health Benefits 

LOWERS CHOLESTEROL

Okra helps to lower cholesterol by replacing all the foods you eat with high fat and cholesterol levels — okra contains no cholesterol and very little fat. Also, this vegetable is a good source of fiber; 1 cup provides 3.2 g of dietary fiber. According to the American Heart Association, foods rich in dietary fiber help lower bad cholesterol levels.

FIGHTS FATIGUE

Studies show that okra is complete with antioxidants, a quality that makes it an excellent anti-fatigue food. The study proves that the seeds work their magic by reducing harmful levels of blood lactic acid and urea nitrogen.

SUPPORTS FERTILITY AND HEALTHY PREGNANCY

Okra’s high levels of vitamin A, B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), and vitamin C, and traces of zinc and calcium, make it a perfect vegetable to eat during pregnancy. Okra also serves as a supplement for fiber and folic acid. This helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida and can even stop constipation during pregnancy.

IMPROVES DIGESTION

The fiber in okra can also keep you satisfied for a long time, thus contributing to weight loss. Dietary fiber helps prevent constipation and promotes regularity.

HELPS IMPROVE EYESIGHT

Okra holds significant amounts of vitamin C, which helps in the formation of collagen in the eyes, as well as prevents oxidative stress in eye tissue. Okra also contains substantial amounts of vitamin C, which supports in the formation of collagen in the eyes, as well as prevents oxidative stress in eye tissue.

GREAT FOR HEALTHY SKIN AND HAIR

Okra contains magnesium, which helps lessen the oiliness of skin by breaking down different oils and fats. In addition, since magnesium is a natural stress reliever, its consumption can help prevent stress related skin issues such as rosacea and acne.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

A single cup of raw okra has a little over 30 calories, about 3 grams of dietary fiber, 2 grams of protein, 7.6 grams carbohydrates, 0.1 grams of fat, 21 milligrams of vitamin C, around 88 micrograms of folate, and 57 milligrams of magnesium. This makes okra a nutrition hero and a very available food when it comes to our health. In addition with the many benefits of this amazing vegetable, below is a photo of the nutritional facts of okra.