This is one green vegetable that has been around for 3,500 years in Ethiopia and on the table in most Filipino homes for many years. I remember eating this when I was little — fried or included in our favorite sinigang soups. Little did I know then how jam-packed it is with nutrients and medicinal health benefits.
All the Nutrition you can think of
Belonging to the same flowering plant family as cotton and hibiscus, okra is a good source of Vitamins C and A, and is also a good source of iron and calcium. It also contains starch, fat, thiamine, and riboflavin. It also has a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as epicatechin, rutin, catechin, quercetin, and procyanidin B1 and B2. All these antioxidants in okra help prevent damage to cells caused by environmental factors and stress.
Other “Unheard” of Benefits of Okra
Helps control your hunger
This amazing vegetable is loaded with soluble fibers which when consumed, makes you feel full faster and longer. Feeling full most of the time with its curbs your hunger pangs and let you achieve your weight loss goals.
Treats Diabetes Mellitus
Okra’s seeds and peel can lower blood glucose levels, making it useful in treating diabetes mellitus. Turkish people have long been consuming an infusion of roasted okra seeds to manage diabetes mellitus. It does so by preventing the carb-breaking enzymes and increasing sensitivity to insulin, plus making sure there are enough insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Less breakdown of carbs to glucose and more insulin means lower blood sugar.
Helps stabilize your cholesterol
The more finely ground is your okra powder, the better it can absorb cholesterol. It helps promote cholesterol degradation and inhibits production of fat in the body. It lowers total cholesterol and the number of triglycerides and increases excretion of bile acids – the ones that come from cholesterol. Managing cholesterol in the blood, it can prevent the clogging of arteries and the development of heart disease.
Increases Immunity and Improves Eyesight
Okra has moderate levels of Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps in the production of white blood cells which are key players in the body’s immune system. The Vitamin A in your system will help improve your eyesight as well.
Kills breast cancer cells
According to one study about okra, one lectin in the fruit is capable of stimulating cell suicide in breast cancer cells. The growth of breast tumor cells was also prevented by a significant 63%. Since 1 in every 8 women now will contract breast cancer in their lifetime, it will be a good idea to include okra in your diet.
Prevents Liver Disease
Do you know that okra can help your liver, your body’s prime detox organ, from reducing the effects of damaging free radicals that create liver disease? Include okra in your daily diet!
Strengthens Bones and Hinders Excessive Bleeding
Okra is the most abundant source of Vitamin K. This vitamin helps in strengthening bones and promoting clotting of blood. Eating this vegetable will help you prevent the onset of osteoporosis, fractures, and excessing bleeding (from bleeding disorders).
So, do you have other tips about the health benefits of okra? Share your knowledge in the comments section below!
http://naturalcancermedicine.org/okra-wonder-vegetable-treating-diabetes-cholesterol-breast-cancer-immunity/
No comments:
Post a Comment