Impressive Natural Health Benefits Of Lady Finger Or Okra

Impressive Natural Health Benefits Of Lady Finger

Okra is also known as ladyfinger in English-speaking countries. The green pod found inside this vegetable is highly beneficial for the the overall health of our body.
Okra is grown and consumed in many parts of the world and is highly regarded for its nutritional values. It can be prepared in various ways. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals for the body.
Here are the 10 amazing benefits of drinking lady's finger-soaked water:

Okra Or Lady Finger  Nutrition Chart

Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	1.5%	31 Kcal
Carbohydrates	7.03 g	5.4%
Protein	2.0 g	4%
Total Fat	0.1 g	0.5%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	9%	3.2 g
Vitamins
Folates	88 µg	22%
Niacin	1.000 mg	6%
Pantothenic acid	0.245 mg	5%
Pyridoxine	0.215 mg	16.5%
Riboflavin	0.060 mg	4.5%
Thiamin	0.200 mg	17%
Vitamin C	21.1 mg	36%
Vitamin A	375 IU	12.5%
Vitamin E	0.36 mg	2.5%
Vitamin K	53 µg	44%
Electrolytes
Sodium	8 mg	0.5%
Potassium	303 mg	6%
Minerals
Calcium	81 mg	8%
Copper	0.094 mg	10%
Iron	0.80 mg	10%
Magnesium	57 mg	14%
Manganese	0.990 mg	43%
Phosphorus	63 mg	9%
Selenium	0.7 µg	1%
Zinc	0.60 mg	5.5%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	225 µg	—
Cryptoxanthin-ß	0 µg	—
Lutein-zeaxanthin	516 µg	—

Benefits of Lady Finger Or Okra

1. Weight Loss

The low-calorie content of Okra (30 kcal / 100 gm) and its high fiber content make it a suitable food for weight loss. It provides minimum calories and its high fiber levels help in keeping you full for longer.

2. Heart disease 

Okra contains soluble fiber pectin. Pectin helps in lowering bad cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis by helping in the elimination of deposited cholesterol and clots.

3. Controls blood sugar levels

This benefit of the lady's finger may be attributed to its fiber content. Eugenol a type of fiber, helps in slowing down digestion and absorption of sugar from the bloodstream. Hence it helps in avoiding sugar spikes after the meal and stabilizes the blood sugar levels. It's fiber further helps in lowering blood sugar levels.

4. Improves digestion

The fiber content of the ladyfinger helps in better digestion and regularization of bowels. Pectin swells up in the intestine and helps in easier elimination of waste from the intestine. People suffering from constipation benefit from regular consumption of the ladyfinger.

5. Conception and pregnancy

Ladyfinger is an absolutely essential food for ladies who are trying to conceive. Okra contains folic acid/folate. Folate helps not only in conceiving but also helps in the development of fetuses and prevention of miscarriage. Folate helps in the formation of neural tubes of the fetus.x

6. Improves immunity

Another important benefit of the ladyfinger is that it contains Vitamin C which helps in improving immunity.

7.  Anemia

Ladyfinger contains iron and folate and Vitamin K, nutrients that help in treating and avoiding anemia.

8. Prevention of colon cancer

Like all other high fiber foods, the ladyfinger helps in the prevention of colon cancer by keeping the digestive system intact and functioning properly.

9. Improves eyesight

The Vitamin A and beta carotene present in the ladyfinger may help improve eyesight.

10. Treatment of dandruff and lice

Okra is used as a home remedy for dandruff and lice. Cut okra horizontally and boil in water, add lemon to this water and use this water for rinsing hair.