Eating okra can provide many medical and physical benefits. Photo: File
Karachi: Okra is a wonderful vegetable found all over the world and research on it keeps coming up with new benefits. Some experts have also called it a ‘superfood’.
Okra is also known as okra and lady finger. It is surprisingly low in calories, but it is a powerhouse of nutrients as described below. Here is the list of valuable nutrients in a cup of okra:
Protein, two grams, fiber twenty-seven grams, sugar one and a half grams, fiber more than three grams, vitamin K 31 mg, potassium 299 mg, vitamin C 23 mg, magnesium 57 mg, calcium 82 mg, folate 60 micrograms, vitamin A has 36 micrograms and zero calories and fat.
Apart from this, valuable chemicals and antioxidant components are also found in abundance in okra. That is why it is also rich in medical benefits.
A treasure trove of nutrition
Okra contains many types of vitamins from protein and thus fulfills our daily nutritional needs. Therefore, okra is a balanced and suitable food.
Fiber
Dietary fibers are very important for the body in every way. Fiber keeps blood pressure normal and prevents diabetes. Another important property of fiber is to keep the stomach and digestive system healthy. Fiber prevents indigestion and gas and relieves constipation.
Polyphenols and antioxidants
Antioxidants prevent the formation of free radicals in the body and okra is rich in antioxidants. It also contains chemicals and antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids.
Prevent diabetes
Ancient medicine experts and modern doctors also recommend okra to prevent diabetes. Various chemical components present in it play an important role in controlling blood glucose. Several studies have shown that diabetics can benefit from okra.
Okra and heart disease
The natural ingredients in okra help in preventing heart diseases. Okra water is also prepared and drunk in medicine. This is the reason why okra removes internal inflammation or physical irritation and also protects against heart diseases.
Bone protector
As we mentioned above, it is rich in vitamin K, which is why it is so beneficial for bones. Elderly people can keep their bones healthy by eating okra. Above all, the high amount of calcium in it prevents the decay of bones.
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