Okro the secret to recovery
- Hy-jah Flamez o.c.o
- Nov 9, 2018
- 6 min read
Okra is gaining value among the most popular foods in the world. It has many health benefits and virtues. Many of you have already heard about this amazing food. But, rare are those who know its nutritional value and its benefits. Okra is a species of flowering plant that is known by many names (okra, ladies fingers or bhindi) and is the most popular because of its pods. The scientific name of this interesting plant is Abelmoschus esculentus. There are good reasons to eat more okra each day. In addition to its exceptional antioxidants, okra is an excellent source of potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium and dietary fiber. 1. Okra helps manage diabetes Okra has properties similar to insulin, it helps to reduce blood sugar levels. It also has a low glycemic index (20). This makes it a good vegetable for people with diabetes. In a study published in 2011, researchers in India found a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats fed okra extract. Another study conducted by ISRN Pharmaceutics, found that okra helps reduce digestive absorption of carbohydrates, which lowers blood sugar levels. In addition, outside of scientific research, many people with diabetes reported a significant decrease in blood sugar levels after a few days of using okra water. 2. Okra reduces bad cholesterol Okra can also reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. In a study published in 2014, the researchers demonstrated that the hypolipedemic activity of okra extract offers anti-cholesterol properties. It inhibits the activity of pancreatic cholesterol esterase, as well as the formation of cholesterol micelles. It binds to bile acids, which delays the absorption of cholesterol and increases its excretion. In addition, it does not contain saturated fats or cholesterol. All of these properties help prevent heart disease and health problems caused by high levels of cholesterol. 3. Okra prevents high blood pressure The latest research shows that potassium-rich foods are important for preventing high blood pressure. Okra is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium. A mineral essential for human health. Potassium is not only necessary to maintain the balance of sodium in the body, but also to relax the blood vessels and arteries. So, it can reduce blood pressure and thus lower the pressure on the cardiovascular system. This means that it reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and coagulation. 4. Okra prevents constipation According to mayoclinic.com, most people do not get the recommended dose of dietary fiber, which is 20 to 35g per day. So, do not be subdued by the sticky texture of okra. This extraordinary vegetable native to West Africa is an incredible food to maintain intestinal health. Its fibers are useful for fighting constipation. They absorb water and add volume to the stool, which helps regulate intestinal transit. It should also be noted that its high fiber content also helps prevent gas and abdominal bloating. 5. Okra helps prevent colon cancer As already mentioned above, the richness of okra in insoluble fiber ensures a good intestinal transit, which reduces the time of exposure of the colon to potential carcinogens. In addition, the fibers present in okra also promote the proliferation of probiotics in the gut. In addition to all this, okra contains carotenoids and folates. It is also rich in calcium, while being low in oxalic acid. 6. Okra helps control asthma Admittedly, okra is a poorly known food for the general public. But, his results in preventing asthma symptoms are pretty impressive. According to a study published in the journal thorax in 2000, eating foods rich in vitamin C reduces wheezing in children. This is explained by the role of vitamin C in the body. It goes beyond its antioxidant properties. Vitamin C also contributes to healthy cartilage, bones, teeth and gums. In addition, it protects against infections, accelerates healing and promotes the absorption of iron in plants. 7. Okra promotes weight loss Okra makes it grow? On the contrary, this tropical vegetable rich in polysaccharides and polyphenols is a natural remedy against obesity. According to mayo clinic, if you need to lose weight, okra is a good way to get there, because of its high fiber. The fibers slowed down the digestion allowing you to stay full for longer. In addition, it is low in calories, which reduces your total caloric intake. Researchers at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, showed that okra is an important food. According to them, the administration of okra polysaccharides to obese mice reduced their body weight, blood glucose levels and cholesterol levels in the blood. Consumption of okra could be beneficial for patients affected by obesity or other metabolic problems. 8. Okra prevents kidney disease Patients with renal impairment are still at high risk of digestive problems, constipation, lack of appetite and other problems. Fortunately Okra can solve all these problems. Researchers in a 2005 medical study found that people who consume okra regularly are much less likely to develop kidney disease than those who do not. The study also found that regular consumption of okra helps reduce the medical signs of kidney damage. However, since it has been established that people with diabetes have a much higher risk of developing kidney disease and that okra can bring as many benefits to its patients. Everyone, consume this vegetable freely. However, this thought is wrong! Indeed, okra contains a small amount of oxalate. So, it can be dangerous for people with a history of kidney stones or cystic kidney disease. 9. Okra improves eye health Okra is a superfood for the health of the eyes. It contains vitamin A as well as anti-oxidant components such as beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin that are good for the eyes. Vitamin A provides protection to the cornea, lutein protects the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, and zeaxanthin helps the eyes develop. Free radicals cause the breakdown of cells in the body, including those responsible for vision. But fortunately for us the richness of okra antioxidants can destroy and neutralize these free radicals. 10. Okra prevents liver disease Okra helps cleanse the liver and prevent liver disease. It contains substances that bind to bile acids and cholesterol to help detoxify the liver. It prevents even the accumulation of fat in the liver. Indeed, in a study published in 2012 in the Journal Pharmaceutical Journal, the researchers concluded that the antioxidants in the okra extract have the ability to protect against chemically induced liver damage. 11. Okra has an anti-fatigue effect A study published in 2015 showed that recovery time and fatigue levels can be improved by the use of okra. By including okra in your diet with exercises, you may be able to work longer and recover quickly. This means that okra can contribute to a healthier and more active lifestyle. 12. Okra boosts the immune system Regular consumption of okra can boost your immunity. High vitamin C content helps white blood cells function properly and develop good immunity against infectious agents. In addition, the richness of okra antioxidants play a vital role in strengthening your immune system and reducing episodes of disease. 13. Okra promotes a healthy pregnancy Are you pregnant ? Are you constantly looking for what to eat for the proper development of your baby? So, look no further, Okra offers you this privilege! It is rich in folates and antioxidants. Vitamin B9 (folate) plays a key role in the production of new cells, as well as in the production of genetic material. According to the findings of the Maryland Center Research, women who regularly consume vitamin B9 during pregnancy are less likely to give birth to a child with birth defects and especially with spina bifida. How to prepare okra water for diabetics To benefit from the many health benefits of okra, many people prepare their own water okra. This infused water has the advantage of offering many of the health benefits mentioned in this article and can help treat diabetes. In addition, this is the best way to keep most of the vitamins and nutrients in okra and to ensure that they are not destroyed during the cooking process. Preparation: 1. Wash 4 cloves of okra of medium size. 2. Slice both ends of the pods. 3. Stitch the pods with a fork on opposite sides or divide them in half. 4. Place in a glass of water and leave overnight. 5. In the morning, squeeze the sticky substance from the pods before removing them from the water and discarding them. 6. Drink this water daily to boost your health and enjoy the nutritional content of okra. Other ways to use okra: • Cut the okra pods into slices, dip in a little beaten egg and let soak for 5 minutes. Dip the sliced pods in corn flour and fry them little by little to make delicious donut donuts. • Steam the okra pods and use them as a delicious side dish with rice and vegetables or meat. • Marinate the cloves of okra to keep them as with other vegetables.
Comments