OKRA IMPORTANCE IN THE BODY
Some of its benefits are;
1:MAY LOWER HEART DISEASE RISK
High cholesterol levels are connected with a greater risk of heart disease. Okra contains a thick gel-like substance called mucilage, which can bind to cholesterol during digestion, causing it to be excreted with stools rather than absorbed into your body. One 8-week study randomly divided mice into 3 groups and fed them a high-fat diet containing 1% or 2% okra powder or a high-fat diet without okra powder.
Another test-tube study in metastatic mouse melanoma cells discovered that okra extract caused cancer cell death. Keep in mind that these studies were performed in test tubes with concentrated and extracted components of okra. More human research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn. Okra contains a protein called lectin, which is being studied for its role in cancer prevention and treatment. More human research is needed.
2:BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL
Researchers suggested that the okra decreased sugar absorption in the digestive tract, leading to a more stable blood sugar response .That said, okra may interfere with metformin, a common diabetes medication. Therefore, eating okra is not recommended for those taking this drug .Eating okra has been linked to blood sugar control. Yet, some research suggests that it may interfere with common diabetes medications.
3:Okra is good for the gut.
Let’s get into the big one right away. All vegetables contain fiber (the key nutrient for keeping the digestive system functioning properly) and okra is no exception. The veggie has three grams of fiber per cup. But that’s not the only reason Zibdeh says it’s good for the gut. “Okra can take on a slippery texture; this substance actually helps coat the lining of the gut when you eat it.
4:As a source of vitamin A.
One serving of okra has almost all the vitamin A you need for an entire day. (It packs 716 microunits per cup when you want to aim for 900 microunits.) “This is accurate for both eye health and the immune system,” Zibdeh says. So if you’re staring at a computer all day, definitely keep okra in mind as a good veggie to work into more of your meals.
5:Okra is a beneficial food for people.
Many of Zibdeh’s clients have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Zibdeh says that often, when someone is dealing with the symptoms of that on a regular basis, they are hesitant to eat fiber-rich foods. “Okra is a great vegetable for people with this hesitancy because it doesn’t have fermentable fiber, which can be an irritant to people with IBS,” she says. So if cruciferous veggies like cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are causing some gut issues for you, try upping your okra intake until a registered dietitian can help get you back to eating a wider range of veggies.
6:Okra has calcium.
Besides being good for the gut, eating okra will also benefit your bones. This is because it has calcium, specifically 82 milligrams per cup. You want to aim for 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day, so okra likely won’t be your primary source of the nutrient, but every bit helps!
7:It contains iron.
Zibdeh says another nutrient many may not know okra has is iron. Similar to calcium, it doesn’t bring enough to the table to be considered a primary source of the nutrient, but it’s still noteworthy—especially for people who eat a primarily plant-based diet and need to be extra mindful of their intake.
8:GENERALLY RICH IN NUTRIENTS
Okra is an excellent source of vitamins C and K1. Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that contributes to your overall immune function, while vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s known for its role in blood clotting. Additionally, okra is low in calories and carbs and contains some protein and fiber. Many fruits and vegetables lack protein, which makes okra somewhat unique. Eating enough protein is associated with benefits for weight management, blood sugar control, bone structure, and muscle mass
Okra is rich in antioxidants that may reduce your risk of serious diseases, prevent inflammation, and contribute to overall health. Most notably, it contains polyphenols that may contribute to heart and brain health.
9:Fight Cancer
Okra contains antioxidants called polyphenols, including vitamins A and C. It also contains a protein called lectin which may inhibit cancer cell growth in humans. Studies using concentrated compounds from okra showed they inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells by up to 63%. Further research is needed for definitive proof of okra’s cancer-blocking properties.
10:Support Heart and Brain Health
Polyphenols decrease your risk of heart problems and stroke by preventing blood clots and reducing free radical damage. The antioxidants in okra may also benefit your brain by reducing brain inflammation.
Mucilage—a thick, gel-like substance found in okra—can bind with cholesterol during digestion so it is passed from the body. An eight-week study conducted on mice showed lower blood cholesterol levels after they were fed a high-fat diet containing okra powder.
11:Prenatal Support
One cup of okra has 15% of the daily value of folate, a helpful nutrient for pregnant women. Folate helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which can affect the brain and spine of developing fetuses.
HEALTH IS WEALTH.
Comments
Post a Comment