What are the benefits of eating okra? (2024)

This is an automatically translated article.

Okra fruit is known as a vegetable with high nutritional content and more and more people choose it in their daily menu. So what are the health benefits of okra?

1. Characteristics of okra fruit

Okra, also known by other names such as okra, yellow cotton, corn scrub or coffee herb, ... originated from West Africa. Thanks to its very good tolerance to heat and drought, okra is mainly grown in temperate or tropical regions, mainly in the southern United States. Okra is also grown in our country but it is still mainly in the southern provinces with hot climate.
Okra is a fruit tree that can be grown into a one-year or many-year tree. Okra plants are usually up to 2.5m tall with long and broad leaves from 10cm to 20cm. The flowers of the okra plant are five-petaled, white or yellow, with red spots at the base of the flower. The long okra fruit contains many seeds inside.
Today, okra fruit is increasingly popular and widely used, becoming a daily dish in many countries. Not only because of its unique taste with sticky mucus, but also because of its enormous nutritional value, which is especially good for health. So what are the effects of okra fruit?

2. Effects of okra fruit?

Okra is a plant that contains a lot of nutrients such as Protein, Vitamins A, E, B, Amino Acids, Potassium, Calcium, ... which are beneficial to the human body along with many effects such as:
Diseases Diabetes: Okra contains substances such as insulin that can help reduce blood sugar levels, which helps in the treatment of diabetes. Drinking okra juice can lower blood sugar, so people with diabetes can add okra to their menu to control their diabetes. Anemia: Regularly drinking okra juice can also avoid the risk of anemia, because okra also has a very high content of iron, potassium, zinc,... blood formation. Digestive system: Okra is very good for the digestive system, can help improve the function of the digestive system. In fact, the sticky mucilage in okra is made up of polysaccharides such as collagen and mucopolysaccharides that improve the feeding of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. The main effect is laxative, supporting digestive disorders. Okra also contains a lot of fiber along with mucus that can regulate the absorption of the small intestine to help regulate blood sugar. This mucus is also a growth medium for intestinal bacteria, which has a lubricating effect on the intestinal tract. Constipation: The amount of fiber in okra can absorb water to form large stools, control blood cholesterol levels and help prevent constipation. Okra can also act as a laxative, which, along with fiber, binds toxins to help reduce bowel movements.

What are the benefits of eating okra? (1)

Osteoporosis: The mucus when eating okra also has the effect of lubricating bones and joints. Along with a source of vitamin K and folate, okra can also prevent calcium loss, prevent osteoporosis, help bones become stronger and stabilize joints. Skin beauty: The pectin in okra has the effect of enhancing skin elasticity. Eating okra regularly can improve skin health, the antioxidants in it can help purify the blood, remove impurities that contribute to repelling acne. In addition to using it to eat, you can also crush okra and use it as a face mask to make your skin brighter and smoother. Asthma: The vitamin C content along with the amount of antioxidants present in okra has the potential to reduce respiratory problems such as asthma. Therefore, when you have asthma symptoms, you can use more okra to relieve its symptoms.

Weight loss: Okra is extremely rich in fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fiber. This fiber is very beneficial for weight loss. Along with the advantage of low calories, okra becomes an ideal food to help control weight. Preventing birth defects: This is a special use in okra thanks to its high folic acid content. For pregnant women, this substance can help prevent diseases such as neural tube defects. Folic acid is also essential for the body's functions to help reduce the incidence of birth defects in the fetus.

3. Notes when using okra

When you know what effect okra fruit has? You should pay attention to how to use it to enhance the effect of okra.
Okra is a plant that can be eaten whole, without the need to peel or remove the seeds when processing. When processing okra, it should not be overcooked to avoid losing the mucus and preserving the nutrients in them. Okra can be processed into many different dishes such as boiled, fried, grilled, fried, ... or pressed into juice for direct use. Okra is a vegetable that contains soldering properties, so for those who are in poor shape, or have abdominal pain, they should not eat too much, it will be counterproductive. Patients with intestinal disease or irritable bowel syndrome should also not use okra, because its high fructose content can lead to bloating or diarrhea. Hopefully, the above sharing has helped you better understand the nutritional value of okra as well as how to use it safely and effectively.

Please dialHOTLINEfor more information or register for an appointment HERE.Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

XEM THÊM:

  • Can I eat okra after giving birth?
  • Is it good for children to eat okra?
  • Paregoric drugs: Uses, indications and precautions when using

This article is written for readers from Sài Gòn, Hà Nội, Hồ Chí Minh, Phú Quốc, Nha Trang, Hạ Long, Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng.

4.1K

Tags:Đậu bắpvitamin KChất xơVitaminChất chống oxy hóaBệnh tiêu chảybệnh tiểu đường

What are the benefits of eating okra? (2024)

FAQs

What are the benefits of eating okra? ›

Okra is rich in magnesium, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C, K1 and A. It may help support healthy pregnancy, heart health, blood sugar. it may even have anticancer properties. Okra is a flowering plant known for its edible seed pods.

What does okra do to your stomach? ›

Eating too much okra can adversely affect some people. Gastrointestinal problems: Okra contains fructans, which is a type of carbohydrate. Fructans can cause diarrhea, gas, cramping, and bloating in people with existing bowel problems.

What happens to your body when you eat okra every day? ›

Okra is low in calories but packed full of nutrients. The vitamin C in okra helps support healthy immune function. Okra is also rich in vitamin K, which helps your body clot blood. Antioxidants are natural compounds that help your body fight off molecules called free radicals that can damage cells.

Is okra healthier cooked or raw? ›

Okra pods can even be eaten raw. The less cooked okra is, the better it is for you. It's high in fiber, folate, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. Slice off the stem, cut the pods into 1-inch pieces and give them a quick saute to reduce the green taste.

What happens when you drink okra water every morning? ›

Okra water can help boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and improve your heart health. Okra water contains a high amount of soluble fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which makes it a nourishing drink for your body.

Who should avoid okra? ›

Interference with diabetes: Studies have found that okra may interfere with the absorption of metformin, which is a medication used to treat diabetes medicine. People with type II diabetes also tend to have more acidic urine, which increases the risk of kidney stones with okra consumption.

Does okra clean out your system? ›

Okra contains mucilage, a thick gel-like substance that binds to cholesterol during digestion. As a result, it is excreted when you stool instead of being absorbed into your body. Also, this lowers your blood cholesterol levels.

What is the healthiest way to eat okra? ›

If you eat okra for health benefit try to eat raw… sliminess is the benefit to lower blood sugar, choresterol, remove uric acid. I like to slice very thin, add lemon juice and soy sauce, mix well and munch it. Gumbo soup is also good.

Is okra good for hair growth? ›

Okra is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and has calcium, potassium, and lots of other nutrients that are great for hair growth, moisturizing a dry scalp, and getting rid of dandruff. I began using the gel three times a week in lieu of my regular conditioner.

Is okra good for weight loss? ›

Okra can be a beneficial addition to a weight-loss diet due to several reasons. Firstly, it is a low-calorie vegetable, with approximately 33 calories per 100g serving of raw okra, making it a suitable choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake while still enjoying a nutrient-rich food.

Is the slime in okra good for you? ›

The thing some people dislike about okra—the slime—is part of what makes it good for you, too. The gel-like substance is rich in soluble fiber, known for its potential to lower blood cholesterol and be fermented in the gut. This promotes the growth of healthy bacteria that helps break down food and synthesize vitamins.

How often should you eat okra? ›

Incorporating okra, also known as bhindi or lady's finger, into your weekly diet not only adds variety to your meals but also brings a host of health benefits. But if experts are to go by, one should have it at least twice a week.

Is okra good for the skin? ›

Packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium and foliate, okra water acts as a natural skin tonic, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion. The high antioxidant content in okra helps combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress on the skin and preventing premature aging.

What is the best way of taking okra? ›

Okra water is typically made by soaking okra pods or thin slices of okra in water overnight, or for up to 24 hours. Once the okra has soaked, squeeze any leftover sap from the pods and combine it with the infused water. It's common to drink okra water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

What is okra good for in men? ›

It is high in a number of vitamins and also a great source of zinc. As you know zinc deficiency is one of the major sources of erectile problems. Its high vitamin content also helps counter exhaustion and revitalizes sexual vigor. As mentioned above lady finger (okra) is great for improving sexual health.

How to prepare okra for weight loss? ›

Method:
  1. Simply slice fresh okra pods, soak them in water overnight, and strain the liquid.
  2. The next morning, squeeze these soaked pods and mix the slime in water.
  3. Drink the water!
Mar 14, 2024

Does okra heal the gut? ›

Digestive system: Okra is very good for the digestive system, can help improve the function of the digestive system. In fact, the sticky mucilage in okra is made up of polysaccharides such as collagen and mucopolysaccharides that improve the feeding of beneficial microorganisms in the gut.

Is okra good for bowels? ›

Insoluble fiber, also found in okra, helps keep the intestinal tract healthy, can help relieve constipation and may decrease the risk of colon cancer. Okra is a good source of vitamin C, which can help the body's immune system and protect from harmful free radicals.

Is okra difficult to digest? ›

Also, okra is considered a high-fructose vegetable. While consuming fructans in moderation is typically safe and well-tolerated, consuming large amounts may cause digestive issues in some people.

Is okra good for stomach acid? ›

There are already, oh, a million reasons why you should be eating green veggies on a daily basis, but here's another: Green veggies, like zucchini and okra, are gut-soothing, because they contain mucilage—a substance that occurs on the outside of a vegetable when cooked that can ease stomach discomfort, says Foroutan.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Last Updated:

Views: 6596

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Birthday: 1999-09-15

Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

Phone: +6838967160603

Job: Mining Executive

Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.