Okra, the nutritional powerhouse

Okra is loaded with the significant amount of vital nutrients and minerals. It is rich in Vitamin A, B, C, E and K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc. Okra is low in calories and has a high dietary fibre, Mucilage and Foliates content which have immense of nutritional benefits. It is also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients such as Lutein, Xanthene, Beta-Carotene. Let us discuss the various health benefits of Okra in detail below.

Lowers Cholesterol
Okra promotes cholesterol degradation and inhibits the production of fat due to its high fibre content. It helps to decrease triglyceride and total cholesterol thereby enhancing excretion of bile acid from the body. Soluble fibre in Okra can prevent clogging of arteries and protects from the risk of heart diseases like Atherosclerosis.

Prevents Asthma
Okra is a good source of diverse minerals and vitamins that are vital for a healthy body. Due to its high content of Antioxidants and Vitamin C, Okra can prevent asthmatic attacks and reduce symptoms.

Manage Diabetes
Okra is beneficial and effective in stabilizing the blood sugar due to its Insulin-like property. It has a healthy dose of soluble fibre that helps regulate blood sugar levels and manage Diabetes because the soluble fibre affects the absorption of sugars in the intestine.

Boosts Immunity
Okra is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidant components that play a vital role in strengthening the immunity by fighting against harmful free radicals in the body. Vitamin C stimulates the immune system to create White Blood Cells which help combat against foreign pathogens and other materials.

Improves Vision
Okra contains the high content of Vitamin A and other antioxidant components like Beta-Carotene, Xanthene, and Lutein which acts against the free radicals in the body that can cause harm to the vision cells, therefore, Okra helps to protect the eyes against the dangerous effect of these free radicals and prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.

Promotes Healthy Pregnancy
Okra is good for pregnant women. The presence of foliates in Okra is beneficial in the formation of the neural tube and brain development of the foetus and provides protection to these tubes preventing defects.