Okra, or lady finger vegetable, is commonly used in many Indian recipes. This healthy green-coloured vegetable can be added to dals, sambar, stir-fries, and curries and is loaded with healthy nutrients. It is rich in antioxidants, fibre, vitamins A, B, C, K, potassium, calcium, folate, and magnesium; hence, lady finger has many health benefits. Let’s understand them through this article.
What is Okra/Lady Finger?
Okra, also called lady’s finger or bhindi, is a flowering plant famous for its edible seed pods. It is generally grown in tropical and warm climates such as South Asia and Africa. You can find two types of lady finger – green and red colours. Both taste the same and the red changes to green when cooked. Even though the lady’s finger is considered a vegetable, it is biologically a fruit. Different names in different countries also know it and is very slimy in texture.
The Countless Benefits of Lady Finger
Lady finger vegetable, or bhindi, is loaded with numerous essential nutrients. Here are some of its known health benefits:
Digestion
This vegetable is excellent for digestion as it has a good amount of dietary fibre. Additionally, it can also help with constipation because of its laxative properties. It also contains lipase and amylase enzymes that help break complex dietary molecules into forms that are easily absorbed by our bodies.
Liver & Eye Health
Antioxidants in lady’s fingers can help shield the liver from harmful free radicals. Since this vegetable is a rich source of vitamins C, E, and zinc, it also helps improve eye health.
Heart Health
Regularly consuming lady fingers can help to manage your cholesterol levels and keep your heart healthy. It is a good source of potassium needed for maintaining blood pressure levels. This mineral also helps keep the body’s fluid and balance sodium levels. Moreover, the benefits of lady finger also helps relax arteries and blood vessels, strengthening heart health by reducing blood pressure. So, it keeps your heart active and healthy.
Diabetic Health
As per Ayurveda, ladyfinger for diabetes can be helpful. Drinking its water every morning can help maintain blood sugar levels. Ladies finger and diabetes are correlated because the vegetable contains anti-diabetic properties, making it the perfect natural remedy for various stomach-related problems.
Pregnancy
Another excellent benefits of lady finger is supporting healthy pregnancy as it is rich in folate, magnesium, antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins A, C, and K1. All of these are helpful during pregnancy.
Weight Management
This vegetable is a nutritional powerhouse containing vitamins C and K, magnesium, and potassium. It is also low in fat and calories and, hence, suitable for people looking to lose or maintain weight.
Immune Health
Lady’s Finger contains compounds that help regulate immune health. It further supports and enhances immune functions and the body’s response to pathogens. Thereby making it one of the excellent benefits of lady finger for overall health.
Side Effect of Lady Finger
Although there are many benefits of lady finger, some things must be considered before consuming it. Listed below are the same:
- The lady finger vegetable contains oxalates, and consuming it excessively can lead to gallbladder and kidney stones.
- People with kidney problems should avoid eating this vegetable.
Final Thoughts
Lady’s finger is an incredibly healthy vegetable to be added to your diet. It is rich in fibre and low in GI levels, making it perfect for people with diabetes. So, it is good to include this versatile ingredient as a part of your healthy diet and enjoy the benefits of lady finger on your overall health.
