THE MANY BENEFITS OF OKRA

Okra is a universal culinary dish in Nigeria
but did you know that it has many health benefits.

Also Okra is biologically classified as a fruit, but it is generally utilized like a vegetable in cooking.

Read the other benefits of humble okra and one that’s sure to tickle a lot of women’s fancy 😜

DID YOU KNOW THAT OKRA IS A FRUIT EVEN THOUGH IT'S MOSTLY USED AS A VEGETABLE.

OKRA AND BLOOD SUGAR

OKRA HAS MANY IMMENSE BENEFITS ONE OF WHICH IS THAT IT IS GOOD FOR DIABETICS FOR TWO REASONS. IT IS A RICH SOURCE OF INSOLUBLE DIETARY FIBRE, WHICH BUILDS SATIETY, DELAYS SUGAR RELEASE AND LIMITS HUNGER PANGS, THEREBY REDUCING CALORIE LOADS.

SECOND, IT REGULATES THE ABSORPTION OF SUGAR THROUGH THE INTESTINAL TRACT. IN A 2011 STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND BIO ALLIED SCIENCES, RESEARCHERS FOUND THAT OKRA IS BENEFICIAL IN THE REDUCTION OF BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS. THE DIABETES-CONTROLLING ABILITY OF OKRA IS THE RESULT OF ITS ABILITY TO SLOW DOWN SUGAR ABSORPTION IN THE INTESTINE.

OKRA CONTAINS HIGH AMOUNTS OF SOLUBLE AND INSOLUBLE FIBRES, FOUR GRAMS PER 100 GRAMS. THESE REQUIRE A LONGER TIME TO BE BROKEN DOWN, DIGESTED AND IN THE PROCESS, SLOWS DOWN SUGAR RELEASE INTO THE BLOOD. AS A RESULT, BLOOD SUGAR NEVER SPIKES OR PLUMMETS ANY TIME AND REMAINS STABLE

HOW TO USE FOR BLOOD SUGAR: SOAK CHOPPED OKRA OVERNIGHT AND DRINK THE WATER IN THE MORNING.

OKRA AND CHOLESTEROL

THE HIGH FIBRE CONTENT OF OKRA IS GOOD FOR CONTROLLING CHOLESTEROL. IT CONTAINS THE ENZYME PECTIN, WHICH HELPS TO REDUCE BAD CHOLESTEROL AND INCREASES GOOD CHOLESTEROL, THEREBY PROTECTING HEART HEALTH. THE MUCILAGE OF OKRA BINDS THE CHOLESTEROL AND PULLS OUT BILE ACID CARRYING TOXINS THAT ARE DUMPED INTO THE LIVER.

OKRA AND PREGNANCY

FOLATE IS AN IMPORTANT NUTRIENT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. IT HELPS LOWER THE RISK OF A NEURAL TUBE DEFECT, WHICH AFFECTS THE BRAIN AND SPINE OF A DEVELOPING. IT'S RECOMMENDED THAT ALL WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE CONSUME FOLATE EVERY DAY. JUST ONE CUP OF COOKED OKRA PACKS AROUND 37 MCG OF FOLATE PROVIDING 15% OF A WOMAN'S DAILY NEEDS FOR THIS NUTRIENT.

OKRA AND VAGINAL HEALTH

LISTEN LADIES IF YOU DON'T LIKE OKRA BECAUSE YOU THINK IT'S NASTY AND SLIMY,THINK AGAIN. INSTEAD THINK OF THE NASTY GREAT SOX YOU CAN BE HAVING WITH REGULAR CONSUMPTION OF THIS STUFF!.

YOU NEED A PROPER MUCILAGE BALANCE IN THE WALLS OF YOUR VAGINA IN ORDER TO KEEP YOU WELL LUBRICATED AND OKRA IS GREAT FOR THAT.

ANTI- OXIDANT RICH

ANTIOXIDANTS ARE NATURAL COMPOUNDS THAT HELP YOUR BODY FIGHT OFF FREE RADICALS. FREE RADICALS ARE MOST WELL KNOWN FOR CAUSING OXIDATION DAMAGE, WHICH CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO 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.

Please note that
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.

#thehealthplace_ #okrabenefits#