Okra, also known as Lalo on Reunion Island and Mauritius, is a plant of Ethiopian origin, although it is now cultivated worldwide. The clove of the vegetable has a greenish color with small seeds inside, and can be added to broths, stews and salads. This vegetable has proven to be a powerful remedy for many health problems.
Thanks to its rich nutritional profile, okra has already been used as a natural remedy against various health problems. Many people use this vegetable to lower cholesterol, control diabetes and reduce cravings.
Here are some of the health benefits of okra:
Improves satiety
Okra is a very rich food soluble fiber (2.5g / 100g according to the National Agency for Food Safety, Environment and Labor), which allows you to not feel hunger any longer . Feeling full for longer, okra decreases weight gain.
Treats fatigue
Fatigue is a common problem around the world and is a symptom of many diseases. Fortunately, okra can help you fight it. According to a 2015 study in China, okra seeds contain antioxidants and polyphenols that can promote the storage of glycogen in the liver, which means more energy for your cells.
Control diabetes
Okra seeds can reduce fasting glucose and control diabetes. According to a 2013 Thai study on rats, okra seeds inhibit a specific enzyme called alpha-glucosidase that breaks down carbohydrates and improves the insulin sensitivity of cells.
Regulates your cholesterol levels
Okra helps lower cholesterol levels and prevents the accumulation of fat in your body. According to a 2017 study conducted in India, this vegetable can reduce LDL cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol, and improve the production of bile acids in the stool, which will prevent atherosclerosis and long-term heart attacks.
Stop bleeding and prevent fragile bones
Okra is full of vitamin K (40 μg / 100g according to the National Agency for Food Safety, Environment and Labor), a vitamin that can strengthen your bones and promote better blood clotting. In this way, this vegetable can be a valuable aid in preventing fractures, osteoporosis and excessive bleeding due to injury.
Prevents gastritis
H.Pylori infections have become quite common nowadays. Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium that lives in the intestinal mucosa and can cause inflammation that can lead to gastritis. According to a study published in the journal PLOS One, okra juice has been shown to be a potent fighter of H. pylori in the intestine, and can effectively reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of gastritis.
According to another study published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology, the results showed that okra has a gastro-protective effect and could reduce gastric ulcer.
How to enjoy the benefits of okra?
Okra can be added to soups, stews, salads and stir-fries, to name a few. But if you do not really like the taste of okra and still want a quick way to enjoy the benefits of this vegetable, try preparing okra water.
Just three to five cloves of okra and a glass of water. Soak the okra pods all night, and in the morning, remove them and drink the water. You can also cut the okra pods into thin strips, which will give the water a slightly bitter taste.
Note that the skin of okra is covered with small hairs that can be irritating to the skin. Be sure to use gloves to handle this vegetable.
Caution :
People with kidney stones should restrict their consumption of okra. In addition, okra is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. If in doubt, seek medical advice.
