The uniqueness of okra can be seen right in its appearance. The veggie doesn't just look sort of funny, it also nourishes the body with a variety of important nutrients. Culinary wise, it is often used to thicken soups and as part of many curries. Once considered exotic, okra is now easily found in most grocery stores. If you haven't ever tried it, I'm sure its very interesting texture and flavor will make this vegetable a favorite in your kitchen. Here are five reasons why okra should be added to the top of your food list.
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1. Helps stabilize sugar levels: One cup of okra gives you 4 grams of fiber. The specific type of fiber, called Eugenol, found in this vegetable slows the digestion process and prolongs the absorption process of sugar from our blood. It prevents the sudden rise and fall of sugar and helps keep it stable. The pectin present in okra expands in our intestines and also stimulates the excretion process, making this vegetable perfect for those suffering from constipation. For weight loss, its role is essential as it prevents hunger pangs.
2. Helps in pregnancy: It is said that eating okra during pregnancy will make your labor easier. The vitamins present in this vegetable prevent the onset of a birth defect known as spinal bifida. Experts recommend eating okra during pregnancy, especially durig the time when the fetus undergoes neural development. It is important for the synthesis of DNA, RNA and red blood cells. Okra contains high amount of vitamin C which enhances the absorption of iron–a benefit that is very essential for the baby's growth. It also makes their immune system stronger and supports the development of skin, bones and blood vessels.
3. Very effective body cleanser: Because of the mucilage, it is gentle on your intestinal lining, where it helps in the excretion process. The gelatin like coating traps the harmful toxins and helps release them through stool. In our gut, it nourishes the good bacteria, which makes it very effective to treat any digestive disorders. Additionally, okra stimulates the cleansing of the liver by binding bile with cholesterol and eliminating it. A protein molecule called glutathione, present in this vegetable, is a very potent antioxidant that shields our body from harmful pathogens.
4. Soothes asthma: Okra contains compounds that can help relieve fluid and mucus congestion. By cleansing the windpipe, okra brings relief to those suffering from asthma or any other respiratory diseases.
5. Rich in vitamin K: Okra is actually considered a very good source of vitamin K. This nutrient is crucial for proper blood clotting and for the optimum growth of cells and bones. It regulates the function of protein responsible for the activity of enzymes and cell transport. Moreover, it prevents the hardening of arterial walls, shielding us against detrimental heart diseases. It improves bone density and stimulates the adherence of calcium and other important minerals to our bone matrix, lowering the risk of acquiring osteoporosis.
Don't forget to share this information with all your loved ones so that they can also benefit from this exotic vegetable.
Image via Jen R/Flickr
