Okra is an African vegetable that’s been a staple of African, Indian and Pakistani cuisine for many centuries, as well being used for medicinal purposes. It goes by numerous other names in addition to okra, such as bhendi, bamia, ochro or gumbo.
The plant also produces a very pretty flower – white with a wine-red center. While this adds to okra’s esthetic value, its true specialty is the edible green seed pods it produces. These pods are extremely beneficial to human health. Here are five of the main benefits:
1. It Helps Fight Diabetes
Evidence of this was shown in animal studies. Once these studies were underway, researchers were able to purify the principle chemical that’s known for its abilities to improve diabetic people’s health. In one study, the chemical, called myricetin, was given to pregnant rats that had gestational diabetes. This was found to have highly positive effects on their blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, the study found that when the solution containing myricetin was given to the rats orally, their digestion slowed down. This allowed glucose to stay in their system for a longer time period, which meant that levels of it in their bodies had a much less dramatic post-meal spike.
2. It Lowers Your Caloric Intake
Okra contains a rare combination – it’s very nutrient-rich while containing few calories relative to its nutritional value. It’s also a great source of carbohydrates, as are similar vegetables.
Numerous studies have established a clear link between an unnecessarily-high caloric intake and various diseases, so it’s always a good thing to eat something that will give you the nutrients your body needs while being low in calories.
3. It’s Chock-Full of Vitamins
No less than 10 different vitamins and minerals can be found in okra, with some of the highlights being Vitamin A, which is great for the skin, Vitamin C, which does wonders for the immune system, and Vitamin E, which helps prevent cell damage in the body.
Doing away with your vitamin supplements and introducing this vegetable into your daily diet together with similar ones is pretty much a no-brainer. In addition to okra’s high vitamin and mineral content, what’s particularly special about it is the highly efficient way it delivers vitamins to the body.
4. It Improves Digestion
Because okra is high in fiber, it can have a positive impact on your digestive system and assist with gastrointestinal difficulties, especially with regard to regulating your “transit time” – the time between eating and going to the bathroom.
Fiber is great because it offers something the body can’t process, which in turn helps it to form a regular stool. It is now a known fact that people who have a healthy digestive process tend to have other bodily processes that are equally as healthy.
5. It Improves the Look and Strength of Your Skin
The dietary fibers and Vitamin C contained in okra promote skin health by boosting various important bodily processes. For instance, the latter is known to improve the effectiveness of the body’s regenerative abilities.
There are some who also credit okra with improved skin pigmentation, however there are no studies to corroborate this.
Content Source: Natural Solution Today
Who Knew Raisins Were THIS Good For You?
Raisins have been revered as a healthy snack for centuries. Here are 10 amazing health benefits of raisins.
Learn How to Make Natural and Healthy Food Coloring at Home
Some food coloring can be harmful, so why not make your own? Do so will allow you to add health benefits to your food!
Make Sure You Avoid Eating These on an Empty Stomach...
Find out which foods are safe to eat on an empty stomach and which ones should be avoided entirely...
If You Need an Evening Snack, Here Are 9 Healthy Ones
Everyone gets midnight cravings, but not everything is good to eat at night. These 10 foods are healthy options for a late-night snack.
Make Sure You Avoid Eating These on an Empty Stomach!
Find out which foods are safe to eat on an empty stomach and which ones should be avoided entirely...
If You've Got a Diminished Libido, You Need to Read This
If you feel like your libido is diminished at the moment, don't fret - there are various things you can do to restore it. Take a look at these 9 methods.
10 Instant Self-Checks Worth Performing Regularly at Home
Our body can give certain signs we don't always realize are indications of a bad health or disease - learn 10 brilliant ways of checking out your body for these signs regularly from home.
Chair Yoga: a Complete At Home Video Practice
This is a complete 17-minute beginner friendly yoga sequence suitable for all ages you can do on your chair.
Reduce Intestinal Inflammation with This Amazing Drink
Watch this video to know about a potent juice that can help reduce intestinal inflammation.
This is the Most Effective Way to Remove Ear Wax at Home
Remove earwax at home with this effective hack.
The Best Natural Remedy for Enlarged Prostate
This simple natural drink can be helpful for shrinking an enlarged prostate.
14 Super Foods that Fight to Prevent Cancer
These super foods, taken daily, have been proven to fight to free your body from the risk of cancer.
If You're Not Using Sunscreen, After This Video You Will
This fantastic video shows you how your skin looks in UV light, revealing future sun-damage to it.
Liver Cirrhosis: What You Need to Watch Out for
One major complication that can occur in the liver is cirrhosis, and this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to deal with it.
Forget Olive Oil, it's the Leaves Where the Power Lies
Olives and olive oil are on everyone's shopping lists. But what about olive leaves? Here we list 10 health benefits to be had from olive leaf extract.
Every Senior Must Do These Simple Seated Exercises
Seniors will find this video extremely helpful.
If Your Feet Hurt, Then You Should Really Try This...
Want to banish plantar fasciitis for good? Here are some exercises that you simply must try!
Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Bruises?
If you're getting bruises but can't recall taking a hit, maybe you're deficient in a certain vitamin. Learn the science here.
Lose Weight by Using This Japanese Breathing Technique
This extraordinary deep-breathing weight-loss technique is known as the Japanese breathing technique to losing weight.
This Doctor Tried the Keto Diet and This is What He Thinks
Curious to try the KETO Diet? Listen to what a doctor has to say first.
Warning: The Places Bacteria Hides...
The truth about hand washing and the spread of bacteria. This could keep you healthy longer!
Soothe Your Sciatic Pain with These 8 Natural Remedies
You don’t need to suffer from pain caused by sciatica. These 8 remedies are natural and effective at reducing unnecessary pain.
Massage These 3 Points if You Have High Blood Pressure
While high blood pressure is caused by a variety of things, its most common cause is hypertension. Reduce your high blood pressure by using the ancient technique of acupressure.
Restorative Yoga to Relieve Sciatica You Can Do Lying Down
This yoga practice is safe for those suffering from sciatica and was compiled specifically to help relieve the pain associated with it
Don’t Believe These Lies: 12 Popular Egg Myths Busted
For the sake of french toast and sunny side up eggs for breakfast, we decided to bust 12 harmful and simply untrue beliefs about eggs
9 Effective Ways to Make Your Nausea Go Away
Nausea is that unpleasant feeling of discomfort inside your stomach, oftentimes leading to vomiting. Use one of these natural methods to stop it.
Here's What Your BMI Does NOT Mean...
Many people use BMI (Body Mass Index) as a way of working out their level of physical fitness, however the results are typically far from accurate...
10 Surprising Reasons You’re Feeling Stressed Right Now
We think we know what makes us stressed, but there are a surprising number of minor daily activities stressing you out that you're not aware of...
How Can You Tell a Common Cold Infection from Influenza?
The common cold is among the most prevalent virus infections in the world. What's the best way to treat it?
Think Over-the-Counter Medications Are Safe? Think Again!
It's easy to think over the counter drugs are harmless, but you better read this before purchasing! Let's look at the dangers of taking over-the-counter drugs and how they can be avoided.
Doctor Tip: How to Drain Sinus and Clear Nose in 1 Move!
This doctor has a genius routine for draining your sinuses while also clearing your nose.
Doctor Tip: The Benefits and the Myths of Probiotics
In this video, a doctor explains all about probiotics, facts and myths.
Looking at Caffeine, Shampoo and Rosemary for Hair Growth
Looking at the real research done behind these ingredients helps us see which really help and which still needs more research to know if they are effective on humans.
Here's a Quick Guide to Instantly Clearing a Blocked Nose
Got a congested nose? Remember these priceless tricks and thank us later!
Owning a Cat Can Do Wonders For Your Health!
Pet ownership, especially cat ownership, can improve the quality of a person's life. Here are 10 health benefits of owning a cat.
This Infograph Gives Terrific Info on Fruits and Veggies
This chart should be printed and hanged in every kitchen in the world.
Gasp! 17 Surprising Facts About Your Lungs You Never Knew
Watch pulmonologist Dr. Ravi Kalhan answer some really interesting questions about our lungs.
MUST WATCH: Full-Body Chair Workout Guide for Seniors
This full chair workout for seniors covers every area of your body!
Is This New Drug a Revolution in Slowing Down Alzheimer's?
n the ongoing battle against Alzheimer's disease, a new development presents a beacon of hope.
These Exercises Bring Relief to Sciatica and Nerve Pain
A pinched nerve in the back can be a bothersome chronic condition with frequent flareups. Here's how to bring instant relief to this type of back and leg pain.
How Much Fruit is TOO Much for Your Health?
Fruits are healthy, but is there a thing as eating too much of them? Watch out for these signs.
Can Aging Be Cured in Your Lifetime? It May Be So...
Could there be a cure for aging? Watch this video and find out!
Here's How to Clear a Stuffy Nose Instantly
There are some truly bizarre methods for clearing a stuffy nose out there, but they really seem to do the trick. Learn these methods today.
1300 Years of Medical Nonsense, All Because of This Man
For 1300 years, doctors assumed the body is regulated by four bodily fluids. Who came up with the idea?
Mystery Revealed: Why Some Don’t Get Bitten By Mosquitoes
Mosquito bites are more than just a mild annoyance and it's very useful to know what may attract these buzzing pests to avoid mosquito bites
Prevent and Treat a Hump Within a Month!
These exercises will make sure you don't develop a hump - or treat the one you have.
Discover What Happens In Your Body When You Have a Fever
Have you ever wondered exactly why does our body produce a fever? Find out more in this video.