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
Are You Giving Your Body Enough Nutrition? Find Out Here
In order to live a long and healthy life, you'll need to take care of your body and mind by paying attention to your eating and drinking habits...
This Antioxidant-Rich Spice is Great For Your Health!
Vibrant paprika powder makes for a wonderful addition to every dish. But did you know that this spice also has numerous health benefits?
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!
Know the Foods We Need to Eat More of as We Age
We're used to thinking that our bodies get weaker as we age, but the main reason for this is our diet. Learn what changes you need to make to remain strong.
No One Expected These Foods To Become So Popular
Culinary trends change all the time, but these foods are so popular today you wouldn't believe their humble beginnings.
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.
Doctor Tip: The Benefits and the Myths of Probiotics
In this video, a doctor explains all about probiotics, facts and myths.
9 Misleading Myths About High Blood Pressure
In this article, we dispel 9 misleading hypertension myths, so that we’re able to understand it more and take better care of ourselves and our loved ones.
Reduce Intestinal Inflammation with This Amazing Drink
Watch this video to know about a potent juice that can help reduce intestinal inflammation.
Not What You Though - How Healthy Skin REALLY Looks Like
Short, concise, and straight to the point - here are 5 skin health myths busted with clear scientific explanations.
This 10-Minute Brain Exercise Will Recharge Your Brain
Suffer from headaches, migraines, or brain fog? This 10-minute exercise can really help.
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.
Is a Diet High in Fiber an Effective Anti-Inflammatory?
Fiber is an essential part of our diet, for more reasons than just bowel movement.
Let's Talk About the Anti-Cancer Benefit of Sweet Potatoes
Lets Talk About the Anti-Cancer Potential of Sweet Potatoes
Here's a Fast Technique to Put You to Sleep In 1 Minute
Struggling to fall asleep at night? Here’s a super exercise that might make you doze off in just 60 seconds.
Nothing Helps Your Migraine? Try This Yoga Practice
This easy restorative yoga practice focuses on pranayama breathing and can help reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of headaches and migraines
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.
10 Recipes for Health Boosting, Natural Smoothies
Learn easy recipes for super-healthy smoothies you can whip out in no time.
The MOST Important Exercise to Practice For Seniors
This video will walk you through one simple exercise recommended daily for older adults.
The MAIN Differences Between Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil
Both cod liver and fish oils are healthy options. But which one is more suitable for your body?
Study: Can Our Sense of Time Heal Us Faster?
A recent groundbreaking study delves into how our perception of time can significantly impact the physical process of healing.
The Truth About the Medical Secrets of Amazon Tribes...
Mark Plotkin spent years among the tribes of the Amazon and he has some fascinating secrets to share.
Are You at Risk for "Building Sickness"?
Have you heard of "building sickness"? Because you may have had it.
I Never Knew That Cassia Cinnamon Is Poisonous!
Not all cinnamon is good for you. Shockingly, most of the cheap cinnamon, cassia, can cause liver damage. Here's how to avoid it.
10 Great Uses For Your Leftover Stale Bread
Sometimes bread gets stale, but next time don't throw it away - you can still put it to good use!
Difficulty Sleeping? Try This Healthy Drink Before Bed
Struggling with sleep? This natural drink can help.
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
Melt Away Neck Pain and Tension Headaches With These Tips!
Tension at the base of the neck is a common cause of tension headaches, neck pain, and many other issues. Let these 3 exercises help you in just a few minutes!
Is Calorie-Counting Just a Nutrition Theory Gone Wrong?
We've all been counting calories for decades in hopes to cut down on our waistlines, but it turns our that the calorie system might be wrong
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.
Should We Eat Every Day? All is Revealed Here!
Intermittent fasting has become one of the hippest nutrition and fitness philosophies, but is it good for your health? Find out here!
MUST WATCH: Full-Body Chair Workout Guide for Seniors
This full chair workout for seniors covers every area of your body!
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 the Location of Knee Pain Can Reveal Its Cause
Depending on where your knees hurt, you can sometimes tell what could be causing the pain.
Is Breakfast REALLY the Most Important Meal?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - truth or myth? Watch to find out what happens to your body when you stop eating breakfast for two weeks.
WARNING: Who Shouldn't Consume Turmeric? Find Out Here
Discover more about who shouldn't consume turmeric or curcumin in this video:
Doing This for 5 Minutes Can Lower Your Blood Pressure!
These simple and effective exercises will help lower your blood pressure almost immediately.
Doctor Tip: How to Prevent Ingrown Hair
In this insightful video, Dr. Adedeji shares her expertise on preventing ingrown hairs.
The "Longevity Vitamin": Where Can You Get Some?
Watch the video to understand all about Ergothioneine, and why it's referred to as the "longevity vitamin".
The Symptoms of a Fatty Liver and How to Treat it!
Fatty deposits on your liver can seriously hinder its function. In this video, Dr. Berg explains the symptoms of a fatty liver and how to treat it.
This Infograph Gives Terrific Info on Fruits and Veggies
This chart should be printed and hanged in every kitchen in the world.
Simple Tips for Giving Your Brain a Well-Deserved Rest
In this video, you'll find valuable tips for giving your brain the respite it needs from the never-ending stress of daily life.
The Added Benefits of Walking No One Told You Before
We all know walking is good for our health. But we bet you didn’t know about these little-known benefits of the activity.
What (Non-Psychedelic) Mushrooms Can Do for Your Brain
Lion's mane mushrooms are memory-enhancing brain food! Learn the science behind them here.
Foot Hurts When Walking? Avoid These Mistakes!
Does your foot hurt while walking? You might be making some mistakes without even realizing.
Sciatica Back and Leg Pain - 5 Pain Relieving Exercises
Flareups are common for sciatica, but they can be managed and reduced with the help of specific exercises and stretches.
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.