Okra is a known veggie for many people, but they aren’t aware that this vegetable is helpful beyond its size and weight.
Okra is generally called as lady’s finger, bhindi and bhumia which belongs to flowering plant family same as hibiscus. This veggie is also known as powerhouse for number of vitamins and nutrients which helps us to cure many diseases including diabetes.
It contains edible seedpods and good source of fiber. It also contains substantial amount of antioxidants called flavonoids. The various minerals, vitamins and nutrients in okra are responsible for its numerous health benefits.
Lady finger and bitter gourd are two vegetables recommended for the people who fight against diabetes. Before going to know how okra water helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, let’s start with nutritional benefits and health benefits of okra in this article.
Nutritional Benefits Of Ladies finger
One cup of raw okra contains the following nutrients:
- 57 milligrams of magnesium
- 6 grams of carbohydrates
- 2 grams of protein
- 1 gram of fat
- 3 gram of dietary fiber
- 21 milligrams of vitamin C
- 88 micrograms of folate
It is also good source of vitamin B, K, calcium potassium, iron and zinc.Okra contains antioxidants such as beta carotene and lutein. It is also considered as one of the best vegetable that contains highest amount of phyto nutrients.
Health Benefits Of Okra
Okra is considered as one of the best vegetable loaded with number of medicinal properties. The antioxidants present in okra helps us from lung and oral cavity cancer.
Consumption of okra in our regular routine helps us in many ways. It supports proper digestion; it improves vision and skin health and takes care of your heart and entire cardiovascular system by helping o reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Some of the health benefits of okra are shown below:
It Acts As Anti Cancer Agent
Due to its anti oxidant properties it helps to protect the immune system against harmful free radicals and prevents mutation of cells.
It Strengthens Your Bones
Folate present in okra strengthens bones density and prevents the occurrence of osteoporosis.
Prevents Liver Diseases
The substances preset in okra helps to bind bile acid and cholesterol to detoxify the liver. It cleanses and removes all toxins from liver. It even prevents the accumulation of fat stored in liver.
Acts As Immune Booster
Antioxidants and vitamin C content in okra acts as immune booster and prevents the occurrence of cough and flu.
Reduces The Effect Of Constipation
The rich fiber in okra pods helps to increase bulk bind to toxins and ensure easy bowel movement with its natural laxative properties. Even regular consumption of okra helps in preventing colon cancer.
If you don’t like consuming okra directly, then okra water is best to enjoy all benefits of this wonderful veggie and it’s very easy and simple to make it.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels
After several studies on okra, it has been concluded that it is best for treating diabetes and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels due to its medicinal properties.
The peel and seeds of okra helps in maintaining blood glucose normalization and lipid profile lowering action in diabetic condition.
Ladies Finger Water For Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Drinking okra or ladies finger water is the new method of using okra to control diabetes. To prepare okra water you need the following things.
- 4 or 5 medium sized okra pods
- Required amount of water
How To Make It
- Cut both the ends of the pod and spit the pods into half with the help of knife.
- Now place these pods in a large jar and cover them with water.
- Soak this over night or at least for 8 hours.
- In the morning, squeeze the pods into water and remove them.
- Now, drink the water.
As okra contains anti diabetic properties it helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and keeps you healthy all time.