Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Okra, also known as ladys finger, bhindi, bamia or gumbo, belongs to the mallow family. This plant
is mainly grown in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions. It is a good low-calorie, fat-
free, nutrient-dense addition to any diet. Fresh, immature okra pods and the leaves are used in
different cuisines as a vegetable. You can enjoy it fried, boiled or pickled. The seeds are pressed to
make the greenish-yellow, edible okra oil, which has a pleasant taste and odor. The oil is high in
unsaturated fats, such as oleic and linolenic acids. Sponsored links Okra has high fiber, vitamins C
and K, and folate content as well as calcium and potassium. It also contains niacin (vitamin B3),
thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese, beta-carotene and lutein. In addition, it
has powerful antioxidant properties. The various vitamins, minerals and nutrients in okra are
responsible for its numerous health benefits.
Several nutrients in okra can help keep your skin looking young and vibrant. The vitamin C aids the
growth and repair of damaged tissues, which affects collagen formation and skin pigmentation. It
also prevents acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions. Being a rich source of dietary fiber, it also
promotes smooth digestion, which is another important factor for healthy skin.
1. Boil 2 cups of chopped okra in about 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the okra pods and mash them with a little jojoba oil or any carrier oil to make a paste.
4. Apply it to your face and neck.
5. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with water.
6. Use this face mask once or twice a week
9. Improves Digestion
Okra is a good source of dietary fiber, which is good for your digestive and colon health. Fiber
facilitates proper absorption of water to ensure easier elimination of waste products from the body.
This, in turn, ensures regular bowel movements, which help prevent constipation as well as bloating,
cramping and gas. In addition, the vitamin A content in okra helps the digestive tract function
properly.
To improve your digestive health, eat 1 to 2 cups of okra daily. You can use it to make soup or stir-
fry dishes.
10. Boosts Immunity
Regular intake of okra can give a boost to your immunity. The high vitamin C content helps the
white blood cells function properly and develop immunity against infectious agents, reducing
episodes of the common cold and protecting your body from harmful free radicals. Its powerful
antioxidant nature also helps strengthen your immunity and reduce episodes of illness. It also helps
prevent heart disease, cancer and premature aging.
Warnings
As okra pods may have residue from insecticide or pesticide sprays, wash them thoroughly in water
before using them. Okra is readily available everywhere, but choose the organic ones to enjoy the
maximum health benefits.
Resources: http://www.fasebj.org/content/28/1_Supplement/1045.28
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3178946/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263724/#B10
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016411000909
Browsing Source:
1) www.top10homeremedies.com/kitchen-ingredients/top-10-health-benefits-of-okra-ladys-
finger.html
2) www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-diabeties.html
3) www.top10homeremedies.com/superfoods/top-10-liver-cleansing-superfoods.html