Have you ever wondered how nature has some special gifts in its lap. That not only give us a taste buds but also improve our health. This article highlights one such natural masterpiece, Lady finger (okra) Lady finger benefits. It may be considered a common vegetable. But if you dig deep into its properties, you will find that it is actually an extraordinary treasure.
Meet the green miracle that not only adds colour to your dinner plate but also infuses a new energy of health in your life. In the article we will introduce you to the unheard properties of Lady finger that make it much more than just a vegetable. We will take you into the exotic world of lady finger to understand its uniqueness that gives a new direction to your health.
This vegetable, also known as “Lady’s Finger” in English, not only adds flavor to dishes but also has many health benefits. Its regular consumption strengthens our immune system, helping us fight various diseases. It is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and folate. Which not only improve digestion but also keep us energetic.
Apart from this, okra also contains antioxidants, which protect us from the harmful effects of free radicals. Okra can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and salads. Due to its specialty and health benefits, it has become an indispensable vegetable in every household kitchen.
What is lady finger
Okra is a type of green vegetable, which is long finger-like with a small tip at the end. Its other head has a bulge which is light green in color, which is often removed. When cut in cross section, okra has round white seeds which are completely spread inside the vegetable. The strange feature of this vegetable is its internal stickiness. Bhindi can be cut into round pieces or cut into 4 halves or can also be added to mixed vegetables without cutting. This vegetable has a very distinctive taste and is usually liked by children.
Nutrition in each 100 gm okra (bhindi)
Nutrients present in 100 grams of ladyfinger:
- Calories – 35
- Protein – 1.9 grams
- Vitamin C – 13 milligrams
- Vitamin K – 31.3 micrograms
- Folate – 105.1 micrograms
- Magnesium – 53 milligrams
- Potassium – 103 milligrams
- Fiber – 1.2 grams
- Carbohydrates – 6.4 grams
- Sodium – 6.9 milligrams
Lady finger (okra) benefits
Ladyfinger is one such vegetable that everyone likes to eat. It is not hidden from anyone how beneficial (Lady finger benefits) green vegetables are for health. Ladyfinger is also a green vegetable that is full of health benefits. Ladyfinger is also known as Okra. Many nutrients including vitamins, minerals, folate and calcium are found in ladyfinger, which can help protect the body from many problems. The properties found in ladyfinger can help control weight. Ladyfinger can be included in the diet in many ways.
1- Constipation and improve digestion
Lady finger is an invaluable friend for digestive health. Its fiber-rich composition facilitates digestion. Fiber is an important component present in the diet that helps keep the stomach clean. The soluble fiber found in okra combines with water to form a gel-like substance. This process slows down the digestive system, which improves the absorption of food. In addition, this gel binds and expels harmful elements present in the stomach, keeping the stomach clean. Its insoluble fiber gives bulk to the stool and relieves constipation.
It increases the movement of food through the digestive system, making bowel movements easier. Regular consumption of okra also improves intestinal health. Its fiber encourages the growth of good bacteria in the intestines, which are extremely essential for digestive health. In short, the fiber-rich composition of okra is extremely beneficial for digestion. It helps in clearing the stomach, relieving constipation and improving intestinal health.
2- Reduce diabetes mellitus
Lady finger is very beneficial (Lady finger benefits) for diabetes patients. Actually, okra, which is rich in fiber, helps in controlling blood sugar level by controlling the rate of sugar absorption in the digestive system. The anti-diabetic properties of okra are also considered very good for reducing enzyme metabolism carbohydrates and increasing insulin production.
3- Improve eye vission
Lady finger is often called the ‘vision vegetable’ because it improves eye health in several ways. Okra contains vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are extremely important for vision. These elements help improve night vision and reduce the risk of various eye diseases, such as cataracts. Vitamin A is important for the health of the retina and is essential for proper vision.
Beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, helps protect the eyes from conditions such as age-related macular degeneration. Okra also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that act as a shield for the eyes. They protect the eye lens and retina and protect them from harmful blue light.
4- Improve heart health
Lady finger (okra) Bhindi is a hero for heart health. This vegetable is rich in potassium, which helps in regulating blood pressure. Potassium balances the heartbeat and reduces the stress on the arteries. The soluble fiber in bhindi helps in reducing bad cholesterol. This fiber helps in flushing out excess cholesterol from the body, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases. Additionally, bhindi also contains antioxidants, which protect the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. These antioxidants act as a shield to protect the heart.
5- Improve skin health
Antioxidants in lady finger (okra), including vitamins A and C, help fight free radicals. And improve skin texture and promote healthy skin. They may also aid in the prevention of premature aging and wrinkles by Lady finger benefits.
6- Reduce high blood pressure
Lady finger is a good source of both vitamins and minerals, including potassium, which is essential for human health. Potassium is essential for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body, as it balances out sodium. Additionally, potassium helps relax blood vessels and arteries. Which reduces high blood pressure and reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system. This means that blood clotting and hardening of the arteries will be greatly reduced.
7- Prevention of cancer
According to the report, a special protein called lectin is rich in ladyfinger. This can help in treating cancer. Research shows that this element prevents cancer cells or tumors from growing. The report shows that eating ladyfinger can treat cancer including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head-neck cancer, thyroid cancer, brain tumor, uterine cancer etc.
8- Useful in Stomach and mouth ulcer
Lady finger is useful for people who affected from stomach or mouth ulcers. It has wound healing properties and helps in keeping your body joints in fit shape. It prevents the formation of ulcers in your intestine as it has properties to reduce bad bacteria in the stomach, thus helping in keeping your intestines healthy.
9- Beneficial in weight loss
Lady finger is an effective weight control aid. Its low calorie content and high fiber composition make it ideal for weight loss. Fiber helps keep you feeling full for a longer period of time, reducing the tendency to overeat. The soluble fiber in lady finger slows down digestion by forming a gel-like substance, thus reducing hunger. It also regulates the absorption of sugar in the body. Thereby helping in weight management.
10- Reduce swelling
The anti-inflammatory properties of lady finger make it an effective aid in reducing inflammation. It contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which reduce the inflammatory response in the body. These antioxidants block the activity of inflammation-causing enzymes, thereby reducing swelling and pain. Thus, okra can provide relief in arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
How cooking lady finger vegitable
- Lady finger (250 gms)
- Onions (2 medium size)
- Tomatoes (2 medium size)
- Green Chillies (2-3)
- Cumin seeds (1 tsp)
- Turmeric powder (1/2 tsp)
- Red chili powder (1 tsp)
- Coriander powder (1 tsp)
- Salt to taste
- Cooking Oil
Procedure to make the veg. (Sabji)
Firstly, wash and dry the lady finger. Then chop them into small pieces. Chop the onion into small pieces and chop the tomatoes finely. Chop the green chilies finely too. Heat oil in a pan. Then add cumin seeds and fry them till they turn golden. Now add onions and fry them till they turn golden. Now add tomatoes and cook them till they turn soft. Once tomatoes are cooked, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, salt and mix. Now add chopped ladyfinger and mix well. Cover the ladyfinger and cook on medium flame till it melts and gets cooked well. The ladyfinger curry is ready. Serve it with hot rice or chapati.
FAQs about lady finger (okra)
Ans. Yes lady finger can help control blood sugar due to its fibre and magnesium properties.
Ans. Lady finger has special protein called lectin. Lady finger rich in this protein. That can help in treating cancer.
Ans. Lady finger rich in potassium, which helps in regulating blood pressure. Potassium balances the heartbeat and reduces the stress on the arteries.
Great information about lady finger. Thanks alot.