benefits of ladys finger

The fiber helps improve the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The gumbo pods are also an excellent source of anti oxidant vitamin, vitamin C, providing about 36% of daily recommended levels. Research suggests that consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop immunity against infectious agents, reduce episodes of cold and cough and protect the body from harmful free radicals.

The high antioxidants and vitamin C content make okra a good immune booster food that reduce your catching the cough and cold. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

The mucilaginous content provides a temporary coating to the digestive tract and stomach lining while healing the ulcers. The veggies are rich in B complex group of vitamins like niacin, vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid. The pods also contain good amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is a co factor for blood clotting enzymes and is required for strengthening of bones.

The rich folate content in okra can help decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in babies. The pods are an also good source of many important minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium. Okra is somewhat related to cotton and hollyhock. Okra plant can grow up to 9 feet in height with heart shaped leaves that is palmate with 5 to 7 lobes. Okra flowers are large with 5 petals colored white or yellow and sometimes with a reddish purple base.

With good bowel movements, skin health will improve. Helps reduce acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions. Fresh and immature okra pods are readily available in the stores all around the year. The pods feature attractively rich green color and have neutral flavor. In the store, look for crispy, immature pods and avoid those with over ripen, sunken appearance, discolored spots, cuts and mushy.

Okra contains beta carotenes (precursor of vitamin A), xanthin and lutein, all antioxidant properties that are helpful for vision health, preventing eye problems like cataract and glaucoma. In general, some of the hybrid varieties of okra may have been subject to insecticide/pesticide sprays. Therefore, wash the pods thoroughly in the cold water in order to remove dust, soil and any residual insecticides.

Choose smaller sized okra over the big ones. The feel should be crisp and firm to be sure they are tender and not overly fibrous. Avoid those which color does not look fresh and are soft. As with most vegetables, okra may be subject to insecticide/pesticides. Buy organic if possible. If not, soak okra in water with apple cider vinegar and seasalt for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Cut off the tops and cut okra into smaller pieces of 2 3 inches if desired. Lightly blanch, steam or quickly stir fry to reduce the mucilage and the green taste. It can be added into your salad, or dipped into your home made chilli sauce, or eat it just on its own.

People are often affected with heart disease due to high levels of cholesterol in their blood. Pectin, a soluble fibre present in ladys finger helps lower this cholesterol and thus is helpful in preventing heart disease. Okra pods are one of the widely used vegetables in tropical countries. Chopped, or sliced pods are stewed or fried (fritters) under low heat oil in order to soften their mucilaginous content. They then, can be mixed with other vegetables, rice, or meat.

Like most vegetables, okra has a small amount of oxalic acid and does not generally bother. Avoid okra if you have a history of kidney stones. Okra leaves may be cooked in a similar manner as the greens of beets or dandelions. The leaves are also eaten raw in salads.

People who aspire to lose weight can eat ladys finger to facilitate weight loss. The vegetable is extremely low in calories, with a 100g serving containing just 33 calories. Here are some otherfoods that can help you lose weight.Okras (lady s fingers) are used as main recipe, side recipe, to thicken the soup, and tender ones are even eaten as row.