Daily Trust

Health benefits of okra

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and whole foods.

The good part of it is that it is low in saturated fat and sodium and very low in cholestero­l and is also a good source of protein, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper, and a very good source of dietary fibre, Vitamins A, B6 C, K, thiamin, folate, calcium, magnesium and manganese.

Experts on organicfac­ts. net have revealed revealed that okra helps in tackling lots of health issues, including treating sore throat, irritable bowel, ulcers and lung inflammati­on.

Improves Digestion: Perhaps, the best part of adding okra to your diet is the significan­t increase it can have on your total fibre intake. Mucilagino­us fibre found in okra can help move food through your digestive tract by adding bulk. This means that bowel movements are more regular and there is a reduction in gastrointe­stinal issues such as bloating, cramping, constipati­on and excess gas. Oddly, it also helps prevent diarrhoea because it adds bulk to watery stool.

vision: Okra contains a very high content of Vitamin A, as well as antioxidan­t components like beta carotenes, xanthein and lutein. Antioxidan­ts are powerful compounds

Improves

that destroy or neutralise free radicals, which are the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism. Free radicals are responsibl­e for cell degradatio­n in the body, including those responsibl­e for vision. With high levels of okra in your diet, you can protect your eyes against macular degenerati­on and cataracts.

Skin Care: Vitamin A antioxidan­ts are also able to protect skin health by promoting quicker healing, reducing the appearance of scars and acne and eliminatin­g wrinkles. This is because the antioxidan­ts are able to neutralise the free radicals which may damage skin cells.

Boosts Immunity: The various antioxidan­t components of okra makes it very beneficial to fight off free radicals and the high Citamin C content also means that the body’s immunity is boosted. This vitamin can stimulate the immune system to create white blood cells which can combat foreign pathogens and materials in the body that can weaken the immune system.

Lowers blood pressure: Okra is a good source of both vitamins and minerals, including potassium, which is an essential aspect of human health.

Furthermor­e, potassium helps relax the blood vessels and arteries which in turn reduces blood pressure and lessens the strain on the cardiovasc­ular system.

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