Nutritional Benefits Of Okra
“One cup of contains 410 per cent of vitamin C that is required to enhance the repair and recovery process, boost immunity and keep infections at bay!”
The tall and slender green vegetable known as the lady finger or okra, is often on the only favourite vegetable list of most children as well as adults. Many gorge on the wide array of preparations like bhindi sabzee, fried bhindi, stuffed bhindi, bhindi raita and so on, without realizing the potential benefits of consuming such a versatile vegetable.
As our quest for exotic vegetables and its nutritional values continues, our local bhindi is usually under- estimated for its nutritional content. The following list of nutrients that bhindi is rich in, may compel you to let go off a few bunches of kale and purple cabbage, whilst ensuring the frequent consumption of lady finger. Here’s why you should include this vegetable in your diet more often.
Benefits Of Bhindi
Low In Calories
With one cup of raw okra providing about 35kcals, it is an ideal vegetable to be consumed for individuals trying to lose weight, or those on a low calorie plan.
Rich In Fibre
Lady’s finger is a rich source of both soluble and insoluble forms of fibre. Soluble fibre helps lower blood sugar spikes and therefore is a boon for diabetics. Insoluble fibre on the other hand, is essential to keep the guts healthy!
Loaded With Vitamin C
One cup of okra contains 40 per cent of vitamin C. This antioxidant vitamin is required to enhance the repair and recovery process, boost immunity and keep infections at bay!
Abundant Quantity Of Magnesium
The richest mineral present in this vegetable is magnesium. This mineral is involved in regulating blood pressure, improving energy metabolism and also in nerve and muscle functioning.
Moderate Source Of B-Vitamins
Although it is not the richest source of B-vitamins, lady finger provides fair quantities of these vitamins that are predominantly involved in energy metabolism and DNA functioning.
Rich In Vitamin A
Okra is moderately rich in vitamin A too and this vitamin is crucial for cell and tissue growth and immune function through the boosting of white blood cells and also the regulation of eye health.
Contains Vitamin K
Okra is a rich source of vitamin K, which is important, not just for blood clotting but also for bone health as it is responsible for the synthesis of a protein to boost bone growth.
Calcium And Potassium Benefits
Both of these minerals are present in fair quantities in okra. As calcium is essential for bone health, potassium on the other hand, helps lower blood pressure. Okra is also low in sodium and is therefore ideal for hypertensive patients.