Summer is coming, which is an excellent opportunity to experience the health benefits and delicious food of okra. Okra is a kind of nutritious vegetable that is highly valued in Japan.

Okra is a nutritious vegetable, whether it is used for cooking, making soup or as seasoning, and it is rapidly popularized because of its nutritional value and cooking diversity.

nutritional value of okra

okra is famous for its nutritional value. As an excellent source of dietary fiber, okra also contains high concentrations of vitamins A, B, C and K. In addition, it is an important source of calcium, potassium, iron and zinc, and has a high folic acid content.

if this is not enough for you, okra also has strong antioxidant and anticancer abilities. Low in calories but containing vitamins, nutrients and minerals, okra definitely has a place in the category of nutritious food.

efficacy and function of okra

digestive system health:

okra is a good natural laxative. Okra can strengthen the stomach and moisten the intestines, because it is rich in water-soluble dietary fiber, which can promote defecation, prevent constipation and help prevent colorectal cancer; Gum of okra can also adhere to the gastric mucosa to protect the stomach wall, especially suitable for gastritis and gastric ulcer. While eliminating waste, okra removes toxins and excess cholesterol from bile acids. Okra can also cure ulcers, treat irritable bowel syndrome, help prevent colon cancer, and increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestine.

Heart health:

As mentioned above, the soluble fiber in okra can bind cholesterol and wash it away, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.

Blood sugar:

Okra can stabilize blood sugar by regulating the absorption of sugar in the intestine.

Blood health:

Okra promotes erythropoiesis and helps to prevent anemia. Eating okra can ensure the elasticity and toughness of the capillary wall, and high vitamin K content helps the blood coagulation process.

Asthma:

You can reduce asthma attacks by adding okra to your diet. This vegetable is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which is highly recommended by doctors for respiratory health.

Bone strength:

Okra is high in vitamin K. Eating Okra can strengthen bones and provide good defense for bones.

Eye health:

Because it is rich in antioxidants, okra is good for eyesight and helps to prevent cataracts and glaucoma.

Immune system support:

High concentration of vitamin C and antioxidants can enhance your immunity and reduce the chance of catching a cold.

Pregnancy:

It is recommended that pregnant women or women eat okra during pregnancy. Okra contains folic acid, and eating okra reduces the risk of neural tube defects in infants.

heatstroke:

If the hot summer sunshine makes you feel sleepy, eating okra can help to relieve fatigue and exhaustion caused by heat.

Depression:

A little-known fact is that okra is full of antidepressant compounds. Because it is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber and good intestinal flora, research shows that these characteristics help to increase motivation, enhance cognitive function, promote the adjustment of overall mood and prevent depression and irritability.

Protect the immune system:

Okra is rich in antioxidants, which can protect the immune system from harmful free radicals and prevent cell mutation.

skin:

rich in vitamin c, eating okra can make you glow healthy and radiant. Vitamin C helps to maintain a youthful appearance, help to grow/repair body tissues, reverse pigmentation, promote the formation of collagen, and provide life for damaged skin.