Benefits Of Okra And Its Side Effects

Okra is rich in Vitamin A and flavonoid anti-oxidants like beta-carotene, xanthin and lutein that help to protect us from lung and oral cavity cancers. The folates present in okra help to reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects in newborn babies. Consumption of okra helps to improve digestion, vision, skin health and also help to strengthen bones. It also takes care of your heart and the entire cardiovascular system by helping to reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It further strengthens our immune system.

Table of Content

Okra

Nutritional Value of Okra

Health Benefits of Okra

Helps to improve digestion

Strengthens body immunity

Good for your eyes

Controls diabetes and prevents kidney disease

Good for your skin

Helps to lower blood pressure

Helps to control obesity

Helps to control asthma

Prevents constipation

Uses of Okra

Side-Effects & Allergies of Okra

Cultivation of Okra

Okra

Okra or ‘lady’s finger’ or ‘bamia pod’ is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is a plant of the tropical and warm climates and the plant is highly valued due to its green pods. This vegetable is used in many dishes and cuisines and is rich in nutritional content. There is, however, some debate regarding the origin of this vegetable.

Nutritional Value of Okra

Okra contains a number of essential vitamins and minerals and so is beneficial for your health. Okra is very low in calories and has no saturated fats or cholesterol. It is rich in dietary fiber, mucilage and folates which have a number of pertinent nutritional benefits. Okra is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B-complex group of vitamins like niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid and vitamin B-6. Essential minerals like calcium, iron, manganese and magnesium are present in okra.

Health Benefits of Okra

Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Okra

Helps to improve digestion

Okra contains mucilaginous fiber that helps to move food through the digestive tract as it adds bulk to the stool. This helps to prevent digestive issues like bloating, cramping, constipation and excess gas. It adds bulk to watery stools and even helps to prevent diarrhea. The fiber also helps us to regulate the absorption of sugar in our body as it clears out the excess cholesterol.

Strengthens body immunity

Okra is rich in Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants that help to strengthen our body immunity by acting against the harmful free radicals in our body. Vitamin C also stimulates the production of more white blood cells which are our body’s primary defense mechanisms against foreign pathogens and other materials.

Good for your eyes

Okra has high content of Vitamin A and other anti-oxidants which act against the free radicals in our body. These free radicals, which are formed as a result of cellular metabolism, can cause harm to the cells which allow us to see. Thus okra helps to protect our eyes against the dangerous effects of these free radicals and prevent the onset of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Controls diabetes and prevents kidney disease

The high content of soluble fiber in okra helps to regulate blood sugar levels. This helps to manage diabetes as the soluble fiber affects the absorption of sugars in the intestine. This further reduces the chances of developing kidney disease as half of such ailments develop from diabetes.

Good for your skin

The dietary fiber in okla keeps digestive problems at bay and provides you with healthy skin. Vitamin C helps to repair body tissues and help your skin to look younger and more vibrant. The nutrients in okla also prevent skin pigmentation and helps to rejuvenate your skin.

Helps to lower blood pressure

Potassium, present in okla, helps to balance sodium and thus maintains a proper fluid balance in the body. It also helps to reduce the pressure on the cardiovascular system by relaxing the blood vessels and arteries and thereby reducing blood pressure. Blood pressure regulation helps to prevent atherosclerosis and blood clotting.

Helps to control obesity

Containing no unsaturated fats or cholesterol and being very low on calories, okla can be a useful substitute to calorific food if you are trying to lose weight. It is also rich in nutrients and dietary fiber which helps to keep your digestive system in good health. This nutrition-rich food fills you up and prevents you from gorging on unhealthy food and thus helps to fight obesity.

Helps to control asthma

It is recommended for people suffering from asthma to incorporate okra in their diet. Okra has shown some to have some positive effects in the treatment of asthma.

Prevents constipation

Incorporating okla in your diet helps your body to properly absorb water as this vegetable is rich in a number of essential nutrients. This, in turn, helps the stool to seamlessly traverse the digestive tract and get eliminated.

Uses of Okra

In tropical countries, okra pods are one of the most widely used vegetables. They can be consumed in a variety of ways – chopped, sliced, stewed or fried. The pods of okra can be pickled and preserved. The leaves of this vegetable are also edible and they are often utilized raw in salads. When okra is boiled with water, a transparent mucilage is formed which can be used to moisturize your hair. It also helps you hair to gain bounce and shine.

Side-Effects & Allergies of Okra

It is advisable for people taking metformin not to consume okra as it interferes with the drug’s action. Metformin helps to keep sugar levels in control and okra intake may nullify its effects. Moreover, okra is rich in oxalates which may bind with existing gall and kidney stones and cause them to deteriorate. Therefore okra should be consumed in optimum quantities.

Cultivation of Okra

Okra plant is cultivated tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate regions of the world but its origin is debatable. The Egyptians and Moors had known the use of this vegetable in the 12th and 13th century respectively. It spread to Eqypt from the Arab states while it is believed to have come to Arab from Ehiopia. However, there are different voices from different parts of the world such as from South Asia, from Ethiopia and also from West Africa which all claim that this vegetable originated in their respective areas.

The pods of the okra are rich in nutrients. The okra plant is grown in the tropical and warm temperate regions all over the world due to its nutrient-rich pods. It requires a long warm growing season and it is highly sensitive to frost. A temperature of less than 20 degrees celcius is harmful for the seeds. Although this plant can grow in a wide variety of soils, sandy loam and clay loam soils are best suited for its cultivation.

Popular Questions & Answers

Can okra be soaked in copper vessel overnight and be taken in morning with empty stomach by diabetic patients?

Dr. Nimmi Mulwani

MD, FAIIDR

Diabetologist, Ahmedabad

Yes, it can be. But okra being a green vegetable is a rich source of fibre and micro nutrients. Won't be much of a help in diabetes. You can try overnight soaked fenugreek seeds for diabetes.

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My platelets count is 86 will I die now. What should I do know I am totally scared.

Dr. Srikanth Md

MD

General Physician, Secunderabad

Platelets count increase Platelets -- a vital component of blood -- help the body form clots to stop bleeding in the event of an injury. In their inactive stage, platelets resemble plates (the reason behind their name). However, when active, platelets have several tiny tentacles that give them an octopus-like appearance. Since platelets play such an important role in the functioning of the human body, a low platelet count (a condition known as thrombocytopenia) should never be ignored. Slow blood clotting (resulting in bleeding that is excessive or cannot be controlled), bleeding gums and nose, bruising and appearance of petechiae (red or purple spots in the skin), and longer and heavier menstrual cycles for women are some of the main symptoms of this condition. Medication for normalising blood platelet count is expensive, and treatment usually requires the patient to be hospitalised. Fortunately, consumption of some foods also help treat as well as prevent this condition. These foods are not only easily accessible, but also relatively inexpensive. Ensuring that they are part of your daily diet helps prevent thrombocytopenia and the symptoms associated with the condition. Here's the list of these foods. Fresh Milk It's no secret that fresh milk contains calcium, which is an essential mineral for strengthening and developing bones. But did you know that fresh milk also helps regenerate blood platelets. Moreover, milk contains Vitamin K, which is absolutely essential for proper blood clotting. Foods that contain Vitamin K Besides milk, other great sources of Vitamin K are foods such as parsley, kale, basil, mustard greens, spinach, Swiss chards, watercress, broccoli, celery, asparagus, okra, and cabbage. Carrots Across the globe, carrots are popularly consumed to help to maintain and improve vision. But the lesser known fact is that they also serve as an excellent remedy for maintaining a normal blood platelet count. Raisins Raisins are packed with iron and help strengthen the body while normalising blood platelet count. Raisins can be eaten as a delicious snack on their own, in oatmeal, or even sprinkled on yogurt. Pomegranate The brilliant red colour of the pomegranate serves an excellent reminder that the delicious fruit is good for the blood. Besides helping to maintain a normal blood platelet count, the nutrients and minerals found in pomegranates also serve as an energy boost. Lean Meats Lean meats such as fish, chicken and turkey are rich in protein, zinc and Vitamin B12, all of which help increase the blood platelet count. Beans Beans contain Vitamin B9 or folate which greatly helps boost the blood platelet count. Some other foods rich in B9 are spinach, asparagus, and oranges. Garlic Not only is garlic an excellent blood purifier, it also helps to naturally increase the blood platelet count. Papaya Leaves Another home remedy to increase platelet count quickly is to boil papaya leaves in water and drink the resulting solution. This method is especially effective when there is a sharp decline in platelet count, such as in cases of dengue fever and malaria. T) caripaya. Twice a day for 10 days.

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My bro suffering from dengue. His platelets count gradually decreased to 24k from 64k. After prescribing caripill and excessive fluids his counts gradually increased to 36k. Is this good or suggest some ideas to increase platelets counts please.

Please avoid fever and take plenty of fluids and take this medicine caripill for increasing platelets counts or take green tea or milk or papaya extracts for increasing platelets counts

 1 person found this helpful

I am 25 years old female and I am suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis and also suffering thyroid myESR is also increased it is50 and CRP too positive .I feel drowsiness whole day. What diet should I follow.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be reversed by following Strict Plant based diet. Avoid Gluten based food. Avoid foods belonging to the Nightshade category: Potatoes, pepper, cayanne pepper, okra etc. Take lots of Antioxidants and Green fresh vegetables. Take Omega-3 fatty acids. Take enough Vitamin D3 regularly. Vitamin C 2g daily on divided doses. Curcumin daily. Sweet potato helps. Probiotics helps alot. Proteolytic enzymes and systemic enzymes like Betaine HCL with Pepsin, bromelain, trypsin, papain etc helps to heal the gut. Inflammatory conditions like RA gets flared up due to Leaky Gut, so healing the gut is very essential. Avoid Dairy products. Sweets and sugar is a strict NO. Contact me for further details. Hope it helps. Thanks.

 1 person found this helpful

Sir I am overweight and there is pains in both knees and just now my uric acid also on high side. Please suggest how to control the uric acid as well as knee pains.

Go for weight loss minimum 5 kg, more than 50% of your knee pain will get better. Remaining, consult with a Qualified Physiotherapist for Knee evaluation and Exercise program to control knee pain by Strenthening the Knee Muscles. To prevent Uric Acid level get increased, avoid red meat, alcohol, beans, peas, potatoes, okra, rajma etc. Take Apple Cider Vinegar 3 tsp mixed in a full glass of lukewarm water daily. Take Vitamin C tablets 500g (one tab twice daily after meal) Contact your Physician to control Uric Acid by Prescription Drugs. Hope it helps..

 2 people found this helpful

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Popular Health Tips

Foods For Bone Health

Dr. Umesh Shetty

MS - Orthopaedics, MBBS

Orthopedist, Mumbai

Calcium is the most important and abundantly found mineral in our body. It is stored in the bones and the teeth.Though our body needs lot of calcium, many of us are not eating enough calcium-rich foods. Calcium is needed not only for  bones, teeth and good health but also for our blood clotting, optimal nerve transmission, hormonal secretion and muscle contradiction. This is easily possibly by bone calcium, which is also known as a storage area, that releases calcium into the blood stream when needed. Blood calcium plays a critical role in balancing body’s acid/alkaline and pH (potential of Hydrogen). The body borrows calcium from the bones when need arises.

• Calcium is used to create new  bones and maintain the strength of the bones. It is also used to control breast cancer and reduce PMS symptoms while helping in weight loss. Calcium is found to be deficient in postmenopausal women and milk intake is quite essential for them. Each day, we lose calcium in the form of skin, nails, hair, sweat, urine and cannot produce it. That is why it is necessary to outsource calcium.
• The symptoms of Calcium deficiency symptoms are Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, tooth decay, muscle tension and high blood pressure.
• Magnesium, Vitamin D and K are needed to absorb calcium in the body. Complex food-based supplements are preferred to isolated calcium supplements to meet our calcium needs. Generally men require 1000 milligrams of calcium per day and women need 1200 milligrams per day.
• Products in which calcium are found in abundant are raw milk, sardines, yogurt, kale,  broccoli, water crush, beans  and lentils, figs, edamame and tofu, cheese, okra, almonds, custard apple. Calcium is also found in green vegetables and raw dairy products.
• Supplements for calcium include Citracal Calcium +D3 Slow Release, Kirkland Signature Calcium Citrate Magnesium and Zinc, Bluebonnet Calcium Citrate and Vitamin D3,  GNC Calcium Plus 1000, New Chapter Bone Strength Calcium, Nature Made Calcium with Vitamin D, Swanson Calcium Citrate and Vitamin D, Calcium Magnesium with Vitamin, Rainbow Light Calcium Citrate Mini-tablets, Solaray Calcium Magnesium Zinc
• While taking calcium supplements, please choose brand supplements with high reliability, carefully read the product label and determine the amount of elemental calcium. You must take  calcium supplements mostly with food. Also, while trying a new supplement, take in smaller amount and try adequately and efficiently. Side effects of calcium supplements may occur such as constipation and gas problems.
• Benefits of calcium are manifold. Our body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Heart muscles and nerves also require Calcium to function adequately. Study reveals that calcium along with vitamin D can have benefits beyond bone health, perhaps protecting against cancer,  diabetes and  blood pressure.

Post Natal Diet Plan

Post Natal Diet Plan

Prefered foods during postpartum:
Fresh - warm - oily - soupy - moist - nourishing - delicious - creamy - digestible

Preferred proteins:
• boiled warm milk
• milk puddings w/o egg
• split lentils soaked overnight made into thin soup, perhaps
• almond or other nut milks
• nuts or seeds, well soaked (24 - 48 hours) for snack or prepared with soups,
Vegetables, grains, or sauces
• yogurt or buttermilk drink thinned half with water and seasoned with desired
Spices
• ricotta, cottage and other unfermented cheeses
• chicken and fish soups after about 4 weeks for non-vegetarians

Preferred carbohydrates:
• basmati rice (cook with an extra 1⁄2-1 cup water per cup of rice)
• unleavened wheat such as couscous, pastas, chapattis (unleavened tortillas)
• grains such as oats, quinoa and amaranth.
• favor less refined sugars such as honey, succanat, turbinado, and especially iron
Rich sweeteners such as dates, raisins, molasses and dark indian jaggery if available.

Preferred vegetables:
Prepare all vegetables until tender, season well and enjoy with healthy oils (sesame, sunflower, walnut, avocado, almond) or butter
• artichoke
• asparagus
• avocado
• beet
• carrot
• fresh dill and fennel
• okra
• pumpkin and winter squashes
• yams or sweet potatoes
After the first three weeks postpartum, the following vegetables can be introduced; summer squashes, green beans, broccoli, peeled eggplant, spinach or chard cooked with plenty oil, seasoning, salt, and lime or lemon juice.

Preferred fats:
Use healthy fats and oils more abundantly than normal. This is important for optimal rejuvenation. Fats are building blocks for hormones and are important support and functional components of the cell membrane. Research show that low blood lipids are associated with depression and low hormone levels.
Essential fatty acids (efas - omega 3, 6, and 9) are, as the name indicates, essential to the body, mind and nervous system. The brain does not produce enough of these important oils, and if we get depleted, we are likely to suffer from anxiety, restlessness, and depression. Furthermore, low breast milk production and engorgement has been linked to low efas. The brain is more than 60% fat and needs a lot of healthy oils for its health.
• flax seed oil
• ghee (clarified butter)
• butter
• sesame, toasted sesame, and sunflower oils
• coconut and olive oil in the summer

Paralysis - Is There A Way Ayurveda Can Help?

The temporary inability to move one’s own limbs or speak is known as paralysis. Paralysis is triggered by problems with the body’s nervous system and affects the functioning of muscles all over the body. This condition can affect a single limb, the right or left side of the body, or the complete body. A paralytic attack is often caused by a stroke or damage in the nervous system. It can also be caused by exposure to radiation or toxins, autoimmune diseases, tumours and spinal cord trauma. Recovery from a paralytic attack depends on the causes and the extent of the injury that triggered it. With some types of paralysis, partial or even complete, recovery is possible.

Ayurveda is an alternative system of medicine that can be quite effective when it comes to treating paralysis. Ayurveda has negligible side effects and hence can be used to treat adults and children alike. This system of medication does not look only at the physical symptoms but also the mental and spiritual well-being of the patient as well. Some ways to treat paralysis with Ayurveda are as follows:

1. Vata-pacifying diet: Eat light meals that are easily digestible and pick warm foods over cold food. Avoid barley, rye and millet and include plenty of vegetables like asparagus, beets, okra and carrots in your diet. Also avoid bitter and pungent flavours, but pick food that is sweet, sour or salty to balance the body’s vata.
2. Ayurvedic massage: Warm herbal oils are sued for Ayurvedic massages. These oils and the action of massaging them into the skin have a number of health benefits associated with it, including the treatment of paralytic attacks. Some Ayurvedic massages that could be beneficial to paralysed patients are abhyanga Ayurvedic massages, padabhyanga and pizhichil.
3. Medication: Along with lifestyle changes, Ayurvedic medication also plays a role in the treatment of paralysis. Some popular Ayurvedic remedies for paralysis are rasnadi quath, medicated castor oil, pippali mula, vatavidhwamsana rasa, chopcheeni churna, ashwagandha churna, brihat vatachintamani rasa, ashwagandha churna and rasaraja. While some of these medicines are to be taken orally, others may need to be administered through the nostrils as part of nasyam Ayurvedic treatments and others via an enema as part of sneha vasti. Drinking 20–40 ml of radish oil twice a day and a mixture of black pepper powder, sunti and honey is also said to be beneficial in treating paralysis. However, one must keep in mind that recovery from paralysis is very slow and hence patience is a must.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

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Do you know that kidney stones can be effectively treated using homeopathy?

The kidney is a vital organ that regulates the levels of fluids, minerals, salts, and other such substances in our body and when this balance gets disrupted, it results in the formation of Kidney stones. This problem is medically known as Nephrolithiasis and can cause pain when the stone moves about the urinary tract.