Okra is a very soft and slimy vegetable. This plant is shaped long and tapered at the end, similar to the fingers of a woman. Therefore, okra is also known as the name Lady's Finger. Vegetables that look like chili have an eggplant-like taste and have two variants, green okra and red okra. Both variants of this okra have the same taste and are only different colors. Vegetables with the scientific name Abelmoschus esculentus generally grow in tropical countries. This plant originates from areas around Ethiopia and South Asia.
At present the trend of okra cultivation is starting to grow in Indonesia. This is not separated from the benefits of okra which is very good for human health. Okra is one type of vegetable that has a lot of fiber and glutathione. Not only that, in an okra, there are also vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
Unfortunately, many people are reluctant to eat vegetable okra. The texture that tends to be slimy and sticky, especially when heated, is one reason why the okra is less desirable. Though okra contains good potential for body health. This is because okra contains a variety of minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorus and calcium. Also contains various types of vitamins, ranging from vitamins A, B, C, to vitamin K. In 100 grams of raw okra, the calories contained in it are 30 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 7.6 grams of carbohydrates, 0 , 1 gram of fat, 21 mg of vitamin C, 88 mg of folate, and 57 grams of magnesium. With the content of the benefits of okra is quite a lot for human health.
Curious what are the benefits of okra that is useful for human health? The following Liputan6.com summarizes from various sources, Tuesday (11/20/2018) the various benefits of okra for health.
1. Preventing impaired kidney function
How to take advantage of okra for health is to consume okra regularly. This method is proven to prevent kidney function disorders. This was shown in a study conducted in 2005 published in Jilin Medical Journal. In the journal it was found that people who consumed more okra regularly had fewer symptoms of kidney function than those who did not eat okra.
2. Prevent anemia
The benefits of okra for further health are to prevent anemia. The trick is to regularly consume okra. This habit will help the production of red blood cells that can effectively prevent or treat anemia.
3. Maintaining the health of pregnant women
Other okra benefits can also be obtained by pregnant women or nursing mothers. The folate content in okra can help the development of the fetus in the womb and reduce the risk of disability at birth. Eating okra during pregnancy can be an alternative to meeting daily folate intake where 100 grams of okra contains about 60 mcg of folate with a recommendation of 400 mcg folate per day.
4. Is anti-cancer
Okra is a very good source of antioxidants and is useful for boosting the immune system. So, the benefits of okra for further health are anti-cancer. Its healthy nature can protect the body from free radicals and prevent cancer cell mutations. Read too
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5. Protect the heart and heart
Okra is also known to have a hepatoprotective effect or is able to protect the liver from damage caused by inflammation or free radicals. Antioxidant compounds and fiber contained in okra can help the detoxification process of toxins from the liver and remove them so that the liver can function better and avoid problems. Therefore the benefits of okra for health are protecting the liver and heart.
6. Reducing asthma
The benefit of okra for health is to reduce asthma. This is because okra contains a number of vitamin C and antioxidants. This content can help reduce asthma attacks actively.
7. Strengthens bones
The benefits of okra for further health are helping to strengthen bones. This is because okra high folate is known to help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin K-rich vegetables like Okra are also able to maintain bone health and density. The vitamin K content in okra can help the body absorb the calcium that bone needs better. In other words, those who consume green vegetables such as okra have a lower risk of Osteoporosis and fractures.
8. Lower cholesterol
Besides being beneficial for diabetics, the benefits of okra for other health can also be felt for those who have problems with high cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber in okra can help reduce cholesterol which can clog blood vessels and cause a high risk of stroke and heart disease. According to Harvard Health Publications, fiber can bind fat in the body so that the fat is digested along with other foods. With low cholesterol levels in the body, blood vessels can drain blood well and the risk of getting a stroke and heart disease can be avoided.
9. Prevent diseases of the digestive system
Okra is a good food for the diet because it is rich in natural fiber so it is good for digestive health. The soluble fiber content of okra is similar to the fiber found in cereals. Health benefits of okra are also very good for the digestive system. Okra mucus can help prevent constipation or constipation. The content of fiber and mucus in it is a natural laxative that can improve bowel movements. BAB is smooth and the risk of colon cancer will decrease.
Not only that, the content of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial compounds in okra is also useful to prevent stomach disease or stomach ulcers by reducing infection due to Helicobater Pylori's wife. As in traditional medicine in Asia where okra is commonly used as a medicine to prevent diseases of the digestive system.
10. Reduces blood sugar levels
Plants that are still single family with cotton and Hibiscus plants are known to reduce blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes. The fibers contained in the okra sweep control sugar levels or glycemic index in the body and increase insulin sensitivity which is a hormone controlling blood sugar.
A study conducted by Poorva Dubey and Sunita Mishra from the University (A Central University) of Vidya Vihar Lucknow, India in 2017 stated that okra has an anti-diabetic effect that can reduce sugar levels in the body so that it is consumed by diabetics
How to get the benefits of okra for health and cure diabetes is to consume 6-8 okra fruits every day. Its nature can reduce insulin levels in the body.
11. Maintain eye health
The benefits of okra for further health are maintaining eye health. This is thanks to the content of beta carotene, lutein and xanthin in okra. Okra is rich in beta carotene, lutein, and xanthin which is very useful for maintaining eye health.
12. Improve the immune system
Other benefits of okra are improving one's immune system. This is related to the amount of vitamin C and high okra antioxidants. Vitamin C itself can stimulate the production of white blood cells which are important components of the immune system. Meanwhile, antioxidants play a role in destroying all free radicals that can make the immune system weak.
13. Maintain healthy hair
Okra is a medicinal plant of a type of vegetable that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and K. In addition, the benefits of okra are very good for healthy hair and skin because they contain copper, zinc, potassium, folate, and thiamine so that the hair will become more shiny natural. Not only that, regular use of okra in the hair will also make the scalp free of dandruff and can keep the scalp moist.
How to take advantage of okra for healthy hair is to make it as a conditioner. How to make this conditioner quite easy, put eight okra pieces that have been cut and washed into the water. Then, heat it on the stove until the mixture becomes thick and sticky. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil or another aroma to taste. Don't forget to add a little lemon juice and honey, then cool. After the ingredients are cold, strain and ready to use. To apply it, simply apply this conditioner to the hair that has been washed using shampoo from the root to the tip of the hair. Gently massage the scalp for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.