Are you aware of the nutritional benefits of okro? Or are you like most Nigerians who mostly view it as a broth with vegetables and fish? What do you know about this beautiful soup that has been around for thousands of years?
It is a highly nutritious dish, so there are numerous ways of preparing it in Nigeria. It allows you to enjoy a well-balanced diet without finding it too filling. It contains nutrients that can battle illnesses and make you live a healthy life.
In this writing, I will look at 10 benefits of okro. I shall consider health benefits and nutritional content to make your decision easier when asked “is okro healthy?”
Okro is Loaded With Nutrients and Antioxidants.
Okro is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. It’s a good source of fibre, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C. Okra is low in calories and contains no cholesterol. It’s a high source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
Regular consumption of okro has been linked with lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower blood pressure in some people. This could help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
It contains no fat and cholesterol, but it’s loaded with vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine), folate, calcium, potassium, vitamin C, riboflavin, magnesium and niacin.
Okro also has a high amount of fibre which helps to improve digestion and relieve constipation. Okra can be used to treat stomach ulcers as well as other gastrointestinal problems. It may also help to lower the risk of developing diabetes or control the symptoms if you already have diabetes.
Okro also acts as a mild laxative, helping to relieve constipation.
Low in Fat.
Okro is low in fat. This makes it a perfect meal for weight loss. The fibre content also helps to keep you full for longer periods thereby reducing your appetite and keeping you away from unhealthy snacks between meals
It is low in sodium, low in sodium diets are important for regulating blood pressure and weight control. A 100g of okro contains only 1g of fat and is considered vegetarian food. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to reduce their amount of fat intake.
It ContainsGood Levels of Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Calcium and Iron.
It contains good potassium, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and iron levels.
It also has good levels of vitamin C and K as well as vitamin B complex and folic acid. Okro also contains antioxidants that help prevent free radical damage to cells and tissues in the body which can lead to certain cancers.
It Can Cure Constipation.
Constipation can be caused by different factors including poor dieting habits, stress or lack of exercise. Okro provides you with the necessary fibre needed to help you go to the toilet regularly without any problems.
Mucilage From Okro Helps to Reduce Inflammation in The Gut.
Okro contains mucilage, which is a gel-like substance that helps to reduce inflammation in the gut. The mucilage also helps to coat the stomach and relieve stomach discomfort and soothe intestinal disorders such as ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Okro Can Help With Diabetes Management.
It is loaded with nutrients that make it a healthy choice for everyone especially those who are diabetic.
A study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found out that people who consumed Okro once a day had reduced blood sugar levels within three hours after eating. it contains a type of antioxidant known as alpha-lipoic acid, which reduces glucose levels, increases insulin sensitivity and prevents oxidative stress-induced changes in patients with diabetes.
The Fibre Content in Okro Soup Can Help Lower Cholesterol.
If you are thinking of losing weight, then okro is one food item that you must include in your diet. The fibre content in okro can help lower cholesterol. The soluble fibre in the okro binds with bile acids and helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol, thus lowering your blood cholesterol levels.
The soluble fibre absorbs bile acids from the intestines (which contains cholesterol) and then excretes them from the body. The mucilaginous fibre also binds with bile acids and prevents their reabsorption into your bloodstream.
It Can Also Improve Blood Pressure And Heart Health.
A new study has found that okro is a great way to improve blood sugar levels. This is due to the high fibre content in it, which slows down the absorption of sugar. The soluble fibre also regulates the rate at which sugar is released into the bloodstream. That’s why it’s called a superfood.
It contains a lot of soluble fibre and vitamin C, both of which help lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. It can also improve blood pressure and heart health.
It Contains Lots of Water-Soluble Vitamins.
It contains lots of water-soluble vitamins. This means that the vitamins are easily digested by the body and the excess water is excreted as urine. So, there is no need for you to worry about putting on weight after having it.
It is also rich in iron which is important for the smooth flow of blood in your body. Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia which causes weakness and tiredness in your body. Iron also helps in building muscles and cells in your body so that you don’t feel weak or lethargic all day long.
It Is Good in Maintaining Diabetes 1 and 2
It is a good source of vitamin C and soluble fibre that can help to reduce blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
It is a great source of vitamins A and C, folic acid, zinc, thiamine, niacin, iron and calcium. All of these are essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly. It may be particularly beneficial to consume okro soup if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Okro is a green, leafy vegetable that has been used in African and Asian cooking for thousands of years. Its nutritional profile contains many nutrients like vitamin A, C and K, folate and magnesium. It contains no cholesterol and is low in calories. It also contains phytonutrients that can provide powerful health benefits. Also, the seeds are edible too! You can order your organic. Okro from grainfield foods.
And if you already have some at home, check out some delicious recipes for okra here.