20 Overlooked Health Benefits of Okra

Okra, also known as "ladies' fingers," is a highly nutritious vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins, and essential nutrients. Below are 20 incredible health benefits of okra that you should know.

1. Keeps You Full for Longer

• The high fiber content in okra helps you stay full, reducing the urge to snack.

2. Aids Digestion

• Okra promotes a healthy digestive system by supporting gut health and preventing constipation.

3. Low in Calories

• Okra is a low-calorie food, making it ideal for weight management.

4. Acts as a Natural Diuretic

• It helps flush out excess water and toxins from the body, reducing bloating and swelling.

5. Maintains Healthy Cholesterol Levels

• The gelatin in okra lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol, improving heart health.

6. Fights Free Radicals

• Okra contains antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and may lower the risk of cancer.

7. Boosts Immunity

• The fiber in okra supports good gut bacteria, strengthening the immune system.

8. Supports Pregnancy Health

• Okra is rich in folate, which helps in fetal development and prevents birth defects.

9. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

• It slows down sugar absorption, helping to stabilize glucose levels.

10. Prevents Diabetes

• Studies show that okra helps lower blood sugar, reducing the risk of diabetes.

11. Protects Kidney Health

• Regular consumption of okra may help reduce kidney damage.

12. Relieves Asthma Symptoms

• Its high vitamin C content supports better respiratory function.

13. Enhances Hair Health

• Applying okra-infused water gives hair a shiny and healthy look.

14. Improves Brain Function

• Okra is known as a brain-boosting food, enhancing mental performance.

15. Reduces Inflammation

• It helps soothe joint pain, sore throat, and digestive issues.

16. Promotes Eye Health

• Vitamins A and C in okra help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

17. Strengthens Bones

• Nutrient K and folates in okra contribute to bone strength and help prevent osteoporosis.

18. Benefits Skin Health

• High vitamin C content aids skin cell regeneration, keeping the skin smooth and youthful.

19. A Great Source of Plant Protein

• Okra contains 2 grams of protein per cup, making it a great option for vegetarians.

20. Heals Stomach Ulcers

• Okra helps soothe the stomach lining and promotes ulcer healing.

Adding okra to your diet can significantly improve your health. Whether you're aiming for weight loss, better digestion, or disease prevention, okra is a great addition to your meals.

Meet the Author

View Profile

---

Rigathi Gachagua

Content writer

follow me

Recommended Articles

---

WINFRED KWAO

A week ago

SWEET PEA: A GRIPPING DESCENT INTO DARKNESS WORTH YOUR TIME

Arts & Entertainment

Dan Jasper Mawuliplim Akum

5 days ago

SISTA AFIA DECLARES HERSELF THE HARDEST-WORKING FEMALE ARTIST AHEAD OF TGMA 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Kofi Kusi

2 weeks ago

ABRONYE ACCUSES NIB OF BIAS FOLLOWING INVITATION OVER ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MAHAMA

News

Faaloor Thomas

A week ago

24-YEAR-OLD APPEALS FOR SUPPORT TO PROCURE HEARING AIDS

News

Geoffrey geoffreyalex

2 weeks ago

RECLAIM YOUR BITCOIN INVESTMENT FROM FRAUDULENT WEBSITE → CONTACT HACKATHON TECH SOLUTIONS

Education

Samuel Abiiro

2 weeks ago

OSP ISSUES WANTED NOTICE FOR KEN OFORI-ATTA OVER CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS, SEEKS HIS RETURN TO GHANA

Politics

steven kinsella

3 days ago

HOW TO RECOVER YOUR LOST CRYPTO FROM SCAMMER INVESTMENT → CONTACT HACKATHON TECH SOLUTIONS

Finance

Faaloor Thomas

2 weeks ago

GREATER ACCRA REGIONAL MINISTER GIVES MMDAS 50-DAY PERIOD TO FIX STREETLIGHTS

News

Lucky Official

3 weeks ago

ANSU FATI HAS OFFICIALLY RETURNED TO BARCELONA’S SQUAD FOR THEIR UPCOMING MATCH

Sports

Annor Kwaku

4 weeks ago

US DEPORTATION 2025, THE BEST POLICY FOR AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT -- EVANGELIST

People & Society

Jason Nash

2 weeks ago

HIRE A CRYPTO RECOVERY SPECIALIST; RECOVER SCAMMED CRYPTO HIRE IFORCE HACKER RECOVERY

Finance

Alfred Sah

4 days ago

GSE TO SUSTAIN BULLISH PERFORMANCE THIS YEAR

News