Health Benefits of Lady Finger (Okra)

Knowing the nutrients and benefits of vegetables and fruits certainly provides the idea how to incorporate them in your diet and get maximum benefits. Fresh vegetables provide such nutrients that not just keep you healthy but also prevent you from many dangerous diseases naturally. Okra which is commonly known as lady finger in Asian countries is also one of them containing high fiber content, nutrients, flavors, vitamins and antioxidants, certainly boost physical health. Due to its high level of dietary fiber, phytonutrients, lutein and beta carotene contents, lady’s finger or okra has an edge over other vegetables. Okra can be used in many ways like cooking it in different recipes, drinking juice or you can eat it raw.
Nutrition Value of Lady Finger or Okra
One cup of lady’s finger 100 grams provides following nutrition facts:

Calories	33 kcal
Potassium	300 mg
Cholesterol	0 mg
Carbohydrate	7 g
Dietary Fiber	3 g
Sugar	1.5 g
Protein	2 g
Vitamin A	14 %
Vitamin C	38 %
Vitamin B-6	10 %
Calcium	8 %
Magnesium	14 %

Health Benefits of Lady Finger or Okra

1) Prevents from Diabetes: Eugenol fiber in lady finger prevents you from diabetes as it slows down the absorption process of sugar level from blood stream. This fiber content works like natural insulin to control blood sugar level.
2) Prevents from Anemia: Nutrients like folate, iron and Vitamin K in lady finger produce red blood cells and prevent you from anemia.
3) Aids in Constipation: In vegetables okra or lady finger is a good source of fiber contents which improves digestive system. Soluble fiber and mucilaginous content absorb water and add mass in the body which aid in constipation.
4) Cancer Prevention Qualities: Lady Finger has higher fiber content and antioxidants than other vegetables. These powerful antioxidants protect your immune system which ultimately prevents you from various cancers like colon cancer, colorectal cancer and various infections.
5) Good for Heart Health: Okra or lady finger contains high level of soluble fiber and pectin which are useful in reducing serum high body fluid cholesterol level. It keeps your heart away from many diseases.