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In preliminary research, a high flavonoid okra extract preparation was found to protect human skin cells from ultraviolet (UV) B damage.With such significant potential benefits to major human health problems, it is surprising that research has uncovered even more possible benefits of okra – including to skin and energy levels. 4 In fact, okra may protect pancreatic β-cells from diabetes-related damage by regulating certain genes involved in insulin release. Researchers suspect that a compound found in the leaves and seeds of the pods may also possess additional blood sugar lowering qualities. Blood Sugar Balance: The fiber in okra may help stabilize blood sugar by slowing the absorption of glucose from the intestinal tract and it has been found to reduce hemoglobin A1C, an important marker of blood sugar control.These findings suggest that eating okra may be beneficial for both bowel detoxification and cholesterol balance.
#HEALTH BENEFITS OF OKRA FREE#
Okra extracts may reduce circulating triglycerides and free fatty acids and increase high-density lipoproteins (HDL: “good” cholesterol) levels. Cholesterol Balance: The fiber in okra has been known to help the body eliminate cholesterol through the digestive tract by binding to bile and it has been shown to improve markers of dyslipidemia.Okra has also been shown to increase the levels of key detoxification enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione in animal studies. Detoxification: The fiber in okra binds to toxic metabolites in the digestive tract, preventing reabsorption, a fundamental aspect of proper detoxification.3 This kind of binding process is important to many aspects of health, but specifically benefits detoxification and cholesterol balance. When compared to other high fiber vegetables, okra was found to have significantly higher bile acid binding capacity than the other vegetables tested. Dietary fiber binds to bile acids, allowing for the excretion of cholesterol and toxic metabolites through the stool. 2Īn important mechanism by which okra exhibits its mucilage and fiber function is through binding to and allowing for the excretion of bile acids. It has even been proposed that okra may be able to prevent the recurrence of H. In fact, the mucilage in okra has been shown to have anti-adhesive properties that block the adhesion and colonization of Helicobacter pylori bacteria to stomach lining. The fiber in okra has been found to be a demulcent, soothing to the intestinal tract, and potentially helpful in cases of gastritis. Okra’s Trifecta: Detoxification, Cholesterol, and Blood Sugar Balance 1 In addition to its impressive nutritional profile, the distinctive blend of polysaccharides, fiber, pectin, and mucilage found in okra appear to be a major part of their unique potential health benefits. In fact, okra has been shown to decrease lipid peroxidation, thereby protecting important lipid molecules from oxidation and free radical damage. The many phytonutrients found in okra also contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, including quercitin, anthocyanins, rutin, polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins. Okra also offers substantial amounts of vitamins A and C, making it a high-antioxidant food, great for supporting eyesight and healthy skin. Okra is packed with important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, B1, folic acid, magnesium, and manganese, making it an excellent methylation-supporting food. In the South, okra is traditionally served battered and fried, pickled, or sautéed. When the pods are sliced open, they release a mucilaginous liquid that is used as a thickener in stews like gumbo and other Creole and Cajun dishes. Because its pods are long and tapered, they’re sometimes referred to as “lady fingers.” Okra is a staple of Middle Eastern, Northern African, and Caribbean cuisine, and is also popular in the United States, mainly the South. Okra, or Abelmoschus esculentus, is the edible seed pod of a tropical flowering plant in the mallow family. Seemingly, the secret to okra’s health-promoting power is in its fiber and mucilage properties, which gives it that slippery – often described as slimy – texture. With a long list of potential benefits, okra has been found to soothe the digestive tract, improve detoxification, blood sugar balance, and cholesterol balance. It is known not only for its culinary value, but its medicinal significance as well.
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Health benefits from okra come from an unusual looking vegetable, believed to be first cultivated in Ethiopia and ancient Egypt.