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 10 benefits of eating okra regularly

Okra, also known as lady’s finger or gumbo, is a flowering plant in Africa. It is commonly used in various cuisines around the world, including Indian, Middle Eastern and South American cuisines. Okra pods are long and thin, usually green in color, and contain small edible seeds. Okra is considered a healthy vegetable because of its rich nutritional profile. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. It also contains antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which have health benefits. 

 10 Benefits of Eating Okra:

1. Rich in nutrients
 
Okra is full of essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium and calcium, which support overall health and energy. Ladyfinger helps keep the kidneys healthy and free of stones
 
2. Promotes digestion
 
Okra is rich in fiber, which helps digestion and prevents constipation. It also promotes a healthy gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

3. Reduces cholesterol levels

 The fiber content of okra helps reduce cholesterol absorption, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and improving heart health.

4. Controls blood sugar levels

 Okra contains compounds such as polyphenols and fiber that help regulate blood sugar levels, making it useful for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
 
5. Strengthens the immune system
 
Okra is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and helps protect against disease and illness.

 6. Promotes weight gain
 
Okra’s high fiber content promotes feelings of satiety, prevents overeating and helps with weight management.

 7. Improves vision
 
Okra is rich in vitamin A, which is important for good vision. Eating okra regularly can help prevent age-related macular degeneration and maintain good vision.

8. Anti-inflammatory properties

 Okra contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation and related chronic diseases, such as arthritis or heart disease.

9. Supports bone health

 Vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium in okra are important for maintaining strong bones and preventing diseases such as osteoporosis

10. Improves skin health
 
The antioxidants in okra, including vitamins A and C, help fight free radicals, improve skin texture, and improve overall health. They can also help prevent aging and wrinkles. 

Read also:10 COMPANION PLANTS FOR OKRA

 To add okra to your diet, here are a few ways you can prepare and consume it:

• Cut the okra into small pieces and cook it in a little oil and spices at the time you choose. This method helps to preserve his nutrients. 

• Cut okra lengthwise, sprinkle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and grill or grill until soft. This process improves the taste of the meat. 

•   Okra works well in curries and stews, adding a unique texture and flavor. It goes well with vegetables and different proteins.

•  Okra can be made in the same way as cucumber or other vegetables. It can be enjoyed as a solid and soft food.

 Add it to soups or meats to increase their nutritional value.

5 sexual benefits of okra juice for women
 
If you want to know the benefits of okra for women, okra can improve the sex life of women in different ways.
 
Here are a few:

 1) Increases libido
 
Okra is thought to help boost libido by increasing estrogen in your blood. Estrogen is the main sex hormone in women that plays an important role in the female reproductive system.
 
Many factors, such as stress, age, medications, pregnancy, and menstruation, can decrease estrogen levels and cause low libido.

 Because it can increase estrogen levels, okra juice is a great aphrodisiac to help you in a good mood.

2) Prevents birth defects

 Folate (also known as vitamin B9 or folic acid) is an important vitamin for women who give birth and pregnant women. Folate is needed for the repair of damaged DNA in your cells, the production of red blood cells, and the prevention of birth defects – especially those related to the brain and spine.
 
It is recommended that women of childbearing age consume 400mcg of folate per day. Okra juice can be a folate supplement in the diet, especially for women who want to conceive or are pregnant.

3) Increase fertility

 Although there is no evidence that okra juice can make you pregnant, it can increase the chances of getting pregnant because of its high nutrient stores such as folate. It can also improve fertility through its effect on estrogen levels in the body. In addition, being overweight or obese can harm fertility, and drinking okra juice can help maintain good health. 

4) Increases lubrication
 
Okra juice is believed to increase libido and prevent dryness in vagina. With increased lubrication, there is less pain  and more pleasure for a woman during sex.

 5) Reduces pain and inflammation
 
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, okra juice can help reduce pain and inflammation in women with endometriosis.

3 sexual benefits of okra water for men

 Okra water also has many sexual benefits for men.

 Here are a few:

 1) Improves libido
 
Like women, okra juice can affect the male reproductive system by increasing testosterone levels in the body. This helps improve libido and pleasure

. 2) Increases sperm count
 
Drinking okra juice is a safe way you can try to treat low sperm count. Remember, okra juice is full of vitamins like folate and minerals like zinc and selenium. These help provide good nutrition for sperm production and can increase sperm count.

3) May help with erectile dysfunction
 
Certain minerals in okra (zinc in particular) are important for improving sexual performance. Zinc deficiency in men has recently been linked to erectile dysfunction.
 
Low zinc can also affect testicular development and lower sperm count, causing fertility problems. A study conducted on male rats found that zinc improves sexual function and premature ejaculation.
 
Although more human studies are needed, drinking okra juice to increase zinc levels and possibly fight erectile dysfunction is worth a shot.

How to make okra juice

• Making okra juice is a simple process. Follow the steps below to ensure that your water is absorbed into as many nutrients as possible from your okra pods:

•  Step 1. Pick 4 to 5 okra pods and wash them thoroughly.

•  Step 2. Place them on a cutting board and cut them into small pieces.

•  Step 3. Get a glass of clean water at room temperature (about 240 ml). Add the chopped okra pieces to the water in the glass. You may notice that the okra will float to the top of the glass.

• Step 4. Let the cup sit for 24 hours. You can use a lid, plastic wrap, or whatever you have to cover the glass and prevent your mixture from getting dirty.

•  Step 5. After 24 hours, remove the okra from the water using a filter or kitchen sink. Be sure to remove the mucilage (viscous liquid in the okra) and add it to your okra juice.

•  Step 6. Mix well to mix mucilage with water. You are ready now. Enjoy your okra juice!

 
Tips for drinking okra water

• Here are some tips for improving the taste, potency, and more of your okra juice:

•   Make it more delicious: Okra water tastes like coconut water without any sweeteners or additives. Some people add honey for sweet taste. You can also add lemon juice to increase the taste and nutritional content. Another option is to add your okra juice to smoothies.

• Drink it in the morning: Some say that you should drink okra water first thing in the morning to be more effective. However, so far, no research has been done to show the best time to drink it.

•  Eat it with other foods: Although okra juice is nutritious, it is important to eat it with the right foods.

• Cook okra pods: If you don’t have time to soak for 24 hours, you can boil the pods to prepare the juice quickly.

Read also:7 PLANTS COMPANION PERFECT FOR PEPPERS (AND WHAT TO AVOID)

Be careful

 Although drinking okra juice is generally safe, you should be careful in certain situations:
 
 Allergy: If you are allergic to okra, it is best to avoid okra juice.

Irritable bowel syndrome:

Okra is high in fructans. Fructan is a carbohydrate that some people (such as those with irritable bowel syndrome) have difficulty digesting, which can cause irritation. The high fructan content can also irritate the stomach and cause stomach upset when large amounts of okra juice are consumed. So make sure you drink it in moderation.

 
Conclusion
 
Okra water is a nutritious drink that is simply made by soaking okra pods in a glass of water for about 24 hours. Some prefer the fastest method of cooking pods.
 
The benefits of okra juice range from helping with weight loss and controlling blood sugar to serving as a treatment for sexual and reproductive problems in both men and women. There are different ways to enjoy this drink. You can drink it as it is, sweeten it with the flavor of your choice, or even add it to a smoothie. The best thing is that you can enjoy this wine at any time, because okra is a ubiquitous vegetable that you can easily find in your local grocery store.
 
Be sure to consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications before starting to use okra juice as part of your regimen. Okra works well in curries and stews, adding a unique texture and flavor. It goes well with vegetables and different proteins. Okra can be made in the same way as cucumber or other vegetables. It can be enjoyed as a solid and soft food.