Okra for weight loss and good health

Okra is the ideal vegetable for weight loss and good health. 

Firstly, it is a low calorie food (i.e. 30 calories per 100 g). Okra does not contain any kind of saturated fats and cholesterol.

Half a cup of raw okra has about two grams of fibre.

Okra is a good source of minerals such as potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, and magnesium. It also contains protein and vitamins A and C.

Fresh pods are a good source of folates. Consumption of foods rich in folates, especially during pre-conception period helps decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in the offspring.

Okra contains vitamin B6 as well. 

Okra contains high levels of vitamin K. Vitamin K rich foods help in blood clotting, protect heart from coronary disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Vitamin K is very good for bone structure as well.

Okra is great at being able to reabsorb water. By being able to absorb so much water, okra can trap excess cholesterol, excess bile, and certain toxins. By trapping these substances, it makes it easier to eliminate them from the body through the stool. Eating this vegetable can prevent constipation, bloating, and gas.

The slimy mucilage in okra binds and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol, bile acids, and toxins. The mucilage in okra also helps alleviate the irritation, swelling, and pain in the throat associated with the common cold and cough.

 

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