Most people love a lady’s finger for its mouth-watering taste! This vegetable is also known as bhindi, okra, and other names that are grown in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical or temperate climates. Moreover, it has a vivid green hue and a shape that looks like a woman’s finger, as well as this, is a staple ingredient of most Indian dishes. Its scientific name is Abelmoschus esculentus, which is a mallow family’s flowering plant. In addition, the lady’s finger contains ample proteins, vitamins, calcium, potassium, enzymes, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. Though it has ample advantages, most of them are not aware of these things. So, continue reading to know the essential health benefits of the lady’s finger.
Nutritional value per 100 g
| Energy | 138 kJ (33 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 7.46 g |
| Sugars | 1.48 g |
| Dietary fibre | 3.3 g |
| Fat | 0.19 g |
| Protein | 1.9 g |
| Vitamin A equiv. | 36 μg |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.06 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1 mg |
| Folate (B9) | 60 μg |
| Vitamin C | 23 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.27 mg |
| Vitamin K | 31.3 μg |
| Calcium | 82 mg |
| Iron | 0.62 mg |
| Magnesium | 57 mg |
| Phosphorus | 61 mg |
| Potassium | 299 mg |
| Zinc | 0.58 mg |
| Water | 89.6 g |
Health Benefits of Lady’s Finger
1. Helps for the Better Eyesight
Lady’s finger contains a reasonable amount of Carotenoids which helps well in maintaining eye vision. Also, three dietary carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, and meso-zeaxanthin, are beneficial to the eye by forming the macula pigment. This tint is the most sensitive part of the eye that guards millions of photoreceptor cells located in this central retina’s small area. On the other hand, this vegetable bestows with vitamin A, which improves eyesight. And, reduce the risks of acquiring a vision-related illness of glaucoma, cataracts, and AMD.
2. Best for Diabetics
The lady’s finger has high fiber content that makes it the ideal choice for treating diabetics. As well, the peels and seeds of this vegetable may help to manage type 2 diabetes and lower the blood sugar level. Also, they have a low amount of Glycemic Index (GI), which is 20. This GI is for foods you eat those rank carbohydrate items and the low amount of the Glycemic Index suitable for weight loss and diabetics. So, an intake of a lady’s finger won’t spike your body glucose level as it will be absorbed slowly.
3. Reduce the Risk of Heart Diseases
Lady’s finger loads with pectin, which helps effectively in reducing high blood cholesterol by altering the bile production within the intestine. Also, the soluble fiber present in this vegetable aids to decrease your blood cholesterol naturally. As a result, it can reduce the chances of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, bad cholesterol is the major cause of various heart diseases, so intake of this veggie can help to control it.
4. Fight Against Cancer
Lady’s finger contains a kind of protein known as a lectin that helps to inhibit cancer cell growth in humans. Furthermore, they are loaded with fiber that lessens the colorectal cancer risk by maintaining the health of the intestinal tract. This process occurs as this vegetable helps lubricate the large intestine due to its mass laxative properties. Moreover, it has antioxidants that provide a useful impact on the immune system and beneficial cells against mutation. But don’t forget to consult with your doctor before using a lady’s finger in your diet.
5. Provides Healthy Skin
The lady’s finger has a huge amount of Carotenoids, which are essential for skin cell growth and repair. Moreover, they help in lessening the skin damage caused by the harmful Ultraviolet rays. Also, the Carotenoids have an anti-aging effect on your skin that results in slowing down the development of wrinkles. On the other hand, this vegetable is loaded with vitamin C and fiber that aids to eliminate toxic waste and helps with skin pigmentation.
6. Healthy Brain Functioning
You may come across the statement that your mother asks you to eat more lady’s finger as it is good for the brain, so you can study well! Also, this is true as the intake of an adequate amount of this vegetable results in getting better memory power. As the lady’s finger contains flavonoids that have brain-protective activity, it will improve learning and guard its function. So, if you desire to enhance your memory, then add this veggie regularly to your diet.
Ending Words
Apart from the above benefits, eating the lady’s finger can help in weight loss, prevent anemia, be beneficial in pregnancy and do more wonders. So, get ready to visit the nearby market to get fresh bhindi. But, be sure to consult with your doctor to deal with any diseases by intake of this vegetable.
