Okra benefits and contraindications / contraindications of okra side effects Who has not heard the healing virtues of okra? If you still do not know it, here we will discuss the benefits and contraindications of okra that almost no one knows.
Okra or okra (scientific names are Hibiscus esculentus and Abelmoschus esculentus), known in many English-speaking countries as bhendi, woman’s fingers, bhindi, gumbo or bamia, is a flowering plant in the Malvaceae (mallow) family. In Japan, it is known as okura.
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Origin of okra or okra
Its geographic origin is disputed, with supporters of West African, Ethiopian, and South Asian origins.
Okra is cultivated in the tropical, subtropical, low-lying regions of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the temperate regions of the Mediterranean basin.
Once beloved by the Egyptians and still used in many dishes today, this pod-producing tropical vegetable dates back more than 3,500 years.
It was introduced to the Americas by ships handling the Atlantic slave trade in 1658 when its presence was recorded in Brazil. Thomas Jefferson noted that he was well established in Virginia by 1781.
The species is perennial, grown as an annual in temperate climates, and generally grows to around 2 meters in height. It is among the most heat and drought tolerant plant species in the world and will withstand heavy clay soils and intermittent moisture, but frost can damage the pods.
Taste Some have described the boiled, gummy version of the plant as similar to eggplant or zucchini, with more bitterness. When fried, it takes on the crunchy texture of green beans.
Storage In a bag in the fridge; They will last 3-4 days. To store in the freezer, place the raw, uncut pods in bags and then in the freezer. You can then prepare it any way you like during the winter months. Let’s see below the benefits and contraindications of okra.
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nutritional properties
Contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E and K, folic acid, minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium and manganese, zinc and dietary fiber.
The seeds are an excellent source of top-level vegetable oils and proteins, enriched with amino acids such as cysteine, tryptophan and other sulfur-containing amino acids.
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Health benefits of okra or okra
It is a popular health food due to its high fiber, vitamin C, and folic acid content. In addition, it is known to be rich in antioxidants.
Protects the kidneys
kidney stones
kidney stones
A study published in the Jilin Medical Journal of October 2005 found that frequent consumption of this plant can help prevent kidney disease.
In the study, «those who regularly consumed it reduced clinical signs of kidney damage more than those who simply consumed a diabetic diet.»
This is also connected to diabetes, as almost 40% of kidney disease cases are caused by diabetes.
anti-fatigue ability Research indicates that recovery times and «fatigue levels» can be improved by using this plant.
By including women’s fingers in your diet along with a healthy exercise routine, you may be able to exercise longer and recover faster from your physical exertion.
Treat vision problems better eye health It contains a vitamin A precursor (beta-carotene), lutein and xanthine, all compounds with antioxidant properties, which prevent eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts.
Antioxidants are powerful natural compounds that neutralize or destroy free radicals. It is an important function, due to the damage that free radicals can do when they react with important cellular components such as the cell membrane (including those responsible for vision) or DNA.
Introducing this plant into your diet allows for better protection for your vision, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
Beneficial during pregnancy The high levels of vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, calcium, and zinc contained in this vegetable make it an ideal vegetable to eat during pregnancy. In addition, it serves as a supplement for folic acid and fiber.
This helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida (which is a birth defect where there is incomplete closure of the spinal column and the membranes around the spinal cord) and can even stop constipation during pregnancy. Folic acid also prevents miscarriage. Fountain
prevents constipation This plant helps lubricate the large intestine due to its bulk laxative qualities. The fiber ensures bulk in the stool and absorbs water. This helps prevent constipation.
In addition, frequent consumption of this plant facilitates the propagation of good bacteria, also known as probiotics. These are identical to those that yogurt proliferates in the small intestine and aids in the biosynthesis of the vitamin B complex.
prevent diabetes Another study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences found that extracts from this plant could protect against diabetes.
When rats with diabetes were given Abelmoschus esculentus, they saw a decrease in their blood sugar levels and a normalization of their lipid profile levels.
Multiple in vitro and in vivo researchers have found this plant to be an important blood glucose lowering food, due to its large amounts of soluble dietary fiber.
fight depression A study has also shown that women’s fingers possess the ability to fight depression, although some vegetables and fruits have been shown to have different effects on mood and the ability to elevate mood (quercetin and flavonoids) .
Scientists at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences decided to examine the effects of consuming this plant on mood and showed that the seed extracts acted as a strong mood-enhancing agent, in some cases yielding as good as common antidepressants.
Its beneficial effect on mood can apparently be attributed to its high total flavonoid and phenol content.
antibacterial activity In a study titled “Hibiscus esculentus glycosylated compounds inhibit Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric mucosa”, crude polysaccharide isolated from fresh juice by ethanol precipitation exhibited strong inhibitory effects.
The fresh juice of this plant almost completely inhibited bacterial adhesion to the gastric mucosa.
The anti-adhesive qualities were supposed to be due to a combination of highly acidic sugar compounds and glycoproteins that form a complex three-dimensional structure that fully develops only in the fresh juice of the fruit.
Okra mucilage as a possible pharmaceutical assistant Research published in the “International Journal of PharmTech Research 2009” titled “Evaluation of Abelmoschus Esculentus mucilage as a suspending agent in paracetamol suspension” suggests that the mucilage extracted from the fruit is non-toxic and has the potential as a suspending agent. even at lower levels. concentration (4% w/v) and can be used as a pharmaceutical adjuvant.
Consequently, mucilage can be used as a thickener and stabilizer of choice when high viscosity is desired, particularly in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.
natural hair conditioner It is also used to improve the appearance of the hair: cut the fruit into small pieces and boil, then allow it to cool. Mix with lemon juice and water and apply to hair like a shampoo mixture, for approximately fifteen minutes, then rinse with clean water.
Nutrients and mucus and fruit content combined with lemon juice will help make your hair shiny and strong.
Okra benefits to repair
It is a storehouse of magnesium, an essential mineral that helps dilate blood vessels. Improved blood flow to the genitals ultimately leads to increased arousal for men. Let’s see below the uses, contraindications of okra and side effects
Also know Remedies with okra for diabetes, weight loss and more
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Traditional uses of okra
The decoction of the young okra fruit is used to treat inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially of the respiratory tract, accompanied by excessive secretions.
Okra juice is used to treat sore throat associated with coughing.
The decoction of okra leaves, fruits and leaves are used to treat urinary problems, such as painful urination and other genitourinary problems, such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
Okra leaves and roots used as a poultice for wounds
Okra juice is used to treat diarrhea with fever and related abdominal pain.
Okra juice is used to treat itchy skin and as a skin moisturizer.
okra leaves used for inflammation
Okra fruits are eaten to treat involuntary discharge of semen
Roasted okra seeds are used to promote sweating.
Okra seeds are used to treat and prevent muscle spasms
Okra decoction is used to treat fever, headache, and arthritis.
Okra is rich in fiber that absorbs water and improves the bulk of the stool. Very effective against diarrhea and constipation.
Okra mucilage binds with cholesterol and bile acids and is passed out of the body in feces..
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Contraindications of okra side effects
The United States Department of Agriculture notes that one of the contraindications for okra is that brass, copper, or iron cooking vessels should not be used to cook this plant due to the metal that will be absorbed. The firing must be done in porcelain, agate or earthenware.
Another of the okra contraindications refers to male infertility. The study titled “Evaluation of the deleterious effects of the aqueous extract of Abelmoschus Esculentus (Okra or okra) fruit on some male reproductive parameters in rats” published in “Journal of Phytology 2009” suggests that okra significantly reduced mean testis weight. .
This is supported by histological studies that showed testicular atrophy. There was a significant reduction in the weight of the prostate gland. Although not conclusive, it can affect male fertility.
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recommendations
preparing and cooking The fibrous fruits 5 to 15 cm long are best when eaten fresh and slightly immature. If you buy pods that…