Six Top Reasons Why You Must Add Okro To Your Diet According To Health Experts
Okro is a fruit with edible seed pods biologically classified as a fruit but utilized like a vegetable in cooking. It is in two colors (red and green), which have the same taste, and the red one turns green when cooked. Okro has a slimy texture, which some people find unappealing. It contains a variety of nutrients.
Below are the health benefits of okro according to health experts.
Okro is rich in several nutrients. These include; Calories, carbs: 7 grams, protein, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins (folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K1, and vitamin B6). Vitamin C supports your overall immune function, while vitamin K1 supports blood clotting.
Okro is also low in calories and carbs and contains protein and fiber. These may support weight management, healthy bowel movements, blood sugar control, bone structure, and muscle mass.
Contains antioxidants. Okro contains antioxidants beneficial for your health. These compounds fight off damage from harmful molecules. Polyphenols are the major antioxidants in okro. These include; Flavonoids and isoquercetin, vitamins A and C. Eating a diet high in polyphenols may support heart health by lowering the risk of blood clots and oxidative damage. They may also improve brain health.
May lower the risk of heart disease. Heart disease may increase due to high cholesterol levels. Okro contains mucilage, a thick gel-like substance that can bind to cholesterol during digestion, causing it to lower cholesterol levels. It’s also rich in polyphenols, which support heart health by fighting harmful inflammation.
May lower blood sugar. Having well-maintained blood sugar levels is very important for your overall health. Having consistently high blood sugar levels can cause prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Adding okro to your diet may decrease sugar absorption in the digestive tract, leading to a more stable blood sugar response.
Beneficial for pregnant women. During pregnancy, folate is an essential nutrient as it helps lower the risk of a neural tube defect, which affects the brain and spine of a developing fetus. Include okro and other folate-rich foods to prevent this defect and other complications.
