Ladyfinger, also known as bhindi or okra, is a staple in most Indian households. But did you know that it is an underrated nutritional powerhouse? It has a lot of important minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K1. It is also a good source of dietary fibre and minerals, including calcium, magnesium and potassium.
What Are the Benefits of Ladyfinger?
The following are some benefits of consuming ladyfinger:
- Vitamin C: Ladyfinger is an excellent source of vitamin C, which contributes to overall immunity management by boosting white blood cell production. It relieves constipation by cleaning the intestinal tract.
- Vitamin K1: It is rich in vitamin K1, which boosts red blood cell production, platelets and haemoglobin. Vitamin K aids the liver in the creation of essential proteins that cause blood to clot.
- Reduces Risk of Stroke and Heart Ailments: It minimises the risk of stroke and heart ailments as it contains low levels of sodium and cholesterol. Stroke is caused by accumulation of plaque (fat deposits) in the body. Ladyfinger helps prevent this plaque development as it contains antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Eye Health: Another benefit of ladyfinger is that it improves eye health. It contains vitamin A, which reduces the risk of developing vision-related illnesses like cataracts and glaucoma.
- Blood Sugar: Some animal research also suggests that it can reduce blood sugar. Some research has been done on humans with promising results. A study of over 300 people found that eating ladyfinger reduced their fasting blood glucose levels.
- Weight Management: Another benefit of ladyfinger is its high water content and low calories. It contains dietary fibre with a high satiety index, keeping us full for hours.
- Pregnancy: There are many benefits of ladyfinger for pregnant women. It is a good source of folate, which helps reduce birth defects in babies. This folic acid is especially important between the fourth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy, as this is when the neural tubes develop in babies.
Conclusion
While ladyfinger has many benefits, we should always consume it in moderation. People with kidney stones, allergies or gastrointestinal problems should be careful. Some studies have also found that ladyfinger may interfere with the absorption of medicines like metformin, which treats diabetes.
In addition to adopting a healthy diet, it is prudent to consult a healthcare professional at regular intervals, especially if you suffer from a pre-existing condition like diabetes. These visits are covered under any good health insurance policy. A comprehensive health insurance policy also covers miscellaneous costs, medicines and hospitalisation. You can opt for the plan that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.