The medicinal effects of okra
Okra is not only a green vegetable rich in fiber and vitamins that are good for the digestive system, but the entire okra plant has medicinal properties.
According to traditional medicine, okra has a sweet taste, a cooling nature, and is non-toxic. It is used to help treat thirst, hemorrhoids, constipation, sore throat, and urinary tract infections. Besides the fruit, the young branches, stems, leaves, and roots of okra can also be used as medicine.
When buying okra, choose fresh pods that are not too soft and have no bruises on the skin. Avoid boiling, stir-frying, or grilling okra at high temperatures; cook it thoroughly at a low temperature, ideally by steaming.
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Okra plant and fruit. |
1. Benefits of okra
1.1. Helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Because okra is primarily composed of fiber, it can help stabilize blood cholesterol levels. The fiber in okra is easily soluble in water, so when it travels through the intestines, it combines with cholesterol from other foods and is eliminated along with waste products. This reduces blood cholesterol levels, protecting cardiovascular health.
1.2. Helps prevent constipation
Okra is rich in mucilage, so during metabolism, cholesterol molecules and toxins produced are expelled from the body through excretion.
Due to its high water content, okra also helps the body avoid constipation and bloating. When okra enters the digestive system, it becomes a "fertile ground" for beneficial bacteria (probiotics), comparable to yogurt in its benefits.
1.3. Supporting diabetes management
Okra juice is good for people with diabetes because the soluble fiber in okra helps stabilize blood glucose levels, thus controlling blood sugar and making it very suitable for people with diabetes.
1.4. Combat fatigue and increase endurance
Studies show that okra contains vitamin C and antioxidants. These will help strengthen the immune system and protect you against illnesses such as the flu and common cold.
Okra helps reduce fatigue levels and significantly shortens recovery time. In a healthy diet and exercise regimen, regularly consuming okra allows you to exercise for longer periods and requires less recovery time.
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Juice extracted from okra pods can cure many diseases. |
1.5. Helps preventkidney disease
One study showed that eating okra regularly also helps address kidney problems, especially in diabetic patients: 50% of kidney problems are caused by diabetes.
1.6. Helps strengthen bones
Okra juice will help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Bone density will increase if you drink okra juice regularly.
2. Some ways to use okra
- Supports digestion:Take 5 okra pods, wash them thoroughly, cut off both ends, and soak them in 200ml of cooled boiled water for 8 hours or more. Strain the water and drink, discarding the pods.
- Good for people with gastritis and liver problems:Eat the young shoots of the okra plant after boiling them.
- Treating coughs and sore throats:The roots and leaves of okra, chopped and dried, should be consumed daily at a dose of 16g as a decoction or infusion with boiling water in a sealed container, drunk instead of tea.
- Clears heat, reduces fever, supports treatmenturinary tract infection:Use 60g of okra leaves and rhizomes, boil them in water and drink the decoction.