No need to be an expensive superfood, a few okra in your daily meals can also bring many benefits to the body, if you know how to eat it properly and regularly.
Below are the highlights of okra that you should know
Why you should add okra to your diet
1. Support digestion, prevent constipation
Okra contains a lot of soluble fiber and a very characteristic natural mucus layer – when cooked, it will create a smooth, smooth consistency.
This fiber and mucus act as a mild “lubricant” for the intestines. It helps soften stools, stimulate intestinal motility and soothe the intestinal mucosa.
You should eat boiled or steamed okra, without much seasoning. If you often suffer from constipation, you can eat 3-4 fruits a day, eat with green vegetables and drink enough water.
2. Help control stable blood sugar
Fiber and mucus in okra help slow down the absorption of sugar after meals.
When sugar enters the blood more slowly, the body has time to process it, thereby avoiding a spike in blood sugar – a major risk factor for people with diabetes.
People with diabetes or at high risk (such as overweight, belly fat) should add okra to their diet. However, they should not drink the juice raw but should eat it cooked so that the digestive system can absorb it more easily.
3. Protect the heart, help reduce bad cholesterol
In addition to fiber, okra also contains many natural antioxidants.
Fiber helps “sweep” bad cholesterol out of the body, while antioxidants help protect blood vessel walls from aging and atherosclerosis.
Women can boil okra, mix it with soy sauce or diluted fermented bean curd to eat with white rice. Maintain a regular 2-3 meals a week to see clear effects.
4. Strengthen immunity, anti-inflammatory
Okra is a natural source of vitamin C, and also contains flavonoids – a group of strong anti-inflammatory substances.
Vitamin C helps increase the production of antibodies and immune cells, helping the body fight common infections.
Very suitable for people who are often tired, prone to colds or recovering from illness.
5. Support healthy bones and joints
Vitamin K and folate in okra are two important micronutrients that help strengthen bones and restore connective tissue better.
Elderly people, people in menopause or with bone and joint diseases should supplement regularly to prevent osteoporosis.
In addition to okra, you should eat more small fish with bones, dark green vegetables and add light exercise every day to increase calcium absorption.
Who shouldn’t eat okra
Okra is generally safe and nutritious for most people, but some individuals should limit or avoid it due to specific health concerns or sensitivities. Here’s a breakdown:
1. People prone to kidney stones
Why: Okra contains oxalates, which can bind with calcium and form calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys.
Advice: If you have a history of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, it’s wise to limit okra and other high-oxalate foods (like spinach, beets, or sweet potatoes).
2. People with digestive issues (IBS, gas, or bloating)
Why: Okra is high in fructans (a type of carbohydrate) that can cause gas, bloating, or cramping in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other FODMAP sensitivities.
Advice: Try small portions first or avoid it if it triggers symptoms.
3. People with blood clotting disorders or on blood thinners
Why: Okra contains vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting. It can interfere with warfarin (Coumadin) or other anticoagulant medications.
Advice: Keep your vitamin K intake consistent, and talk with your doctor if you’re on blood thinners.
4. People with blood sugar–lowering medications
Why: Okra may lower blood sugar levels, which can amplify the effect of diabetes medications and potentially cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Advice: Monitor your blood sugar closely and consult your doctor before adding large amounts to your diet.
5. People allergic to okra
Why: Rare, but okra contains proteins similar to latex, which can trigger reactions in those with latex allergies.
Symptoms: Itching, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after eating okra.
Advice: Avoid okra and see an allergist if you suspect a reaction.