Lady finger is a very popular and versatile vegetable that is used to prepare many different dishes. It is also known as okra or bhindi in Indian cuisine.
You can find the lady finger vegetable in any part of the world which makes it one of the most popular ones we have.
The ladyfinger has high nutritional content and very low calories. If you want to eat healthy without compromising on taste, this is a great vegetable to use as it brings a lot of health benefits for you! This article will show you some of those benefits.
Table of Contents
What is Lady Finger (Vegetable)?
Ladyfinger is a green vegetable with long, cylindrical pods, which are edible and used in cooking. The okra has a slightly mucilaginous texture and is commonly used in dishes such as soups and stews. You can also fry it to make it crispy and crunchy.
The botanical name for ladyfinger is okra – this is because the plant’s shape resembles a woman’s finger. It has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and originated in Ethiopia or Central Africa.
Around 95% of the world’s population eats okra on a regular basis. This makes it one of the most popular vegetables we have!
5 Nutritional Benefits of Lady Finger
The ladyfinger is a very good source of dietary fibers, vitamins, and potassium. Apart from this, here are 5 amazing benefits of the vegetable that you must know:
1. Aids in Digestion
Okra is rich in dietary fiber which can help improve digestion. It also contains pectin – a type of soluble fiber which absorbs water, forming a gel. This not only improves the digestive process but also keeps your stomach full for an extended period of time. The fiber content of okra can also help to lower LDL cholesterol levels in the body. High-fiber foods help improve the process of peristalsis in your gut. This helps food move through your digestive tract more easily, keeping things clean on the inside.
2. Fights Cancer
Okra is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C which has been shown to help fight cancer. It also contains limonene, an anti-cancer compound that fights against the development of tumors in the body. Okra is also rich in folate and other anti-cancer compounds such as saponins, quercetin, and kaempferol.
These compounds basically reduce the development of cancerous cells in the body.
In addition, okra has been found to inhibit the division of cancerous cells and induce their death. And if this is not all, the high fiber content in okra also helps prevent cancer by decreasing the amount of time it takes for food to pass through the body.
3. Boosts Immunity
Okra is rich in antioxidants which can improve your immunity. The antioxidant properties of this vegetable help repair damaged cells and fight free radicals that cause infections and various other disorders. In addition to this, okra also has anti-bacterial properties which boost the immune system and fight against infections. Okra is also rich in vitamin C, A, and K which are powerful antioxidants that help improve the immune system.
4. Keeps skin healthy
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties of okra can also help keep your skin healthy. This is because it protects your skin from free radical damage and prevents the occurrence of acne or blackheads. The vitamin C in okra also promotes collagen production which keeps your skin smooth and moisturized.
Also, okra is rich in vitamin A which can rejuvenate skin cells and reduce wrinkles. Okra is also used in various beauty products and is one of the ingredients in some anti-aging creams.
5. Maintains blood sugar levels
Okra’s high fiber content makes it highly beneficial for maintaining blood sugar levels. This helps to prevent type 2 diabetes, which can lead to other health problems. Diabetes is a very common problem in today’s times because of our erratic eating habits and lifestyles.
The ladyfinger vegetable can provide you with all these benefits, but it must be consumed in moderation as well. It contains 92% water, so too much of it may lead to bloating or stomach pain. This vegetable is best eaten when combined with other ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and garlic in curries.
How to cook lady finger?
Lady finger can be eaten raw, fried, steamed, or sautéed. It is the most commonly used vegetable in various recipes and has a cooling effect on the stomach. It benefits both men and women alike and provides a variety of health benefits.
Steamed
If you want to eat lady fingers raw, take them and cut them into thin long pieces. Sprinkle some salt, pepper powder, and lime juice on it and enjoy eating it as a snack.
If you want to cook lady fingers then chop the ends off and peel the skin off before cutting them into halves or quarters.
Steam them for around 5 to 7 minutes, cool them, and store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator. You can also add grated ginger or crushed garlic while steaming.
Fry
Take the steamed lady fingers and cut them into thin long pieces. Heat oil in a pan once it is hot enough, add some cumin seeds to it. To this add chopped green chili and onions once they are browned. Now add turmeric powder, salt, cumin powder, and red chili powder.
Add the lady fingers which have been cut earlier into this mixture and fry for around 5 minutes on medium heat or until crisp. Remove from oil ad enjoy eating!
Lightly sautéed
Lightly sautee the chopped lady fingers with some onion, green chili and add salt to taste. You can add a few drops of lime juice for added flavor. Enjoy eating them as is or along with bread and rice!
Lady finger vegetable is rich in many nutrients and has several health benefits which make it an important part of our diet. It can be used in various ways and is easy to cook too, which makes it all the more enjoyable for health-conscious people like you and me!
Conclusion
Lady finger (vegetable) can nourish your body from within and provide it with essential vitamins and nutrients to help stay healthy. Just by adding a few servings of this wonderful veggie to your daily diet, you will be able to stay fit and healthy!
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