Lady Finger Helps In Controlling Blood Sugar, 4 More Benefits

Known to have been first discovered in Ethiopia, Lady finger ‘Bhindi’, has been part of Indian kitchen for around last 300 years, possibly introduced by the British navigators and slaves.

Okra or lady finger also known as ‘Bhindi’ in Hindi is quite a versatile vegetable. Often fried, boiled, steamed or added to soups, this vegetable has a tapering end and the pod contains edible seeds. Okra is available in two colours — red and green. The taste of both the varieties is the same. On cooking, the red variety turns green. Okra has a slimy texture.

# Controls blood sugar

1. The low glycemic index of bhindi helps in maintaining optimum glucose levels in the blood. Bhindi contains myricetin, which aids in enhancing sugar absorption by muscles thus, helps in reducing blood sugar levels.

2. Also, Eugenol, a type of fibre present in lady finger helps in stabilising the blood sugars by slowing down the gastric emptying of the sugars.

# Possesses anti-cancer properties

1. Lectin, a type of protein present in bhindi prevents the growth of cancer cells.

2. The insoluble fibre present in bhindi promotes digestive tract health and lowers the risk of colorectal cancer.

3. The antioxidants present in okra keeps the body safe from damage caused by free radicals thus, lowering the risk of cancer.

# Promotes healthy heart

1. Pectin, a soluble fibre present in bhindi helps in modifying the production of bile juice thus, reducing the bad cholesterol levels in the blood.

2. The polyphenols compound present in okra helps in inhibiting oxidation of cholesterol and artery blockage thus, lowering the risk of heart diseases.

3. The thick gel-like substance, mucilage present in bhindi binds to cholesterol during digestion, leading to excretion with stools.

# Other possible benefits

Bhindi produces several health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces a few more such as prevents and improves constipation, aids weight loss, offersbeautiful skin, boosts digestion,beneficial for pregnant women,improves immunity,prevents migraines, promotes gut health, promotes vision, good for the immune system, boost, memory, treats dandruff and lice, treats anaemia, and improves eyesight.