This tropical plant, native to Africa, was cultivated in Ancient Egypt. It is also known as okra.

Its seeds are used to combat fever. To do so, they can be used in infusion or decoction, or ground into a powder for consumption. Indeed, its flavonoids and polyphenols help to fight fatigue. The antioxidants they contain combat the aging of skin and hair.

Among the diseases and ailments that okra can treat, it plays a role in the treatment of joint pain and inflammations. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is a nutrient that also treats chronic pain.

Okra is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants—those that help to strengthen bodily immunity by acting against harmful free radicals in the body. The vitamin C it contains stimulates the production of more white blood cells, which are the primary defense mechanisms of the human body against foreign pathogens and others.

Okra, rich in magnesium, is a natural relaxant. It is full of iron, folic acid, zinc, and vitamin B, all nutrients that help to keep the sexual organs healthy.

Raw or boiled okra, being a very interesting source of vitamin C, boosts the body of man and strengthens bones, cartilages, teeth, and gums.

Okra water brings a plus to the human body

In fact, okra is a food used to help reduce blood sugar and control different types of diabetes. Some people with diabetes have reported that drinking okra water every morning on an empty stomach helps to lower blood glucose levels.

The benefits of Okra

1. Combats obesity
Okra is also low in calories. This means you can satisfy your hunger while maintaining your weight.

2. Aids in digestion
Okra is rich in dietary fiber. It prevents the urge to snack on other foods after meals. The fiber, useful in digestion, helps to prevent constipation and generally contributes to good health.

3. Okra fights cancer
Okra is full of antioxidants and provides support to cells to combat free radicals that can lead to cancer.

4. Helps maintain heart health
Okra contains pectin. This lowers LDL or bad cholesterol and thereby improves heart function.

5. Okra aids fertility and pregnancy
Okra's high folic acid content is important in a conception diet as it reduces the incidence of neural tube defects in offspring. And its consumption during pregnancy helps to keep both mother and baby healthy.

6. Okra controls diabetes and kidney disease
Its high soluble fiber content helps regulate blood sugar. It manages diabetes because soluble fiber affects the absorption of sugars in the intestine. Furthermore, it reduces the risks of developing kidney disease.

7. Okra ends asthma
People suffering from asthma are advised to include okra in their diet to end this disease.

8. It is anti-inflammatory
Its anti-inflammatory property facilitates the proper functioning of joints, and treats pulmonary inflammation, sore throats, as well as irritable bowel syndrome.

9. It improves vision
Okra is high in vitamin A, these free radicals are formed as a result of cellular metabolism and can harm the cells that assist our vision. Thus, okra powder helps protect our eyes from the dangerous effects of these free radicals and prevent the onset of cataracts.

10. Okra makes bones effective
Vitamin K in okra is effective in preventing bone loss and combating osteoporosis.

11. Okra rejuvenates the skin
The vitamin C in okra helps repair body tissues and also prevents skin pigmentation and rejuvenates it.

12. Okra cures gastritis
Okra coats the digestive tract when consumed. It helps speed up the healing of gastritis ulcers.

13. Okra is a source of plant protein
Okra is a very good source of plant protein and is therefore a very good ingredient in a vegetarian diet. With 2 grams of protein per cup, it is a source of vegetarian, easily digestible, fibrous protein.

General side effects of Okra

Regular consumption of okra may harm some people. Gastrointestinal problems: okra contains fructans, a type of carbohydrate. Fructans can cause diarrhea, gas, cramping, and bloating in people with existing intestinal problems.

Side effects of Okra in men

Despite its nutritional and medicinal values, okra is associated with infertility, especially in men, due to the presence of gossypol in the seed. Recently, some studies have claimed that excessive consumption of okra may have adverse effects on sperm parameters, testicular weight, and testicular tissue.

Corneille Kinsala Nsoki, Phytotherapist