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Fertility, Pregnancy and Other Health effects of Okra - Bhindi bhaji

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Dr Pete Njoku, MD, FRCS, FRSM Eng.
Three whole okra


        Okra also known as Bhindi bhaji in hindu, is a very popular vegetable in Africa and Asia, a culinary delicacy. Lets examine its health affects.

Promotes Healthy Pregnancy

Okra's high levels of vitamin A, B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), and vitamin C, and traces of zinc and calcium, make it an ideal vegetable to eat during pregnancy. 

Okra also serves as a natural supplement for fiber and folic acid.

A single serving of okra contains nearly 10% of recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid .

Lowers Cholesterol

Okra not only promotes good digestive health, but also good cholesterol levels due to its high fiber content. Soluble fiber can be dissolved in water, which means that it breaks down in the digestive tract. 

Okra also binds to cholesterol in other foods so that it can be excreted along with other wastes. In turn, total cholesterol levels plummet, according to Harvard Health Publications.

Control Diabetes

Roasted okra seeds have long been used in Turkey as a traditional herbal treatment for diabetes. 

They have also been studied and proven to have a positive effect on lowering blood sugar levels. 

Okra is therefore an ideal vegetable for prevention and dietary control of borderline diabetes.

However Scientists observed one important factor when testing okra on diabetic rats. Okra might improve glycemic control, but it should not be taken together with metformin hydrochloride as it reduces the drug’s absorption. 

Metformin is taken by many people with diabetes to keep their sugar levels under control, so it’s important not to interfere with its function until more conclusive studies are performed.

Anti-depressant properties

With the discovery of okra’s powerful anti-depressive action, people with diabetes have a significant likelihood of handling depression and gaining control over their blood glucose levels at the same time. 

Cooked Okra stew - Bhindi bhaji

Weight-loss receipes

In addition to its numerous health benefits, Okra is a low calorie vegetable addition to delicious African cuisine in "Draw soup" and Indian cuisine in "Bhindi Barjee". 

A healthy option for your weight-loss receipes. I had some today!

Eating the whole okra contains fiber which is essential for regulating blood sugar and lowering cholesterol levels.

Anti - Ageing properties

Okra contains powerful antioxidants. These help to combat oxidative stress. Regular consumption of okra as part of a balanced diet, helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the skin , giving you a more youthful appearance.

Affects Male fertility

Although, it is very nutritious, studies have shown that it may be harmful in very large quantities to men as it can cause infertilty. Okro contains small amounts of a substance called "GOSSYPOL". 

Gossypol inhibits sperm production and motility by blocking several enzymes that are highly important in energy metabolism in sperm and sperm producing cells.

Gossypol in high doses has been used as a male contraceptive for years in China. 

Clinical research was conducted in regards to the effectiveness of gossypol as a contraceptive in 1986 and 1990 in China and Brazil respectively. 

The studies showed that gossypol lowered the number and motility of sperm. It is however not an effective male contraceptive.

Okra is a delicious vegetable you can add to your cuisine. 

Thank you for being here and goodluck on your journey to optimal health and wellness. I hope you enjoyed reading this piece. 

I invite you to check out more of my over a hundred health and beauty articles that may interest. Please use the search button at the top of the page. You can also click the Label button and type in your keyword. See you in the next one. Ciao. God-isLove.


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