Ladies Finger: Benefits, facts, uses and toxicity of Okra

Did you know that, even though you consume it as a vegetable, your favourite Bhindi — which is also known as Lady’s Finger, Ladies’ Fingers, and Okra — is classified as a fruit? Did you know that in some countries the seeds of Bhindi are used as a substitute for coffee? Did you know that Okra is a member of the Hibiscus family? That explains the similarity between the Hibiscus flower and Okra buds.

Let’s find out some more interesting facts about this green vegetable widely popular in the world.

Okra plant: Description

Cultivated in warm and tropical climates, Bhindi has small, erect stems with bristly, hairy heart-shaped green leaves. Between four and eight inch long, the leaves carry five to seven lobes. Native to Africa and South Asia, Ladies’ Fingers carry light yellow buds (1.6–3.1 inch in diameter) that are crimson or maroon in centre. In the shape of a tapering capsule, the pods can grow up to 10 inch in width. Each pod, which can either be green or red in colour, carries numerous seeds. Believed to be originated in Ethiopia, Okra is an annual plant and survives only for one growing season.

A field of Okra plants

Ladies’ Fingers: Key facts

Okra: Use

Pods: The seeded pods are cooked and consumed in various vegetable recipes across many countries in addition to South America.

Seeds: Dried seeds provide oil, protein, vegetable curd, and a coffee additive or substitute.

Stems: Dried stems serve as a source of paper pulp or fuel.

Foliage: It is used for biomass.

Benefits of Ladies’ Fingers

What does 100 gm of raw Okra contain? Calories: 33 gm Carbs: 7 gm Protein: 2 gm Fat: 0 gm Fibre: 3 gm Magnesium: 14% of the daily value Folate: 15% of the daily value Vitamin A: 14% of the daily value Vitamin C: 26% of the daily value Vitamin K: 26% of the daily value Vitamin B6: 14% of the daily value Ladies’ Fingers Properties Antioxidant Antibacterial Help fight fatigue Controls diabetic activity Anti-tumour activity Modulates immune system Relieve spasms Relieves inflammation Relieves irritation Reduces fever Brain protection Liver protection Bone protection

Also read about the high protein Sword bean vegetable.

Okra can lower breast cancer risk

High in nutrients, Okra contains lectin, a type of protein which can lower the risk of developing breast cancer.

Bhindi is effective against diabetes, blood sugar

The folate present in this vegetable is also beneficial for us. Studies have also shown that Okra is effective in keeping diabetes under check.

Bhindi helps in weight loss

Packed with dietary fibre, Bhindi makes you feel full for a longer while, enabling weight loss if that is something you are currently planning to undergo.

Bhindi helps with heart diseases

The soluble fiber in Bhindi helps reduce the blood cholesterol and lowers the chance of cardiovascular diseases.

Ladies’ Fingers improves digestion

The laxative properties of this highly popular vegetable make it a great option to deal with indigestion and constipation.

Ladies’ Fingers helps in conception and pregnancy

Gumbo is rich in vitamin A, B, and C, calcium and zinc. This makes it an ideal vegetable to be consumed during pregnancy. The same elements are highly required if you trying to conceive.

Ladies’ Fingers: Toxicity

Ladies’ Fingers contain solanine, a toxic compound that may trigger joint-pain, arthritis, and prolonged inflammation. It also contains fructans, a type of carbohydrate that can cause diarrhoea, gas, cramping and bloating in people with existing bowel issues. Okra is also high in oxalates, which can lead to formation of kidney stones.

FAQs