How is okra used for weight loss?

 Some Reasons Why You Should Add Okra To Your Weight Loss Diet

Okra is a little flowering plant or known as gumbo or ladies finger known for its edible seed pods, it is also warm season vegetable cultivated in warm and tropical climates, such as those in Africa and South Asia. okra resembles pepper a little in shape and has been cultivated as a food source for hundreds of years.

Sometimes referred to as “lady’s finger,” okra comes in two colors — red and green. Both varieties taste the same, and the red one turns green when cooked

Biologically classified as a fruit, okra is generally utilized like a vegetable in cooking.

It’s frequently used in Southern American cuisine and a popular addition to gumbo. Yet, it can have a slimy texture, which some people find unappealing.

Though it’s not one of the most common foods, okra is packed with nutrition and is also a good source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber with a sticky juice that people use to thicken sauce

Currently okra is used in a variety of dishes around the world. In the southern U.S., it is an old favorite for thickening gumbo thanks to its gooey texture when cooked in water. It can also be chopped into stir fries or roasted in the oven for a crispier dish. More people in the world today are now getting creative with okra as its versatility and nutritional spectrum becomes better and well known.

The fibre content can prove to be very beneficial for the ones who are watching their weight. Hence, Okra is considered as one of the veggies that you can add to your weight loss diet without worrying about gaining any weight.

Here Are Four Reasons Why Eating Okra Can Help You Lose Weight:

1. High Fibre Content

okra is packed with dietary fibre, which keeps you satiated and makes you feel full for longer time. The fibre content in Okra is not easily digested by the body, so it passes quickly through your system without causing the blood sugar levels to spike. The fibre aids the process of digestion in the body by facilitating proper bowel movement. This is mostly why all the nutritionists advise to eat more fibre-rich foods for weight loss. According to Dr. Ritika Samaddar, who is a Delhi-based nutritionist, "Fibre is a very important part of our daily diet and we should include both types as it is very important to maintain a healthy balance. Soluble fibres are generally recommended to people suffering from diabetes or high sugar as they dissolve and keep the sugar level under control. Insoluble fibres help in losing weight and also maintain the smooth functioning of the gastric system. An average adult should take about 15 grams of fibre every day."

2. Low-Calorie Veggie

Okra falls in the category of low-calorie veggies and contains no saturated fats. This makes Okra a perfect addition to the diet of a weight watcher. Include okra in your diet and add flavours to your meal while maintaining a low-calorie count, which helps manage weight.

3. Low Fat Veggie

The fat content in okra is 0.3 g, or less than 1 percent of the 65-gram serving of okra as per the USDA. Fat is a nutrient that provides a high number of calories in the diet - one gram of fat has nine calories.

4. Low Glycemic Index (GI)

The glycemic index of Okra is in the low range, which has minimal effects on our blood glucose. According to the American Diabetes Association, non-starchy vegetables, such as Okra, are low glycemic index foods, and can be freely enjoyed by diabetics and the ones who are watching their weight.

5. Boosts Digestion

Adding Okra to your diet will ensure a strengthened digestive system. All thanks to the presence of fibre content in Okra that helps move food through the digestive tract by adding bulk. This further ensures smoother bowel movements and reduced gastrointestinal problems like gas, bloating, constipation, cramping, et al.

Now, that you know the importance of okra in weight loss, add it to your weight loss diet and make the best out of it to stay healthy and fit.