Lady Finger, commonly known as Okra or Bhindi, is anutrient powerhouse that provides a host of nutrients. Lady Finger is good for digestion because it is high in fiber and also prevents constipation due to its nutritional value. Protects the liver from free radical damage due to its antioxidant properties. It also helps in reducing inflammations related to heart disease as it contains polyphenols, which play an active role in treating heart-related problems.
Eating Lady Finger regularly can help control cholesterol levels and keep the heart-healthy. Okra has been found to have lectin, a type of protein that prevents human cancer cells' growth. It contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc, which can help in improving eye health. It has a fair amount of Carotenoids that helps in preventing macular degeneration by protecting millions of photoreceptor cells located in the macula.
Okra also helps in improving immunity as it contains high amounts of Vitamin C. It is found that consuming 100gms of Bhindi can give you around 40% of the total recommended dietary intake of Vitamin C.
According to Ayurveda, drinking Lady Finger (Okra) water in the morning can help maintain a healthy blood sugar level due to its anti-diabetic activity. Due to fiber's presence, it helps in slow digestions and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Excessive intake of Ladyfinger can cause kidney and gallstones because of the presence of oxalates. Therefore, it is advisable not to consume the Lady Finger for those who already have kidney problems.
What are the synonyms of Lady Finger?
Ladyfinger is known in various names in different languages. The scientific name of Ladyfinger is Abelmoschus esculentus. It is known as Okra in English, Bhindi in Hindi, and Punjabi, Bhendi, in Marathi. It is known as Vendakai / Vendai in Tamil. Also known as Vendakka in Malayalam. It is known as Benda Kayi in Telegu. In Kannada, it's known as Bendekai or Bende. In Bengali, it's known as Dherasa / Bhindi. It's known as Binda in Gujarati. Bhendey / Bendan in Konkani. In Tulu, it's known as Bendekayi. In Kashmir, it's known as Bindu.
From where Ladyfinger is originated?
Ladyfinger is grown in plants by sowing edible ladyfinger seeds in the garden.
Benefits of consuming Ladyfinger
1. Helps in curing chronic dysentery
Lady Finger is helpful for digestive disorders such as chronic dysentery. In Ayurveda, dysentery is known as Pravahika and is caused due to unbalanced Vata and Kapha Doshas. In severe dysentery, inflammation of the intestines causes the appearance of mucus and blood in the stool. Taking Lady Finger in your diet can help control the mucus by improving digestion due to its Ushna (hot) nature and can regulate the frequency of bowel movements due to the receptive (absorbent) property.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, is caused by an exacerbation of Vata andindigestion. Indigestion causes accumulation of AMA (toxic in the body due to improper digestion)in the pancreatic cells, which interferes with insulin's function. Adding a ladyfinger to your lunch or dinner can help in balancing Vata and correcting your digestive system. It helps in reducingAma and improves insulin action, and regulates blood sugar levels.
Tips:
a. Take 2-4 ladyfingers and cut off the head.
b. Take a glass of lukewarm water and soak it on the head overnight.
c. The next morning, take the ladyfingers out and drink the water.
d. Repeat this daily to maintain your blood sugar level.
3. Urinary tract infections
In Ayurveda, urinary tract infections are commonly known as Mutrakcchra. Mutra means ooze; krichra means painful. Therefore, dysuria and painful urination are called Mutrakcchra. In the case of urinary tract infection, taking Ladyfinger can help reduce pain during urination and increase urine flow due to itsMutral (diuretic) property.
Tips:
a. Take 2-4 ladyfingers and cut off the head.
b. Take a glass of lukewarm water and soak it on the head overnight.
c. The next morning, take the ladyfingers out and drink the water.
d. Repeat this daily to maintain your blood sugar level.
How to use Lady Finger
1. Ladyfinger for eating
a. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan.
b. Add 2-3 cups of chopped Ladyfinger and fry.
c. Add salt to your taste.
d. Cook over low heat until Ladyfinger becomes soft.
2. Ladyfinger Water
a. Take 2-4 ladyfingers and cut off the head.
b. Take a glass of lukewarm water and soak it on the head overnight.
c. The next morning, take the ladyfingers out and drink the water.
d. Repeat this process daily to maintain your blood sugar level.
3. Lady Finger Face Pack
a. Take 3-4 boiled ladyfingers.
b. Blend it to form a paste.
c. Add yogurt and olive oil.
d. Apply evenly on face and neck.
e. Let sit for 7-8 minutes.
f. Rinse well in tap water.
g. Use this medicine 2-3 times a week to get clean, smooth, and supple skin.
4. Lady Finger Hair Pack
a. Take 6-8 ladyfingers.
b. Slice them horizontallyand add 1 cup boiling water.
c. Let it simmer over low flame.
d. Reduce the water to the 1/4th of the actual volume until it becomes a thin gel.
e. Strain to get water and Mix olive oil and vitamin E.
f. Apply it on the hair and leave it for 1 hour.
g. Wash with a mild shampoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can Lady Finger Cause Heart Disease?
According to modern science, one of the health benefits of consuming Lady Finger helps in managing high cholesterol. It helps reduce the risk of various heart diseases. Ladyfinger contains a component called pectin, which helps in lowering bad cholesterol.
Q2. Is Lady Finger Bad During Pregnancy?
As per modern science, Lady Finger contains Vitamin B, C, and Folate, which help prevent congenital disabilities and help in the proper development of the baby. Folate is an essential nutrient that promotes the growth and development of the fetal brain. It is necessary to have a sufficient amount of folate and should eat folate-rich foods when planning to conceive.
Q3. Is Lady Finger Good for people with diabetes?
According to modern science, Yes. Lady Finger can help control diabetes. Lady Finger contains fiber and certain phytochemicals that help in lowering blood sugar levels. It reduces intestinal glucose uptake, increases insulin sensitivity, regenerates damaged insulin-producing cells, and increases insulin secretion.
Q4. Is Lady Finger good for the liver?
As per modern science, Yes. Lady Finger can be useful for the liver. Lady Finger contains flavonoids and other phenolic compounds that have antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity. It protects liver cells from oxidative damage and thereby helps intreating liver problems.
Q5. Is LadyFinger helpful for people with piles?
Although there is not enough scientific evidence to support the claim, LadyFinger can behelpful in the management of piles.
Q6. Is Ladyfinger good for Acid Reflux?
According to modern science, Yes. Lady Finger is useful in the treatment of acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GRD). It has nutritional properties, helping to remove toxins and wastes from the intestines.
Q6. Is Lady Finger Good for Gout?
Although there is not enough scientific evidence available, Ladyfinger can be helpful in treating arthritis. This is due to the presence of certain flavonoids with antioxidant properties.
Q7. Is Lady Finger Good for Cholesterol?
As per scientific view, Lady Finger can help in controlling high cholesterol. Lady Finger contains fiber, which helps in absorbing bad cholesterol. It helps in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It has a component called pectin that helps in eliminating bad cholesterol through stool.
Q8. Are Lady Finger Good for bones?
According to modern science, Yes. Ladyfinger can be useful for bones. Lady Finger contains a high amount of vitamins A and C. These vitamins are also involved in the formation of collagen, which is vital in building bone structure. It also contains Vitamin K, which is responsible for activating specific proteins needed for bone health.
Q9. Is Lady Finger Good for Weight Loss?
As per the scientific view, Yes. Lady Finger is good for weight loss because it is low in calories and high in fiber. High fiber food is not easily digested and will help you feel full after eating. Lady Finger is low in fat and cholesterol, which can help you lose weight. Since Okra lacks the Glycemic Index (GI), it helps keep hunger pangs a bay.
Q10. Can Lady Finger be used to remove kidney stones?
No, Lady Finger does nothelp remove kidney stones; in fact, it exacerbates the problem of kidney stones. This is due to the high content of oxalates in Lady Finger, which is a significant cause of kidney stones. Therefore, if you have a kidney stone problem, it is best to avoid Lady Finger.
Q11. Can Ladyfinger help in preventing anemia?
Ladyfinger contains a high amount of Folate, Vitamin K, and Iron. It helps in promoting blood health and for treatment and prevention for anemia.
Q12. Is Ladyfinger good for skin?
Ladyfinger has carotenoids that are required for the repair and growth of skin cells. They also help in reducing any damage done to the skin by UV rays. Carotenoids can have an anti-aging effect and can even delay the development of wrinkles, thereby promoting healthy skin.
Q13. What are the side effects of eating Lady Finger?
According to modern science, Large quantities of ladyfinger can, in some cases, worsen kidney and gallbladder stone formations in the body. This is due to the presence of too many oxalate crystals in Lady Finger, which causes an increase in the number of stones. Therefore, the consumption of Ladyfinger should be avoided by people who are having kidney stones.
Q14. How can I take Lady Finger Water if I have diabetes?
As per scientific view, Lady Finger is considered a good source of fiber in the case of diabetes. It increases insulin secretion and helps in lowering blood sugar levels. Lady Finger Water is made by soaking pods of Lady Finger in water overnight.
Q15. Is Lady Finger useful for constipation?
Yes, Lady Finger Root can be used to control constipation because it has substantial nutritional value. It promotes bowel movements and aids digestion.
Tip:
• Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan.
• Add 2-3 cups of chopped ladyfinger and fry.
• Add salt and turmeric to your taste.
• Cook over low heat until it becomes soft.
• Eat once or twice a day to control constipation.