Bhindi is also known as okra or lady’s finger. Bhindi is a very common delicacy in cooking because of its diverse taste, which can be described as earthy and soft, but the texture is crisp when cooked. It facilitates digestion and improves immunity while strongly promoting bone health. Okra is a naturally good source of nutrients like fibre, vitamins C and K, and folate. The low calories and high antioxidants in bhindi play a part in the process of heart health and weight loss. Bhindi is a versatile and complete ingredient in many cuisines. It not only adds to the flavour but also to the nutritional quality of the food.
Know the benefits of including bhindi in our daily diet:
1. Rich In Nutrients:
There are many nutrients in bhindi that have a great nutritive value for the health of the body and aid digestion. It is rich in fibre, folate, and vitamins C, K and A. It helps in balancing the levels of blood sugar, as confirmed by an article published in the Journal Molecules 2021. In order to preserve its goodness, bhindi should be prepared using the frying method to minimise the burning of its nutrients, or one can try grilling it. It can also be infused with other vegetables, meat, or spices. Bhindi is a perfect example of a versatile ingredient that can be used in different recipes and retains its nutritional quality while improving its taste and consistency.
Video Credit: YouTube/ NETMEDS.COM
2. Boost Immune System:
Okra, or bhindi, has numerous health benefits; one of these is the fact that its very high vitamin C content goes into the body and, in turn, strengthens the immune system, according to the 2020 edition of the journal Molecules. Moreover, it can increase the rate of digestion and possibly control sugar levels in the blood. Eating stir-fried or sauteed bhindi while retaining all of its nutrients is the easiest way possible; do not make it oily; instead, try air frying and do not have a high content of seasoning. The cooking technique prevents food nutrients from being ripped apart.
3. Supports Weight Loss:
Bhindi is a good source of fibre, is known for weight loss, and has a very low-calorie content compared to other foods. Highly recommended cooking methods are stir-frying or gently sauteing, using small amounts of oil to retain texture and nutrition, as the study published in the journal Molecules mentions in 2019. To have a healthy and fulfilling dinner, follow a stuffed salad or serve it with lean protein, like tofu or grilled chicken. These amazing Bhindi nutrients are appreciated for their adapting ability.
4. Improves Skin Health:
Okra provides health benefits along with its oxidant content, which is good for healthy skin. This is prone to correcting skin moisture and causing ageing consequences, which was confirmed in the article in the Nutrients journal in 2015. Slice the okra, soak it in water and drink. This is the best way to get the nutrients. Its nutrition content is identical, and its texture and nutrients are preserved. It can be served with a few different dishes, like salads, curries, or grilled food, to keep skin healthy.
5. Support Bone Health:
Green, slimy, and crispy bhindi is known for its richest element, vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, prevents osteoporosis disease, and maintains calcium. Adding further, bhindi is valuable in terms of fibre, antioxidants and vitamins C and A. These elements are crucial for the function of the digestive and immune systems, according to an article published in the Molecules journal in 2021. You can have bhindi minimally cooked, mildly enough so nutrients aren't lost, like making curries, stir-fries and roasting as a side dish, in order to derive the most benefits.
6. Improves Digestion:
Okra is well known for its many health advantages, like better digestive function through taking in a significant amount of fibre, which helps control the digestive process and prevent constipation. Moreover, it has good amounts of these compounds, which help to maintain optimal health, such as antioxidants, folate, vitamins C and K, among others, according to the paper published in Molecules journal in 2021. This is the best option for cooking bhindi; by stir-frying or sauteing it with some spices and aromatics, the taste is brought out without losing any of the nutritive values. Bingeing into salads, yummy curries, or as a snack, it is a great ingredient to have in a meal to make it more yummy and nutritious.