A gummy green vegetable that is often overlooked at the grocery store but, nevertheless, is a healthy food for better vision and general health is the Okra vegetable. The Okra is a vegetable popular in the Caribbean, China and especially the South. It is chock full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Magnesium and Iron to name a few. Additionally, it is very low in calories and fat. This eye food spans a wide range of health benefits including cholesterol reduction, diabetes prevention, better digestive health, Cancer prevention, Brain health, and weight control to boot. Therefore, if you are interested in foods for better eyesight and general health, that are different from traditional vegetables, here are a series of reasons why adding Okra to your diet is a wise nutritional choice:
Okra consists of Lutein which is a potent Carotenoid credited in research studies with providing vision protection from harmful blue light and preserving sharper eyesight. It has also been shown to contribute to a reduction in the risks for Cataracts and Macular Degeneration by staving off free radicals that damage healthy eye cells.
Here are a series of the general health benefits of Okra:
Heart Health: This nutritious vegetable with its Pectin and fiber content helps in the reduction of LDL (bad cholesterol) levels thereby improving heart health.
Boosted Immune system and Better Digestion: there is a link between a properly working digestive system and good immunity. Therefore, Okra produces the good bacteria which is vital to improving the function of the digestive tract thereby also boosting our immune health.
Cancer Fighting Properties: With its rich antioxidant content it strengthens the body's immune system defenses against damaging free radicals. This aids in the body's protection from harmful cells that works in the prevention of diseases like cancer.
If you are not particularly thrilled about the taste of this nutritious food you can make it more appetizing by slicing it and adding it to gumbo, soups, or stews.
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