Learn about the benefits of eating okra for bone health and how it contributes to a healthy and balanced diet.
Okra is part of the legume family, along with beans, peas and chickpeas. They are also known as Chinese beans or cowtail beans and are native to East Asia. Okra is rich in nutrients and has numerous health benefits, especially for bones.
What are okra and what are their health benefits?
Okra is an excellent source of calcium, the essential mineral for bone health. A recent study found that a 100-gram serving of okra contains about 130 milligrams of calcium, which is about 13% of the recommended daily allowance for adults. Regular consumption of okra can help prevent osteoporosis, the condition in which bones become brittle and can fracture easily.
Plus, okra is a good source of vitamin K, another important nutrient for bone health. Vitamin K helps increase bone density and may reduce the risk of fractures. A 100-gram serving of okra contains about 43% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin K.
Okra also contains manganese, a mineral that helps maintain healthy bones. Manganese is involved in the process of bone formation and helps maintain bone density. A 100 gram serving of okra provides about 14% of the recommended daily allowance of manganese.
Apart from the bone health benefits, okra is a good source of fiber and protein. Fiber helps maintain gut health and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Protein is important for building and repairing tissue and helps maintain muscle mass.
So, regular consumption of okra can help prevent osteoporosis and improve bone density. In addition, they are a good source of fiber and protein, making them an excellent food for a healthy and balanced diet.
Sources: medicalnewstoday.com, healthline.com, msn.com
