Monsoon Health: Why Should You Add Okra Or Lady's Fingers To Your Diet This Season?

From boosting immunity to improving digestive health, find out happens when you consume okra in the monsoon season.

Eating okra in monsoon: The humble okra, also known as lady's fingers is packed with many nutrients, offering numerous health benefits. A staple food in several Indian households, okra ('bhindi' in Hindi) is often prepared with spices and other veggies like tomatoes, potatoes and onions, and eaten as a supplement to rotis and rice. It can also be fried or boiled before consumption. In the monsoon season, it is imperative to eat healthy and balanced foods, and one can consider eating okra on a semi-daily basis to boost their immunity and stay away from seasonal infections. Read on to find out more about the 10 health benefits of eating okra in the rainy season, and how it can be added to an Indian diet.

Boosts Immunity

The immunity of people is usually low in monsoon season, because of pollution, food and water-borne illnesses, vector-borne diseases and seasonal infections. Okra has a high vitamin C content, which can help fight off infections and illnesses that are common during this time of the year.

Supports Digestive Health

Many people suffer from digestive issues in the monsoon season. The good news is that okra's fibre and mucilage content can aid digestion, relieving constipation and bloating.

Hydrates The Body

Besides monsoon, okra is consumed in the summer months for this very reason. It has a high water content that can replenish fluids, essential during monsoons.

Antioxidant Properties

At the same time, okra's antioxidants can protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation in the monsoon season, making it a must-eat dish.

Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Did you know that okra's fibre and antioxidants can help regulate blood sugar levels. It is, therefore, recommended to diabetics. Eat it on a regular basis, but be mindful of your portion size.

Aids Detoxification

Okra has mucilage that helps remove toxins from the body. It detoxes naturally, without you having to follow harsh diets.

Supports Healthy Skin

Interestingly, okra's antioxidants and vitamins promote healthy skin, reducing acne and irritation.

Reduces Inflammation

Okra's anti-inflammatory properties alleviate joint pain and swelling by reducing inflammation in the body.

Supports Eye Health

Okra's vitamin A content promotes healthy vision and reduces eye infections.

Reduce Menstrual Cramps

Okra's antioxidants and fibre may help alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort.

Earlier this year, TheHealthsite.com had reached out to Dr Sri Karan Uddesh Tanugula, consultant general physician at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, who had explained the benefits of drinking okra water. You can read all about it by clicking here.

How To Consume Okra?

To add okra to your Indian diet, do the following:

• Stir-fry okra with spices, onions, and garlic as a side dish.
• Add okra to curries, stews, and soups.
• Use okra in traditional dishes like bhindi masala, okra sambar, or okra fry.
• Make a delicious okra raita by mixing okra with yogurt, cumin, and coriander.
• Add okra to your favorite dals or lentil soups.

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned information is generic. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or allergies. They may be able to provide more information pertaining to your health and history.