Remember the black-eyed peas that your mother made you eat as a kid? Why do you think she forced them down your throat? It wasn’t for the taste, for sure — it was for their health benefits.

But what does this have to do with okra? Well, okra is very similar to black-eyed peas, except that it is slightly odder looking. Many individuals would also initially describe them as slimy and gross. In fact, if you’re like most people, it would be the last thing you’d eat on a plate full of other fruits and vegetables. But you know what they say: it’s often the last one you try that is the best.

 

Here are 5 little-known facts about okra that might just turn a hater into a lover in an instant.

 

1. Okra may help you fight fatigue.

 

Evidence shows that polyphenols and flavonoids found in okra seeds possess anti-fatigue effects, which can be deduced from their antioxidant activity. They also enhance your glycogen storage which is known as your body’s fuel reserve, keeping you from being exhausted easily.

 

2. Okra may boost your heart health.

 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, and cholesterol is one of its biggest risk factors.

Okra contains a thick gel-like substance known as mucilage. This substance binds to cholesterol during digestion, causing it to be eliminated with stools instead of being absorbed into your body. It’s a solid addition to your diet if you have high cholesterol.

 

3. Okra may reduce your risk of cancer.

 

Okra has been used as a food for millennia, but it’s also an incredibly effective natural medicine. Its anti-cancer properties are especially impressive—and it’s non-toxic!

Okra contains high levels of vitamin C, which is crucial in fighting cancerous cells. It also contains phytochemicals that kill off cancerous cells and prevent them from spreading throughout the body. In fact, studies reveal okra may restrain the growth of breast cancer cells by up to 63%.

 

4. Okra may control your blood sugar levels.

 

Another impressive health fact about okra is its ability to lower your blood sugar levels—and that can be a big deal if you’re living with diabetes. High concentrations of fibre and polysaccharides in okra have been shown to stabilise blood sugar by reducing the absorption of glucose from your intestine. Okra can also improve insulin sensitivity, reducing your risk of many diseases.

 

5. Okra may help you navigate stress.

 

If you’re looking to reduce your stress levels, consider adding okra to your diet! It’s not just a good idea—it’s a great idea. A 2022 study has found okra alleviated depressive behaviours and mitigated stress in sleep-deprived animal models. In fact, its intervention effect was shown to be similar to diazepam tablets, a medicine used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

 

Verdict: Give Okra A Chance

 

Okra has been getting a bad rap for its texture and taste. Most people would agree it’s a weird-looking vegetable (though, biologically, it’s a fruit), and the taste is just pure disgusting. That’s a shame knowing all of its potential health benefits and incredible nutrition profile. So don’t turn away from this green goodness just yet, and give it a chance.

Contact us today for meals that meet both your health goals and taste buds. At Hearty Health, we believe wholesome foods don’t have to be plain and boring, so we made them mouthwatering.