Is Okra Bad For You?
Also Known As: okro, ladies' fingers, bhindi, bamia, ochro, gumbo
Short answer
Okra is great for you! If you want to be sure you are getting the proper nutrients in your diet, try to add some okra.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Okra - perhaps better known as gumbo - is a vegetable that is originally from Northeast Africa. It is quite possibly one of the best vegetables out there and a great substitute for people who can't eat kiwis but want its health benefits.
Okra is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber. It also contains important nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. Vitamin A is known to be good for the eyes and skin. Vitamin C not only helps the immune system, it also promotes healthy skin and may help prevent asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Vitamin K is necessary for proper calcium transport, being essential for proper bone health and preventing disease like osteoporosis. For pregnant women who eat okra, folate helps ensure a safe pregnancy and that the child does not develop disorders such as spina bifida. The fiber content is important not just in maintaining good colon health, but also in stabilizing blood sugar levels and controlling the amount of sugar absorbed by the body, making okra effective in preventing and possibly treating diabetes.
Furthermore, with only 30 calories per 100 grams and no cholesterol, okra does not suffer any drawbacks. It really is hard to find something better for your health.
Benefits
- helps prevent and treat diabetes
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helps with weight loss
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helps strengthen the immune system
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helps ensure a healthy pregnancy
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helps maintain colon and digestive health
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Fresh Florida Okra
- Locally grown produce
- High in fiber
- Rich in vitamins
- Antioxidant properties
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-21-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-21-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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