Okra, also known as 'bhindi' in Hindi, is a flowering plant that belongs to the mallow family. It is mainly found in places like Africa, the Middle East, South America and India. It is a warm-weather crop and bears a fresh corn husk colour. It is nicknamed as 'lady's fingers', all thanks to its spiky shape. Bhindi is quite commonly cooked in Indian kitchens. But, not a lot of people are acquainted with its innumerable health benefits. Rich in vitamins and minerals, bhindi is also known for its high soluble and insoluble fibre content. A 100-gram serving of bhindi (okra) contains 33 calories, 7.45 grams of carbohydrates, 1.93 gram protein, 0.19 grams fat and 3.2 grams fibre, as per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The fibre content can prove to be very beneficial for the ones who are watching their weight. Hence, bhindi is considered as one of the veggies that you can add to your weight loss diet without worrying about gaining any weight.
Here Are Four Reasons Why Eating Bhindi Can Help You Lose Weight:
1. High Fibre Content
Bhindi is packed with dietary fibre, which keeps you satiated and makes you feel full for longer time. The fibre content in bhindi is not easily digested by the body, so it passes quickly through your system without causing the blood sugar levels to spike. The fibre aids the process of digestion in the body by facilitating proper bowel movement. This is mostly why all the nutritionists advise to eat more fibre-rich foods for weight loss. According to Dr. Ritika Samaddar, who is a Delhi-based nutritionist, "Fibre is a very important part of our daily diet and we should include both types as it is very important to maintain a healthy balance. Soluble fibres are generally recommended to people suffering from diabetes or high sugar as they dissolve and keep the sugar level under control. Insoluble fibres help in losing weight and also maintain the smooth functioning of the gastric system. An average adult should take about 15 grams of fibre every day."
2. Low-Calorie Veggie
Bhindi falls in the category of low-calorie veggies and contains no saturated fats. This makes bhindi a perfect addition to the diet of a weight watcher. Include okra in your diet and add flavours to your meal while maintaining a low-calorie count, which helps manage weight.
3. Low Fat Veggie
The fat content in bhindi is 0.3 g, or less than 1 percent of the 65-gram serving of okra as per the USDA. Fat is a nutrient that provides a high number of calories in the diet - one gram of fat has nine calories.
4. Low Glycaemic Index (GI)
The glycaemic index of bhindi is in the low range, which has minimal effects on our blood glucose. According to the American Diabetes Association, non-starchy vegetables, such as bhindi, are low glycaemic index foods, and can be freely enjoyed by diabetics and the ones who are watching their weight.
5. Boosts Digestion
Adding bhindi to your diet will ensure a strengthened digestive system. All thanks to the presence of fibre content in bhindi that helps move food through the digestive tract by adding bulk. This further ensures smoother bowel movements and reduced gastrointestinal problems like gas, bloating, constipation, cramping, et al.
Now, that you know the importance of bhindi in weight loss, add it to your weight loss diet and make the best out of it to stay healthy and fit.
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