Okra, although not as popular as Chinese cabbage, Chinese bok choy or many other plants, can simultaneously control high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high blood cholesterol levels. Not only that, okra also contains many nutrients that are beneficial to health, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

High fiber content

Okra is considered a high-fiber vegetable, but low in calories. In 1 cup of okra, about 100 grams, there are 3.2 grams of fiber and only 33 calories. This makes okra a very good vegetable for digestion, while also helping with weight loss.

In addition, the fiber in okra also helps reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. This benefit is due to the fact that fiber helps reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol, preventing the formation of plaque in the artery walls. A study published in the journal Cureus found that a high-fiber diet helps reduce blood pressure.

The fiber in okra also has another important effect: It prevents blood sugar from spiking. A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that a high-fiber diet can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar better. That's why the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with diabetes or prediabetes follow a high-fiber diet.

Vitamin C and vitamin K

In addition, okra also contains vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system, while vitamin K helps strengthen bones and plays an important role in blood clotting. Okra also contains antioxidants, which help prevent the risk of heart disease, cancer and many chronic diseases.

One of the characteristics of okra is that it contains a lot of pectin, a natural fiber that exists in the form of mucus in okra. This type of fiber has the effect of reducing cholesterol in the blood. What not everyone knows is that the mucus in okra can be used as a thickener when preparing dishes. They are not only beneficial for health but also do not affect the flavor of the dish, according to Healthline.