<p>Abelmoschus esculentus is quite a performer as it comes with innumerable benefits. It can work wonders from strengthening our muscles to improving cardiac health; helping in weight loss to keeping the blood insulin levels under check; as an effective liniment for burns and getting rid of head lice.<br /><br />We definitely want to grab this magic ingredient, don’t we? Where do we get it? Right in our neighbourhood! This is no exotic herb from a far off land, but a humble vegetable, easily available (and in plenty) on your vegetable vendor’s cart. It is none other than the lady’s finger or okra, popularly known as bhindi or bendekai!<br /><br />This seed-filled pod is widely consumed as a vegetable across the world. The immature fruit is nearly 90% water, low in calories (approximately 0.3 calories per gram), high in fibre (typically 100g have 3.2g of fibre) and a good source of vitamins.<br /><br />However, bhindi has a divided fan following. While one-half simply love them, the other detests them primarily because of their slimy texture. But these sticky elements, called mucilaginous compounds, are beneficial, especially in treating dysentery and stomach distress.<br /><br />Bhindi aids digestion by preventing constipation, and has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The mucilage softens the stools and improves the peristaltic movement in the large intestine. Ayurveda suggests a soup made with raw bhindi to control dysentery. To keep fasting blood sugar at an optimum level, one or two mature pods can be ground with a little water and taken in the morning. <br /><br />The high water content and anti-inflammatory compounds act as a diuretic, as it improves the bladder output, and flushes out toxins. In fact, bhindi is often administered in cases of dysuria or painful urination. As a salve for burns, the vegetable extract is mixed with lime water (calcium carbonate), filtered and applied to the wound. The list of advantages of this wonder vegetable is a long one; so, don’t shy away from it!<br /></p>
<p>Abelmoschus esculentus is quite a performer as it comes with innumerable benefits. It can work wonders from strengthening our muscles to improving cardiac health; helping in weight loss to keeping the blood insulin levels under check; as an effective liniment for burns and getting rid of head lice.<br /><br />We definitely want to grab this magic ingredient, don’t we? Where do we get it? Right in our neighbourhood! This is no exotic herb from a far off land, but a humble vegetable, easily available (and in plenty) on your vegetable vendor’s cart. It is none other than the lady’s finger or okra, popularly known as bhindi or bendekai!<br /><br />This seed-filled pod is widely consumed as a vegetable across the world. The immature fruit is nearly 90% water, low in calories (approximately 0.3 calories per gram), high in fibre (typically 100g have 3.2g of fibre) and a good source of vitamins.<br /><br />However, bhindi has a divided fan following. While one-half simply love them, the other detests them primarily because of their slimy texture. But these sticky elements, called mucilaginous compounds, are beneficial, especially in treating dysentery and stomach distress.<br /><br />Bhindi aids digestion by preventing constipation, and has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The mucilage softens the stools and improves the peristaltic movement in the large intestine. Ayurveda suggests a soup made with raw bhindi to control dysentery. To keep fasting blood sugar at an optimum level, one or two mature pods can be ground with a little water and taken in the morning. <br /><br />The high water content and anti-inflammatory compounds act as a diuretic, as it improves the bladder output, and flushes out toxins. In fact, bhindi is often administered in cases of dysuria or painful urination. As a salve for burns, the vegetable extract is mixed with lime water (calcium carbonate), filtered and applied to the wound. The list of advantages of this wonder vegetable is a long one; so, don’t shy away from it!<br /></p>
