HEALTHY HERBS AND DIETS

How is okra used for weight loss?

2020-03-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

Some Reasons Why You Should Add Okra To Your Weight Loss Diet

Okra is a little flowering plant or known as gumbo or ladies finger known for its edible seed pods, it is also warm season vegetable cultivated in warm and tropical climates, such as those in Africa and South Asia. okra resembles pepper a little in shape and has been cultivated as a food source for hundreds of years.

Sometimes referred to as “lady’s finger,” okra comes in two colors — red and green. Both varieties taste the same, and the red one turns green when cooked

Biologically classified as a fruit, okra is generally utilized like a vegetable in cooking.

It’s frequently used in Southern American cuisine and a popular addition to gumbo. Yet, it can have a slimy texture, which some people find unappealing.

Though it’s not one of the most common foods, okra is packed with nutrition and is also a good source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber with a sticky juice that people use to thicken sauce

Currently okra is used in a variety of dishes around the world. In the southern U.S., it is an old favorite for thickening gumbo thanks to its gooey texture when cooked in water. It can also be chopped into stir fries or roasted in the oven for a crispier dish. More people in the world today are now getting creative with okra as its versatility and nutritional spectrum becomes better and well known.

The fibre content can prove to be very beneficial for the ones who are watching their weight. Hence, Okra 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 Okra Can Help You Lose Weight:

1. High Fibre Content

okra is packed with dietary fibre, which keeps you satiated and makes you feel full for longer time. The fibre content in Okra 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

Okra falls in the category of low-calorie veggies and contains no saturated fats. This makes Okra 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 okra 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 Glycemic Index (GI)

The glycemic index of Okra is in the low range, which has minimal effects on our blood glucose. According to the American Diabetes Association, non-starchy vegetables, such as Okra, are low glycemic index foods, and can be freely enjoyed by diabetics and the ones who are watching their weight.

5. Boosts Digestion

Adding Okra to your diet will ensure a strengthened digestive system. All thanks to the presence of fibre content in Okra 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 okra in weight loss, add it to your weight loss diet and make the best out of it to stay healthy and fit.

Health and Nutritional Benefits of Okra

2020-03-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

Okra

Sometimes referred to as “lady’s finger,” okra comes in two colors — red and green. Both varieties taste the same, and the red one turns green when cooked

Biologically classified as a fruit, okra is generally utilized like a vegetable in cooking.

It’s frequently used in Southern American cuisine and a popular addition to gumbo. Yet, it can have a slimy texture, which some people find unappealing.

Here are some nutritional and health benefits of okra.

RICH IN NUTRIENTS

Okra boasts an impressive nutrient profile and The lectin in okra may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Two cup (200 grams) of raw okra contains

Calories: 66
Carbs: 14 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Fiber: 6 grams
Magnesium: 28% of the Daily Value (DV)
Folate: 30% of the DV
Vitamin A: 28% of the DV
Vitamin C: 52% of the DV
Vitamin K: 52% of the DV
Vitamin B6: 28% of the DV

Or one cup of raw okra, weighing 100 grams (g) contains:

Calories: 33
Carbs: 7 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Fiber: 3.2 grams
Folate: 15% of the DV
Vitamin A: 14% of the DV
Vitamin C: 23% of the DV
Protein 1.9 g
Fat 0.2g
Carbohydrates 7.5 g
Sugar 1.5 g
vitamin K 31.3 milligrams (mg)
Potassium 299 mg
Sodium 7 mg
Thiamin 0.2 mg
Magnesium 57 mg
Calcium 82 mg
Vitamin B6 0.215 mg
60 micrograms (mcg) of folate
36 mcg of vitamin A

Okra is an excellent source of vitamins C and K1. Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that contributes to your overall immune function, while vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s known for its role in blood clotting

Individual needs for nutrients vary according to age, sex, activity level, and caloric intake. To help a person find out how much of a nutrient they need, the USDA provide an interactive tool.

Okra is low in calories and carbs and contains some protein and fiber. Many fruits and vegetables lack protein, which makes okra somewhat unique.

Eating enough protein is associated with benefits for weight management, blood sugar control, bone structure, and muscle mass).

Summary Okra is rich in many nutrients and particularly high in vitamins C and K and some iron, niacin, phosphorus, this fruit is unique, as it provides protein, a nutrient that many other fruits and vegetables lack.

CONTAINS ANTIOXIDANTS

Okra is also a source of antioxidants. Okra, its pods, and seeds contain a variety of antioxidant compounds, including phenolic compounds and flavonoid and isoquercetin derivatives, such as catechins and quercetin. As well as vitamins A and C

Medical Research practically shows that eating a diet high in polyphenols may improve heart health by lowering your risk of blood clots and oxidative damage

Polyphenols may also benefit brain health due to their unique ability to enter your brain and protect against inflammation.

These defense mechanisms may help protect your brain from symptoms of aging and improve cognition, learning, and memory.

LOWER HEART DISEASE RISK
High cholesterol levels are associated with a greater risk of heart disease.
Okra contains a thick gel-like substance called mucilage, which can bind to cholesterol during digestion, causing it to be excreted with stools rather than absorbed into your body.

Another possible heart benefit According to the American Heart Association (AHA), eating foods that are high in fiber can reduce harmful cholesterol levels in the blood.

High fiber foods lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes. Fiber can also slow heart disease in people who already have it.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend eating 14 g of fiber in every 1000 calories consumed.

The guidelines also recommend that adults consume the following amount of fiber each day:

25.2–28 g per day for females between 19 and 50 years
30.8–33.6 g per day for males between 19 and 50 years

After the age of 50 years, they recommend a daily intake of:

22.4 g for women
28 g for men

Children and teenagers require different amounts of fiber, depending on their age and sex.

People can incorporate fiber into their diet by choosing fibrous foods, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.

HAVE ANTICANCER PROPERTIES

Okra, beans, peanuts, and grains contain lectin, which is a type of protein.

Okra contains a type of protein called lectin, which may inhibit the growth of human cancer cells.
One test-tube study in breast cancer cells found that the lectin in okra may prevent cancer cell growth by up to 63%.

In a 2014 study, researchers used lectin from okra in a lab test to treat human breast cancer cells. The treatment reduced cancer cell growth by 63% and killed 72% of the human cancer cells. More studies are needed to see if okra has an effect on cancer in humans.

Another test-tube study in metastatic mouse melanoma cells discovered that okra extract caused cancer cell death.

Summary Okra contains a protein called lectin, which is being studied for its role in cancer prevention and treatment.

Okra is a good source of folate. One 2016 review suggested that folate may have preventive effects against breast cancer risk in human.

A low folate intake may also increase a person’s risk of developing a range of cancers, including cervical, pancreatic, lung, and breast cancer.

Consuming folate from food sources alone is unlikely to have this effect, and people should aim to obtain enough folate from foods, such as okra.

LOWER BLOOD SUGAR

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is very important for your overall health. Consistently high blood sugar can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

In 2011, researchers made a powder from the peel and seeds of okra to treat rats with diabetes. After approximately 1 month, the rats that consumed the powder had lower blood sugar and fat levels than those that did not.

Research in mice indicates that eating okra or okra extract may help decrease blood sugar levels

More research is needed to confirm whether this treatment would work in humans.

A 2019 review looked at several rodent studies that seemed to confirm okra’s potential as an antidiabetic agent. The authors called for further studies to see if people could use it as a nutraceutical, which is a food with medicinal properties.

Researchers suggested that the okra decreased sugar absorption in the digestive tract, leading to a more stable blood sugar response

That said, okra may interfere with metformin, a common diabetes medication. Therefore, eating okra is not recommended for those taking this drug

Summary Eating okra has been linked to blood sugar control. Yet, some research suggests that it may interfere with common diabetes medications.

GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH

Though not many of us want to talk about it, the colon is a vital organ. When the colon is damaged and does not function to its fullest potential, serious health problems can occur. If you’re not thrilled with the idea of a colonic or some other type of colon cleanse, then consider this natural alternative for boosting colon health: Lady Finger. More commonly known as okra, and okra is high in dietary fibers now dietary fiber helps prevent constipation and maintain a healthy digestive system.

Research suggests that the more fiber a person eats, the less chance they have of developing colorectal cancer.

Fiber in the diet also helps reduce appetite, and it may contribute to weight loss.

In Asian medicine, people add okra extract to foods to protect against irritation and inflammatory gastric diseases. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action may help protect against gastrointestinal problems.

OTHER HEALTH-RELATED USES

Okra seeds can also provide oil and protein, and people have used them as a source of oil in small-scale production.

In regions where food is scarce, the seeds can offer a source of high quality protein.

In medicine, the viscous extract of okra could be useful as a tablet binder, a suspending agent, a serum albumin extender, a plasma replacement, or a blood volume expander.

Okra also has some uses in medicine. Scientists use it to bind the compounds in tablets, to make liquids for suspending compounds, as a replacement for blood plasma, and to expand the volume of blood.

BENEFICIAL FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Okra is a nutritious pod vegetable which is good for pregnancy. Eating okra during pregnancy will help you obtain various nutrients such as folic acid, fibre, protein, carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, beta-carotene, etc. vital for pregnancy. Even if you consume okra in any form whether cooked, fried, roasted or grilled, you will still be able to reap the maximum nutrients stored in it.

Okra is rightly termed as the nutritional powerhouse and finds its place in both culinary and medicinal purposes. Eating okra during pregnancy is vital for the healthy development of the growing fetus. It has a unique taste and is particularly beneficial when consumed during the first trimester.

Take a look at some of these excellent benefits of okra during pregnancy:

Folate (vitamin B9) is an important nutrient for pregnant women. It helps lower the risk of a neural tube defect, which affects the brain and spine of a developing fetus.

It’s recommended that all women of childbearing age consume 400 mcg of folate every day.
A review that included 12,000 healthy adult women found that most consumed just 245 mcg of folate per day, on average

Another study that followed 6,000 non-pregnant women over 5 years discovered that 23% of participants had inadequate folate concentrations in their blood.

Okra is a good source of folate, with 1 cup (100 grams) providing 15% of a woman’s daily needs for this nutrient.

Get A Good Sleep

Okra contains essential amino acids, namely tryptophan, which improves the mental health of a person and aids in getting good sleep. Sleep is a problem during pregnancy and hence eating okra can ease things a bit.

Eliminate Toxins from The Body

Okra also helps in flushing out toxins from the body. Also, the mucus and the fibres in okra helps in stabilizing the blood glucose.

Controls Hair Fall

During pregnancy, women complain of excessive hair fall. This can be controlled considerably by consuming okra.

Summary Eating okra will help pregnant women meet their daily folate needs. Folate is important for preventing neural tube defects.

Cooking okra can be simple. Add it to your grocery list to try a new ingredient with powerful health effects.

Does Coronavirus Have Solution

2020-03-02T05:09:00.001-08:00

BACKGROUND

Corona virus

CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in 60 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concernexternal icon” (PHEIC). On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19.

What is COVID-19

The new coronavirus, now known as Covid-19, was first encountered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and has gone on to affect over 80,000 people around the globe, causing over 2,700 deaths.

The virus can cause pneumonia. Those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases there can be organ failure. As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs we have against flu will not work. If people are admitted to hospital, they may get support for their lungs and other organs, as well as fluids. Recovery will depend on the strength of their immune system. Many of those who have died were already in poor health.

The name Covid-19 was announced on 11 February by the World Health Organization. The director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “We had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease. Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing.”

We don’t yet know how dangerous Covid-19 is, and we won’t know until more data comes in. The mortality rate seems to be about 2%. For comparison, seasonal flu typically has a mortality rate below 1% and is thought to cause about 400,000 deaths each year globally. SARS had a death rate of more than 10%.

2. Where do Coronaviruses come from?

Coronaviruses are viruses that circulate among animals but some of them are also known to affect humans. After they have infected animals, they can eventually be transmitted to humans.

A wide range of animals is known to be the source of coronaviruses. For instance, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) originated from camels and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) originated from civet cats.

3. Is this virus comparable to SARS or to the seasonal flu (influenza)?

The novel coronavirus detected in China is genetically closely related to the 2003 SARS virus and appears to have similar characteristics, although there is still limited data available on this virus.

SARS emerged at the end of 2002 in China and more than 8 000 SARS-cases were reported by 33 countries over a period of eight months. At the time, one in ten people who contracted SARS died.

The current COVID-19 outbreak caused around 10 000 reported cases in China during the first month of the outbreak, with additional cases subsequently being detected in Europe and other countries (see current situation update). At this point, there is too little data available to say for sure how deadly COVID-19 is but preliminary findings indicate that it is less fatal than SARS coronavirus.

While both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are transmitted from person-to-person and may cause similar symptoms, the two viruses are very different and consequently do not behave in the same way. It is still very early to draw conclusions on how SARS-CoV-2 spreads, but preliminary information indicates that SARS-CoV-2 is as transmissible in the same way as SARS and some other pandemic influenza strains have been. ECDC estimates that each year up to 40 000 people in the EU, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein die prematurely due to causes associated with influenza.

4. How severe is COVID-19 infection?

At this point, there is too little data available to say with certainty how severe COVID-19 is but preliminary findings indicate that it is less fatal than SARS coronavirus.

5. What is the mode of transmission? How (easily) does it spread?

While animals are the source of the virus, this virus is now spreading from one person to another (human-to-human transmission). There is currently not enough epidemiological information to determine how easily and sustainably this virus spreads between people. The virus seems to be transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, or exhale.

The incubation period for COVID-19 (i.e. the time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms) is currently estimated at between two and 14 days. At this stage, we know that the virus can be transmitted when those infected show (flu-like) symptoms. However, there are still uncertainties as to whether mild or asymptomatic cases can transmit the virus.

If people with COVID-19 are tested and diagnosed in a timely manner and rigorous infection control measures are applied, the likelihood of sustained human-to-human transmission in community settings in the EU is low. Systematic implementation of infection prevention and control measures were effective in controlling SARS and MERS coronaviruses.

6. Why has there been such a large increase in cases reported from China from 13 February? Is the epidemic suddenly getting worse?

On February 13, official statistics reported from China included 15 141 new cases of COVID-19, which represents the single largest number of cases reported on one day since the start of the epidemic. Information from Chinese officials indicates that as of the 13th of February, there was a change in the way that cases are being counted. This now includes all suspected cases with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. These new cases have not necessarily been laboratory confirmed as having COVID-19. Given this, we cannot compare the number of cases reported up to now with this new number and it does not necessarily mean that the epidemic is increasing in China.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

1. What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infection

From what we know so far, the virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as

• fever

• cough

• difficulty breathing

• pain in the muscles

• tiredness.

More serious cases develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock that can lead to the death of the patient. People with existing chronic conditions seem to be more vulnerable to severe illness.

2. Are some people more at risk than others?

Generally elderly people and those with underlying conditions (e.g. hypertension, heart disorders, diabetes, liver disorders, and respiratory disease) are expected to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms.

3. Is there a treatment for the COVID-19 disease?

There is no specific treatment for this disease so the approach used to treat patients with coronavirus-related infections is to treat the clinical symptoms (e.g. fever, difficulty breathing). Supportive care (e.g. supportive therapy and monitoring – oxygen therapy, fluid management and antivirals) can be highly effective for those infected.

4. When should I be tested for COVID-19?

If you have

• An acute respiratory infection (sudden onset of either a cough, and/or a sore throat, and/or shortness of breath),

AND

in the 14 days before the start of your symptoms, you were either:

• In close contact [1] with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 infection, or travelled to an area where there is ongoing community transmission of COVID-19,

• Or worked in or attended a healthcare facility where patients with COVID-19 infections were being treated, you should contact your doctor by phone for advice.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT

PREVENTION

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

* If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

TREATMENT

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

1. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

2. Public health management of persons having had contact with novel coronavirus cases in the European Union

What are the rules for disinfection/hand washing?

Hand washing and disinfection is the key to preventing infection. You should wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, you can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. The virus enters your body via your eyes, nose and mouth, so avoid touching them with unwashed hands.

Are face masks effective in protecting against COVID-19?

Face masks help prevent further spread of infection from those who are sick to others around them. However, face masks do not seem to be as effective in protecting those who are not infected.

Is there a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2? How long will it take to develop a vaccine?

There are currently no vaccines against coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. This is why it is very important to prevent infection or contain further spread of an infection.

The development of vaccines takes time. Several pharmaceutical companies are working on vaccine candidates. It will, however, take months before any vaccine can be widely used as it needs to undergo extensive testing to determine its safety and efficacy.

Am I protected against COVID-19 if I had the influenza vaccine this year?

Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are two very different viruses and the seasonal influenza vaccine would not protect against disease caused by SARS-CoV-2

However, as the European influenza season is still underway, the influenza vaccine is the best available protection against seasonal influenza and it is not too late to get vaccinated.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION IN THE EU REGARDING COVID-19?

How prepared is Europe for COVID-19 and what is the EU doing?

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is in continuous contact with the European Commission, the public health authorities in China and the World Health Organization regarding the assessment of this outbreak. To inform the European Commission and the public health authorities in Member States of the ongoing situation, ECDC publishes daily summaries and continuously assesses the risk for EU citizens (see the below assessment that is re-evaluated on a daily basis). ECDC and WHO have developed technical guidance to support the EU Member States in their response. The European Commission is ensuring the coordination of risk management activities at EU level.

Am I at risk of contracting COVID-19 infection in the EU?

This outbreak is evolving rapidly and the risk assessment is changing accordingly. ECDC is continuously assessing the risk for EU citizens and you can find the latest information in the above link.

Has anyone in the EU become infected?

Several cases have been reported in the EU and the UK since the beginning of the outbreak. Given the extensive movement of people and the fact that the virus is transmitted from one person to another, it is expected that further cases will be reported in Europe.

Why is the number of cases increasing so rapidly?

Two of the main reasons for the rapid increase in the number of cases are that the virus is spreading from one person to another and that the capacity to detect cases is improving. This is why a sudden increase in the number of cases is often observed during the initial phase of an outbreak of an emerging disease.

On 13 February, official statistics reported from China included 15 141 new cases of COVID-19, which represents the single largest number of cases reported on one day since the start of the epidemic. Information from Chinese officials indicates that as of 13 February, there was a change in the way that cases are being counted. This now includes all suspected cases with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. These new cases have not necessarily been laboratory confirmed as having COVID-19. Given this, we cannot compare the number of cases reported up to now with this new number and it does not necessarily mean that the epidemic is increasing in China.

How long this outbreak will last?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict how long the outbreak will last and how the epidemic will evolve overall. We are dealing with a new virus and therefore a lot of uncertainty remains. For instance, it is unknown whether transmission will decrease during the summer, as is observed for seasonal influenza.