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‘Health is wealth’ — don’t we all know that? But how often do we pay attention to all the parts of our body? Yes, of course, we make conscious efforts to keep our physique in shape or work those muscles to achieve strength. And yet, we tend to ignore one of the most organs — any guesses? We are pointing towards your eyes.
We overuse them all the time, more so with the pandemic making it a mandate to spend more time behind the screen. Yes, it’s true — from children to adults, everyone is under the trap of technology. And while there are several benefits too, your eyes really cry out for help. In fact, neglecting your eyesight could really spell doom in the long run.
Of course, reducing screen time is a given. But what if we tell you that your diet could also help you? And no, we aren’t asking you to nosh on carrots, but bhindi or okra. This humble, unassuming veggie is a powerhouse of nutrients, and can really do wonders for your eye health. Ah, we can’t help but think of those crispy bhindis, or the achari varieties? Yes, it’s delicious and super healthy too!
How beneficial is bhindi?
Your favourite bhindi is loaded with vitamin C, and that means your eye health will definitely be taken care of. It contains zeaxanthin and lutein, both of which are powerful sources of beta-carotene. Vitamin A and beta-carotene are both nutrients that provide a line of defense against common eye issues.
Apart from offering benefits for your eyes, the humble veggie also helps you with digestive issues, prevents heart disease and diabetes, and also provides protection against liver diseases.
“Bhindi is literally a one-stop-shop for all your health needs, be it for your eye or otherwise. Not many people know that regular consumption of lady fingers can help your vision get sharper and stronger. Moreover, you can also prevent issues like cataract, which are particularly common among the elderly population,” says Tina Sinha, a Delhi-based nutritionist.
Here’s how you can consume okra or bhindi
The best part is that this veggie is versatile, and can be consumed in various ways. You can make raw bhindi curry, which isn’t just helpful for your eyesight but also aids in weight loss. If your palate permits, you can also eat 1-2 raw bhindis on an empty stomach in the morning.
Have you heard of bhindi powder? Well yes, it’s a thing. Dissolve 10 grams of okra powder in a glass of milk, and drink it.
Lastly, take 5-6 medium-sized bhindis and cut its sides. Make sure you cut the bhindi from the middle too, and soak it in a bowl of water overnight. Consume it before breakfast in the morning.
Now that you know all about bhindis, it’s time to nosh on them for your eye health!
