Lady Finger (Okra Plant, Bhindi ) | Description , Uses , side effects & More

Overview

Lady Finger (Okra Plant, Bhindi) is a green vegetable that looks like a long, skinny pod. Some people call it okra. It’s used in cooking in places like Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. When you cook it, it becomes a bit slimy, which some folks like and others don’t. But it’s good for you because it has stuff like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Now, when it comes to desserts, there’s another thing called ladyfingers. They’re like soft, spongy cookies or cakes. You might find them in fancy desserts like tiramisu. People soak them in sugary liquid to make them tasty and soft. Then they layer them with creamy stuff like cheese or custard.

So whether you’re making a hearty stew with okra or a fancy dessert with ladyfingers, both types of Lady Finger add their own special flavor and texture to dishes.In India, it is cultivated at an altitude of about 1200 m.  It is used as a herb.

Table of Contents

Lady Finger (Okra Plant, Bhindi ) in Your Language

Botanical Name of Lady Finger (Okra Plant, Bhindi,Gumbo)

Moench (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Common Name of Lady Finger (Okra Plant, Bhindi)

Okra, Gumbo, Bendi (Bindi,Bhindi )

Family of Lady Finger (Okra Plant, Bhindi ,Gumbo)

Malvaceae (Malvaceae)

Lady Finger-Okra-Gumbo in English

Lady’s finger (Lady Finger)

Synonyms of Lady Finger-Gumbo-Okra

Hibiscus esculentus

Lady Finger-Gumbo-Okra in Sanskrit

Tindisha, Bhenda, Karparnphal, Gandhmoola; (तिण्डिशा, भेण्डा, करपर्णफल, गन्धमूला )

Lady Finger-Gumbo-Okra in Hindi

Bhindi, Ramtorai (भिण्डी, रामतोरई )

Lady Finger-Gumbo-Okra in Urdu

भिन्डी (Bhindi),بھنڈی

Lady Finger-Gumbo-Okra in Kannada

बेन्डेकायी (Bendekayi) ,ಬೆಂಡಕಾಯಿ

Lady Finger-Gumbo-Okra in Gujarati

भिंडो (Bhindo) ,ભીંડો

Lady Finger-Gumbo-Okra in Tamil

वेन्डी (Vendi) ,வெண்டி

Lady Finger-Gumbo-Okra in Telugu

वेन्डा (Venda) ,వెండా

Lady Finger-Okra Plant in Bengali

भेण्डी (Bhendi), ढेरासा (Dherasa)

Lady Finger-Okra Plant in Nepali

रामतोरिया (Ramturiya)

Lady Finger-Okra Plant in Punjabi

ਭੀੰਡੀ ,Bhindi ,Bhenda ਭੇੰਡਾ

Lady Finger-Okra Plant in Malayalam

വെണ്ട-Vanta

Lady Finger-Okra Plant in Marathi

भेण्डी

Lady Finger-Okra Plant in English

भेण्डी

Physical Appearance of Lady Finger/Okra

Ladyfinger, also known as okra or bhindi, is a flowering plant with edible green pods. Here’s a description of its physical appearanc:

Plant Structure: Ladyfinger plants are usually herbaceous, meaning they have soft, green stems that are not woody. They can grow up to 6-7 feet in height.This is a plant that is 0.5-2 meters tall

Leaves: The leaves of the ladyfinger plant are palmate, meaning they have lobes that radiate from a central point, somewhat resembling the shape of a hand. They are green and can vary in size but are generally large compared to the size of the plant. Its leaves are large, broad, toothed, resembling those of cotton, with a heart shape base, 5-25 cm long and 5-30 cm wide, with 3-5 lobes, and are green in color.

Flowers: Ladyfinger plants produce yellow flowers with a red or maroon center. These flowers are usually quite large and have five petals. They typically bloom for a short period before giving way to the development of the pods.Its flowers are yellow with a dark red spot in the center. Its fruits are long, spindle-shaped, seven-angled, 15-20 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, green, and covered with hairs.

Pods: The most distinctive feature of ladyfinger plants is their elongated, slender green pods. These pods are usually harvested when they are immature and tender. They can vary in length from a few inches to around a foot long, depending on the variety. Ladyfinger pods have a slightly ridged surface and contain small, white seeds.

Texture: Ladyfinger pods have a slightly fuzzy texture on the outside due to fine hairs. The inner flesh is soft and mucilaginous when cooked, giving it a somewhat slimy texture that is prized in certain cuisines for its thickening properties.

Chemical Composition of Lady Finger/Okra

Ladyfinger, or okra, boasts a nutritious chemical profile. It contains proteins, including essential amino acids, offering a plant-based protein source. Rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, it aids digestion and provides sustained energy. Abundant in vitamins such as C, A, B1, B2, B3, and B9, it supports various bodily functions including immunity and metabolism. Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron contribute to overall health. Ladyfinger also contains beneficial compounds like oxalic acid and phytonutrients, enhancing its nutritional value. With its diverse array of nutrients, ladyfinger stands as a wholesome addition to a balanced diet.

Benefits of Lady Finger/Okra ( Uses of Lady Finger/Okra ) + Medicinal uses of Lady Finger/Okra

Ladyfinger, or okra, serves as a nutritious vegetable with versatile culinary applications. Its mucilaginous properties aid digestion and soothe gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and dysentery. Medicinally, okra is used to lower blood sugar levels, manage cholesterol, and improve heart health due to its rich fiber and antioxidant content.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

  • Consumption of cooked okra vegetable prepared from okra fruit helps alleviate diarrhea and dysentery.
  • Eating cooked okra vegetable made from okra fruits benefits in amoebic dysentery.

Urinary Disorders

  • Drinking a decoction made from okra fruit in a dosage of 10-15 milliliters helps alleviate urinary retention, urinary tract inflammation, and urinary tract infections.
  • Consuming a decoction made from okra flowers mixed with 10-15 milliliters of honey helps in urinary retention, urinary obstruction, and urinary burning sensation.
  • Consuming 1-2 grams of powdered okra roots mixed with honey helps in diabetes mellitus.

Reproductive System Disorders

  • Consumption of 5-10 milliliters of okra fruit decoction benefits in male infertility.
  • Consuming 15-20 milliliters of okra fruit decoction benefits in leukorrhea.
  • Taking 1-2 grams of powdered okra root three times a day for a month helps in various vaginal disorders.
  • Drinking a mixture of crushed okra fruits and honey aids in spermatorrhea, inflammation, leukorrhea, and diarrhea.

Skin Disorders

  • Applying a paste of crushed okra leaves on wounds helps in faster wound healing.
  • Okra leaf juice is highly beneficial when applied to cuts, injuries, and skin inflammations.
  • Applying a paste of crushed pumpkin fruit helps in treating itching.

Whole Body Disorders

  • Applying a paste of crushed okra leaves on burnt areas helps soothe burns.

Frequently Asked Questions 👇 (FAQ)

Ladyfinger (okra) is rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It aids digestion, supports heart health, helps manage blood sugar levels, and promotes overall well-being due to its antioxidant properties.
Yes, ladyfinger (okra) contains a moderate amount of protein. While not a significant source compared to other foods, it contributes to the overall nutritional content of the vegetable.
Yes, ladyfinger (okra) is beneficial for blood pressure management. It contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure levels by counteracting the effects of sodium and supporting heart health.
Yes, ladyfinger (okra) is good for blood pressure as it is low in sodium and high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure levels and support cardiovascular health.
Yes, okra is high in fiber. Its fiber content aids digestion, promotes gut health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports overall heart health and weight management.
No, okra and ladyfinger are different names for the same vegetable. They both refer to the edible green pods of the Abelmoschus esculentus plant.
The local name of okra varies depending on the region. In India, it is commonly known as “bhindi” or “bhendi,” while in some other countries, it may be called “ladyfinger.”
Yes, okra is beneficial for women as it is rich in nutrients like folate, which is important for reproductive health, and it supports overall well-being due to its vitamins and minerals.
Ladyfinger (okra) is generally safe to consume, but some individuals may experience gas or bloating due to its high fiber content. Allergic reactions are rare but possible in sensitive individuals.
Individuals with a known allergy to okra should avoid consuming ladyfinger. Additionally, those with certain medical conditions like kidney stones may need to limit their intake due to oxalate content.
Avoid combining bhindi (okra) with acidic foods like tomatoes, as they can affect its texture. Also, try to avoid excessive oil during cooking to maintain its health benefits.
Avoid combining bhindi (okra) with acidic foods like tomatoes, as they can affect its texture. Also, try to avoid excessive oil during cooking to maintain its health benefits.

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