Lady Finger (Bhindi): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Anuja Bodhare
Last updated: Apr 21, 2025 Published on: Jun 10, 2022
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By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
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Ladyfinger, popularly known as bhindi in India, is rich in nutrients. It is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, enzymes, calcium, potassium, and several other nutrients. Its botanical name is Abelmoschus esculentus, and it belongs to the Malvaceae family. Ladyfinger is cultivated in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions across the world1.
It is known by several other names globally. In English, it is referred to as okra, edible hibiscus, or ladies’ finger; in Sanskrit, as pitali, tindisha, and gandamula; in Farsi, Arabic, and Turkish, as bamia; in Bosnian, as bamveh; in Swedish, as okra; and in Italian and French, as gombo.
Here are the nutrients present in ladyfinger per 100 grams2
Based on my experience, I have observed that lady finger mucilage might have medicinal applications as a plasma replacement or blood volume expander. It is believed that the mucilage in lady finger has the potential to bind cholesterol and bile acids, aiding in the removal of toxins from the body. Lady finger mucilage could play a role in supporting cholesterol management and liver health.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
The properties of ladyfinger are:
Due to its rich nutrient content and beneficial compounds lady finger may have several potential uses:
The seeds and peels of ladyfinger may help lower blood sugar levels and help manage type 2 diabetes. It may help block the enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates and improve insulin sensitivity. Ladyfinger has shown insulin-like properties in lab studies4, due to which it may be effective in managing blood sugar level. However, if you are suffering from diabetes, you need to consult your healthcare provider first before using lady finger or any other herb to help with your symptoms.
Ladyfinger has a rich amount of fibre and may act as an intestinal tract cleaner, mainly in the colon and large intestine, which may help lower the risk of colon cancer5. It also has antioxidants that may have some beneficial effect on the immune system, and it may help cells against mutation (alteration in the genetic material of the cell). if you are suffering from any form of cancer, you need to strictly follow your doctor’s advice and treatment. Before using ladyfinger or any other vegetable for its properties, make sure to consult with your doctor.
Regular consumption of ladyfinger (raw or cooked) may help manage obesity. Lady fingers have a minimal calorie content and high fibre content, which may give you a feeling of fullness without overeating. Obesity is not only caused by eating calorific and fatty food items, but can also be caused by nutrient deficiency. Eating ladyfinger along with a healthy lifestyle and eating habits may also help you manage obesity. If you want to lose weight, make sure to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before making any changes to your diet. They will be able to guide you better about the positives and limitations of each diet.
Ladyfinger contains probiotics (good bacteria) that are stomach bacteria’s friends. Ladyfinger may show positive effects on the microbiome (community of good bacteria) in the intestine, as it helps in vitamin B complex biosynthesis. Ladyfinger may produce the same effects as yoghurt in the small intestine. Before you use lady finger or any vegetable for stomach conditions, make sure to consult your healthcare provider.
Lady fingers have vitamin C and are rich in fibre. The fibre may help remove toxic waste, and vitamin C may help with skin pigmentation, repair body tissues, and aid in managing conditions like psoriasis, acne, and other skin diseases. Skin conditions require you to consult a skin doctor. You should consult your dermatologist before using ladyfinger for any skin condition.
Ladyfinger may help manage cholesterol levels. A study6 revealed that supplementation with ladyfinger altered cholesterol absorption and lowered its level in the body. Ladyfinger contains pectin (a type of fibre) that may aid in reducing bad cholesterol. It may also promote the degradation of cholesterol and block fat production in the body. It may also help lower the total cholesterol and triglycerides and promote bile acid excretion in stools. Ladyfingers may alter the production of bile in the intestine and remove deposited cholesterol, which eliminates bad cholesterol. If you are suffering from high blood cholesterol, you need to adhere to your doctor’s advice and treatment. Also, if you want to use ladyfingers for their properties, make sure to consult your doctor.
The flowers and leaves of ladyfinger may help with conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia7. You may get the helpful properties by boiling the flowers and leaves in water. The slimy stuff in ladyfinger may be the secret to soothing and managing flu and common colds. However, if you feel like you are suffering from a lung condition, you should speak to your doctor immediately and get treated. Avoid using ladyfingers or any herbal remedy without a doctor’s consultation.
Ladyfinger contains vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting, and it may help restore bone density and aid in managing osteoporosis. A study8 suggested that vitamin K may alter the metabolism of bone and positively influence the calcium balance. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Before you start using ladyfinger for osteoporosis, make sure you have consulted with your doctor.
Ladyfinger contains vitamin K, folate, and iron. These are considered some of the natural nutrients that may help manage anaemia. It may also facilitate the production of haemoglobin, red blood cells and blood clotting. All these actions may protect against anaemia. However, avoid using lady finger for anaemia without consulting your doctor.
The mucilaginous, slimy substance in ladyfingers may help with proper water absorption along the digestive tract and bulk up the faeces, making them neither hard nor soft to pass. This slimy substance and fibre may bind with toxins and lubricate the large intestine, facilitating normal and effortless bowel movements due to its potential natural laxative property. However, if your symptoms don’t improve, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Also, if you are experiencing constipation, you should talk to your doctor first before you use any vegetables on your own.
A study9 has reported that ladyfinger may protect the function of the brain and improve memory and learning due to the presence of flavonoids that have brain-protective activity. Therefore, ladyfinger may be used to enhance memory. However, if you are experiencing any brain-related condition, it is better to consult with a doctor before using any herbal remedy.
Ladyfinger (Bhindi) is known to be helpful for the liver10. The slimy substance in lady fingers contains substances that may bind with cholesterol and bile acids, helping to detoxify the liver. Lady fingers contain an antioxidant that may help fight harmful bacteria and germs, protecting the body. However, if you are suffering from any liver ailment, you need to be careful with your choices. Avoid using ladyfinger without talking to your healthcare provider first.
Lad yfinger has a rich amount of vitamin A, B, and C, along with elements like calcium and zinc, making it may be considered an ideal vegetable to consume during pregnancy. It also contains fibre and vitamin B9 (folic acid/folate). Also, it may have some beneficial effects in the development of the nervous system of the foetus. During pregnancy, make sure you have consulted with your doctor before using any herb or vegetable for its benefits.
Though there are studies that show the benefits of the ladyfinger in various conditions, but these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of ladyfinger on human health.
Over the years, I have observed that lady finger seeds are a valuable source of high-quality protein, containing essential amino acids that are important for our body’s functions. This means that incorporating okra seeds into your diet can provide you with the necessary building blocks for growth, repair and overall health. Including lady finger seeds in your meals can help ensure an adequate intake of protein and support your body’s nutritional needs.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
You can eat the following parts of the ladyfinger plant:
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
There are no side effects of ladyfinger. However, some people might be allergic to ladyfinger. There are no studies that report any major side effects of ladyfinger. However, some people might be allergic to ladyfinger.If you notice any side effects, report them to your doctor.
Also, avoid using ladyfinger against any disease condition or its benefits without consulting your doctor. It will help you make well-informed choices and prevent any possible side effects.
Including lady finger seeds or incorporating okra seed oil into your diet can be a beneficial way to obtain essential fats and support your overall health. Lady finger seeds contain a significant amount of oil, ranging from about 20 to 40%. This oil can provide essential fatty acids that are important for various bodily functions, including maintaining healthy cell membranes, supporting hormone production, and promoting overall well-being.
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Some people develop allergic reactions to picking and eating ladyfinger. Avoid eating ladyfinger if you are allergic to it. Some people develop allergic reactions to picking and eating ladyfinger. Avoid eating ladyfinger if you are allergic to it. Also, if you experience any allergic reaction after eating lady fingers, you should consult your doctor.
There is insufficient information available about the interaction of lady fingers with other medicines. However, if you notice any signs and symptoms, you must report them to your physician.
Also, if you are taking medication for any health condition, make sure to consult your doctor about possible interactions between the medicine and any herbs or vegetables.
Did you know that roasted and ground lady finger seeds can be used as a caffeine-free substitute for coffee? By roasting and grinding the seeds, you can create a coffee-like beverage without the stimulating effects of caffeine. It might be an interesting alternative for those who prefer to avoid or reduce their caffeine intake while still enjoying a warm and flavorful drink.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Ladyfinger/okra may help manage various disease conditions, including diabetes, ulcers, anaemia, sunstroke, glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, constipation, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, genital diseases, and obesity. Also, it may show positive effects on the brain, lungs, liver, digestive tract, etc. However, you must avoid using ladyfinger for any disease conditions or properties without prior consultation with your doctor.
Usually, there are no side effects of ladyfinger. Yet, some people might be allergic to ladyfinger. If you observe any signs and symptoms, you must report them to your doctor. Also, avoid using ladyfinger for any disease condition without consulting your doctor first.
Ladyfinger may be consumed during pregnancy; it may have many positive effects. It contains vitamins A, B, B9, C, and elements like calcium and zinc, which might be helpful in pregnancy. Also, it may relieve constipation during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, avoid using ladyfinger for any condition before you have consulted with your doctor first.
Lady finger may have some effect on weight management. Regular consumption of ladyfinger, either raw or cooked, may help manage obesity. Lady fingers have a minimal calorie content and high fibre content, which may give you a feeling of fullness without eating too much food. Therefore, ladyfinger might be helpful in weight loss. However, avoid making any changes to your diet without consulting with your doctor or nutritionist.
The benefits of ladyfinger for diabetes have been studied. The seeds and peels of ladyfinger may help lower blood sugar levels and help manage type 2 diabetes. Ladyfinger/okra has also shown insulin-like properties during trials, due to which it may be effective in managing blood sugar.Therefore, you can use okra to manage diabetes. However, if you are suffering from diabetes, it is important that you consult with your doctor before taking any herb or vegetable as a remedy. Make sure to talk to your doctor first.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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