Ladies finger (Bendekayi)

In day today life we are using ladies finger very offenly. Hence it is very important to know about the plant as well as its health benefits.

Latin name - Abelmoschus esculentus
(Linn.) Moench.
Synonym - Hibiscus esculentus Linn.
Family -  Malvaceae.
Habitat - Native to tropical Africa;
cultivated throughout India, up to
1350m.
Venacular names:
English - Gumbo, Lady Finger, Okra.
Ayurvedic - Bhaandi, Bhindaka,
Bhendaa.
Unani - Baamiyaa.
Siddha/Tamil - Vendai.
Folk - Bhindi, Raamturai.

Health benifits:

• Immature pods (decoction/kashaya) —emollient, demulcent and
• diuretic (in catarrhal affections,
• ardor urine, dysuria, dysentery).
• Seeds—antispasmodic.
• Ladies finger can use in the conditions of asthma, 
• diabetes-Ladies finger soaked and filtered water can be taken on a daily basis in order to control the sugar level in the blood.
• urinary disorders, 
• constipation - cut the lady finger into small pieces and keep in water for overnight. It is filtered and water is consumed for constipation . 
• It promotes healthy pregnancy -The folate acid present in this takes care of the pregnant women and the foetus in terms of nervous order . 
• Improves eyesight - The beta carotene element present in this will prevent cataract and glaucoma diseases in the eyes. It enables better eyesight.
• Skin glow is improved; pimples and acne can be prevented. 

Chemical composition:
Fatty fraction of the fresh watery extract of the seeds causes destruction of cancerous cell growth in vitro. The pods are reported to exhibit antitumour activity. An ethanolic extract of pods was effective against Gram positive bacteria.
The ripe fruits contain quercetin,
hyperin (hyperoside), hydrolysate of precipitated mucilage, proanthocyanidins, D-glucose, D-glucuronic and
galacturonic acids.
Fresh flowers contain flavonol glycosides and anthocyanins.

Nutrional value of lady finger:
Carbohydrate-5gm
Dietary fibre- 2 gm
Protien - 1 gm
Potassium- 256mg
Vitamin C - is a 460%