Throughout history, okra is known to be a nutritional powerhouse used for both culinary and medical purposes. It is a flowering plant which is also commonly known as “lady’s fingers” or “bhindi” and is highly prized because of its seed pods.
Nutritional Value
Okra contains vitamins A, B, C, E, and K and is a good source of calcium and protein. It also contains thiamine, riboflavin, starch, ash, fat and high levels of mucilaginous fiber. Moreover, it is rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and has antioxidants epicatechin, rutin, catechin, and quercetin. These antioxidants are capable of preventing damage to cells caused by stress and environmental factors.
Uses
From the Carribean to China, okra is often used in dishes. Over time, its popularity has been increasing because of its various uses. This vegetable pod can be used as an ingredient in soup, side dishes or as a pickled vegetable. Furthermore, its oil can also be extracted and used as vegetable oil.
Health Benefits Of Eating Okra
- Okra is good for asthma. Okra’s vitamin C is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which restrain the development of asthma symptoms.
- Improves vision and protects your eyes against macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Okra is good for preventing diabetes and diarrhea.
- Okra is a good source of potassium, which helps relax the arteries and blood vessels, and in return lowers blood pressure and lessens the strain on the cardiovascular system. This leads to the reduction of chances of clotting and atherosclerosis.
- The fiber content in okra has many superior qualities in maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
- It helps absorb water and traps excess cholesterol, metabolic toxins and surplus bile in its mucilage and slips it out through the stool. Due to a greater percentage of water in the bulk, it thereby prevents constipation, gas, and bloating in the abdomen.
- Okra’s mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver.
- Protects the skin by promoting quicker healing, reducing the appearance of scars and acne, and eliminating wrinkles.
- Various antioxidant components of okra fight off free radicals. Its high vitamin C content boosts immunity by stimulating the immune system to create white blood cells which combat foreign material and pathogens.
How To Make Okra Water?
Drinking “okra water” is a popular new method of using okra. This recipe can cure asthma, control cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and keep your kidney in good health.
Preparation:
Cut 2-3 pieces of fresh okra after removing the head and tail part. Put it in a glass of water and let it stand overnight. Drink it about 30 minutes before breakfast.
Instead of soaking the pods whole, some people prefer to cut the okra into thin slices. Preparing okra water this way may provide you a slightly bitter taste.
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