Search Now!

This is also known as lady’s finger.  The name OKRA is of West African origin. The Arabic”Bamyah” is the basis of the names in the Middle East, the Balkans, Turkey, Greece, North Africa and Russia. In Southern Asia, its name is usually a variant of “bhindi” or “vendi”.

It is cultivated in tropical and warm temperate regions. The fruits are harvested when immature and eaten as a vegetable. This is more fibrous and containing the round white seeds which has more medicinal value.

Okra is low in calories, rich in vitamins A and C Thiamin, B6, folic acid (iron) riboflavin, calcium, zinc and dietary fibers.  It’s very good for maintaining the beauties and makes people young for quite a long time because of its anti aging properties.

Eating Okra regularly is much recommended to a pregnant woman for its rich source of iron and calcium.

Health Benefits of Okra

• The mucilage and fiber found in okra helps adjust blood sugar by regulating its absorption in the small intestine.
• Mucous found in okra, check and flush out the cholesterol and toxins.
• Okra helps lubricate the large intestines due to its bulk laxative qualities.
• Okra fiber absorbs water and ensures bulk in stools.
• Okra helps to prevent and improve constipation.
• Okra’s mucilage soothes, and facilitates elimination of toxic with stool comfortably by its slippery characteristic.
• Okra is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming, has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most individuals unlike over-the-counter drugs.
• Okra fiber is excellent for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). This contributes to the health of the intestinal tract.
• Okra is a supreme vegetable for those feeling weak, exhausted, and suffering from depression.
• Okra is used for healing ulcers and to keep joints limber. It helps to neutralize acids, being very alkaline, and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract.
• Okra treats lung inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Okra has been used successfully in experimental blood plasma replacements.
• Okra is good for summer heat treatment.
• Okra is good for asthma. Okra’s vitamin C is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which curtail the development of asthma symptoms.
• Okra is good for atherosclerosis.
• Okra is believed to protect some forms of cancer expansion.
• Okra helps to support the structure of capillaries.
• Okra lowers the risk of cataracts.
• Okra is good for preventing diabetes.
• Okra protects you from pimples and maintains smooth and beautiful skin.
• Okra has superior qualities in maintaining the health of the gastro-intestinal tract.
• Okra helps to reabsorb water and trap the excess cholesterol, metabolic toxins and surplus bile in its mucilage and slips it out through the stool.
• Okra prevents constipation, gas and bloating in the abdomen.
• Okra is an ideal vegetable for weight loss and is storehouse of health benefits provided it is cooked over low flame to retain its properties. This also to ensure that the invaluable mucilage contained in it is not lost to high heat.

Tags: healthtips, healthy vegetable, Vegetable and Cholesterol, vegetable and diabetes