The worldwide used versatile vegetable called okra is
characterized by green color, elongated and tapering ridged pods infused
with double row of seeds and slimy texture when cut open. This
integral member of the cotton family is indigenous to regions around the
Nile in North Africa and the Middle East for it was discovered dating
as far as 3500 years ago in Ethiopia. Early Egyptians are known to love
its taste. Okra later transcended to North America enroute slave trade
and then to Europe, Asia and South and Central America.
Besides
being low in calories it is aplenty with vitamins of the category A,
Thiamin, B6, C, folic acid, riboflavin, calcium, zinc and dietary fiber.
Eating okra is much recommended for pregnant woman besides other for it
is rich in folic acid which is essential in the neural tube formation
of the fetus during 4-12 weeks of gestation period in the mother's womb.
Research revelations by the eminent nutritionists' state
o The mucilage and fiber found in okra helps adjust blood sugar by regulating its absorption in the small intestine.
o The fiber of okra has many superior qualities in maintaining the health of the gastro-intestinal tract.
o
It helps reabsorb water and traps excess cholesterol, metabolic toxins
and surplus bile in its mucilage and slips it out through the stool. Due
to greater percentage of water in the bulk it thereby prevents
constipation, gas and bloating in the abdomen.
o It 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.
o Okra facilitates the propagation of good bacteria referred
to as probiotics. These are similar to the ones proliferate by the
yoghurt in the small intestine and helps biosynthesis of Vitamin B
complex.
o For adding bounce your hair. Boil horizontally sliced
okra till the brew become maximally slimy. Cool it and add a few droops
of lemon and use this as the last rinse and see your hair spring back to
youthfulness and jump.
o Okra is an excellent laxative treats irritable bowels, heals ulcers and sooths the gastrointestinal track.
o
Protein and oil contained in the seeds of okra serves as the source of
first-rate vegetable protein. It is enriched with amino acids on the
likes of tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids.
