The Wonderful Health Benefits Of Okra.

Okra is a pod vegetable with seeds which turns slimy upon cooking. It is botanically called Abelmoschus esculentus and commonly called lady’s fingers and gumbo. Nutritious okra is called ila by the Yoruba of Nigeria and is used for cooking all over Nigeria but hardly used for medicinal purposes. Okra however, provides health properties because of its high content of nutrients. 

Below are some of the important nutrients in okra:

• Okra has lots of vitamins. Vitamins K, C, A and B complex like niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and folate
• It contains minerals like iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium.
• It has high dietary fiber content.
• Okra has antioxidants like zeaxanthin, lutein and beta-carotene
• Okra is low in calories.
• It is low in fat and contains no cholesterol.

Because of the above health promoting nutrients, okra has the following to offer.

1. Okra promotes intestinal tract, colon and digestive health. It is used to treat constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Okra is used to regulate blood cholesterol levels and so is good for cardiovascular health.
3. Okra is used to regulate blood sugar levels because of the fiber content. It can be used for weight control and to treat diabetes.
4. Okra is good for promoting a healthy pregnancy because of the high folate content.
5. Okra is used to treat inflammation of the lungs. This makes it useful for treating asthma, cough and respiratory issues resulting from inflammation.
6. Okra protects from oxidative damage and reduces chronic inflammation because of its antioxidant content.
7. Okra boosts hair, scalp and skin health.

Okra can be cooked with other vegetables like bitter leaves, water leaves, fluted pumpkin leaves etc to make delicious and highly nutritious soups. And please, don’t allow anybody to discourage you with the thought that the sliminess of okra hinders your progress spiritually. It can actually boost your mood.

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