Also referred to as lady’s finger and gumbo, Okra is one of the best medicinal vegetable, that hasn’t got its due sometimes due to its taste. To others, it is all down to the slimey stew since making stew out of okra means a slippery sauce.

This pod-producing, tropical vegetable is a nutritional powerhouse used throughout history for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Once loved by the Egyptians and still used in many dishes today, the vegetable dates back over 3500 years ago. But still today, many are enjoying both okra health benefits and the vegetable’s edible delight.

Like the kiwi fruit (okra actually shares many kiwi fruit benefits), okra is known for it’s high vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate content,(although not quite as high as kiwi). Further, okra is known for harnessing a superior fiber, which helps with digestion, stabilises blood sugar, and helps to control the rate at which sugar is absorbed.

While the "amount of nutrition” from okra varies based on how it’s consumed (pods, grams, etc), some of the key substances in the vegetable remain the same.

Okra contains several healthy components including vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants like B1 and B2, quercetin, rutin, catechin, and epiatechin. It’s also known for high vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate content. Studies have indicated the vitamin C content of okra could help with asthma and even skin conditions.

But many of the health benefits of okra come from it’s superior fiber content. As a fibre source, it helps to regulate digestion and maintain blood sugar levels. The inclusion of pectin also makes it a great choice for helping to reduce cholesterol. Check out this article for a real close look into the health benefits of okra.

Okra is easy to grow during summer months and can do well in most continental climates. You can simply start it from seed. As it grows, it produces pretty flowers from which the fruit develops. As your okra is producing, you will want to harvest it often. One common mistake is letting the pods get too large, at which point they get dry and tough. So, harvest them small and young.

While you can fry okra, that’s probably not the healthiest option. In soups and gumbo it’s somewhat slimy texture gives the broth a great feel and flavor. But, you can also eat okra raw. Without being cooked, the slime is kept at a minimum. Add it to a salad or simply eat it plain.

****************************

The known health benefits of okra

Promotes a healthy pregnancy. An extremely important B vitamin for producing and maintaining new cells, folate is an essential compound for optimal pregnancy. The vitamin helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida and helps the baby to grow sufficiently. Vitamin C is essential for fetal development.

Prevents diabetes.

Thanks to fibre and other nutrients, okra is beneficial in normalising blood sugar in the body.Supports colon health.

Okra is full of dietary fibre, which is essential for colon health and digestive health as a whole.

The fibre in okra provides helps to clean out the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency. Also, the vitamin A contributes to healthy mucous membranes, helping the digestive tract to operate normally.

Respiratory issues like asthma. The vitamin C in okra helps with respiratory issues like asthma.

One study concluded that "the consumption of fruit rich in vitamin C, even at a low level of intake, may reduce wheezing symptoms in childhood, especially among already susceptible individuals.”

Promotes healthy skin. Vitamin C helps keep the skin looking young and vibrant. The vitamin aids in the growth and repair of bodily tissues, which affects collagen formation and skin pigmentation, and helps to rejuvenate damaged skin.

Topical tip: Boil a handful of okra until soft. After letting it cool, mash it, and apply it to your face. After five minutes, your skin should feel smooth and rejuvenated.