Okra
Okra (Abelmoshcus esculentus) aka: Gumbo, Lady's Fingers, Bhindi, Bendakaya, and Bandakka, is a long green pod vegetable with a green furry outer skin, thin green flesh, and small edible white seeds.
Health benefits of Okra
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Okra
Look for vibrantly colored pods that are firm to the touch. Avoid any discolorations or withered pods.
Climate and origin
Okra is thought to have originated in Egypt and North Africa, then spreading to the Middle East and India. Okra does well in warm temperate to tropical climates. (Zones 4-11 in the U.S.)
Taste
Okra has a lightly pungent flavor and a mushy to gooey texture. The gooey texture comes about when the okra is over cooked, as is sure to happen in a stew or gumbo. If you are averse to the gooey texture then it can be mitigated by adding lemon juice or another acidic liquid (like vinegar).
Miscellaneous information
Extracts from Okra are added to artificial blood plasma products. Over 5 million metric tons of Okra are grown annually, with production in India accounting for more than half of world production.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 33 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.19g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.03g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 7mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 7.5g | 3% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 3.2g | 11% | ||
| Total Sugars 1.5g | 3% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 1.9g | 4% | ||
| Vitamin C 23mg | 26% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.62mg | 3% | ||
| Calcium 82mg | 6% | ||
| Potassium 299mg | 6% | ||
| Phosphorus 61mg | 5% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||