Habitasse © Curabitur felis erat. Mauris Di Serif. Vestibulum velit orci.

The Benefits of Okra

*"Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients, nearly half of which is

soluble fiber in the form of gums and pectins. Soluble fiber helps to

lower serum cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.

The other half is insoluble fiber which helps to keep the intestinal

tract healthy, decreasing the risk of some forms of cancer, especially

colo-rectal cancer. *

*Nearly 10% of the recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid is

also present in a half cup of cooked okra. Okra is a rich source of

many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin B6 and folic acid.

He got the following numbers from the University of Illinois Extension

Okra Page Please check there for more details.

*These numbers should be used as a guideline only, and if you are on a

medically-restricted diet please consult your physician and/or

Dietician.

 

1. The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize blood sugar as

It curbs the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.

2. Okra's mucilage not only binds cholesterol but bile acid carrying

toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. But it doesn't stop

there... *

 

3. Many alternative health practitioners believe all diseases begin in

the colon. The okra fiber, absorbing water and ensuring bulk in stools,

helps prevent constipation . Fiber in general is helpful for this but

okra is one of the best, along with ground flax seed and psyllium.

Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal

tract, okra's mucilage soothes , and okra facilitates elimination more

comfortably by its slippery characteristic many people abhor.

In other words, this incredibly valuable vegetable not only binds

excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids) which cause numerous

health problems, if not evacuated, but also assures their easy passage

 from the body. The veggie is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming

(except for the many who greatly enjoy eating it), has no adverse side

effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of

most.

4. Further contributing to the health of the intestinal tract, okra

fiber(as

well as flax and psyllium) has no equal among fibers for feeding the

good bacteria (probiotics).

5. To retain most of okra's nutrients and self-digesting enzymes, it

should be cooked as little as possible, e.g. with low heat or lightly

steamed. Some eat it raw.

 

 

Okra Nutrition (half-cup cooked okra)

* Calories = 25

* Dietary Fiber = 2 grams

* Protein = 1.5 grams

* Carbohydrates = 5.8 grams

* Vitamin A = 460 IU

* Vitamin C = 13 mg

* Folic acid = 36.5 micrograms

* Calcium = 50 mg

* Iron = 0.4 mg

* Potassium = 256 mg

* Magnesium = 46 mg *

Some important benefits of consuming okra:  *

*Stabilizes blood sugar level.

Lowers serum cholesterol level.

Prevents constipation.

Keeps intestinal tract healthy.

Feeds good bacteria residing in us all. *