Health Benefits of Okra
This beloved staple of the southern United States, Africa, India and the Middle East provides vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, fibre and antioxidant polyphenols. Its famous “slime” (mucilage) is a soluble fibre, and it is what makes okra such a good natural thickener.
Wellness
Digestive health Okra’s soluble and insoluble fibre support regular digestion and feed your good gut bacteria.
Blood sugar Okra’s soluble fibre slows the absorption of sugar, and scientists are studying okra for its potential role in blood sugar control. It’s a great addition to diabetes-friendly meals, though no substitute for prescribed treatment.
Heart health Soluble fibre helps lower LDL cholesterol, and okra provides magnesium and potassium.
Bone health Okra is a good source of vitamin K, needed for healthy bones and normal blood clotting.
Immune health A cup of okra provides around a third of an adult’s daily vitamin C.
Pregnancy Okra provides folate, one of the nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy, alongside the folic acid supplement your doctor will recommend.
Beauty
From the inside Vitamin C helps your body make collagen, and okra’s antioxidants help protect skin cells.
Weight management
A cup of okra has only around 140 kJ (33 calories) and almost no fat, plus plenty of filling fibre.
Buying okra
Okra is available year round, but is at its peak in the summer months. Okra pods, when chosen, should be bright green in colour.
Cooking with okra
GUMBO
The favourite in Southern USA, there are a zillion varieties and a healthy option. Add a tasty ancient pseudo grain for a new dish.
OKRA PASSATTA SALSA Flash fry, add garlic, passata, smoked paprika, fresh lime & coriander, finish with fresh chopped avocado, serve with your favourite grilled haloumi.
Okra is also an excellent natural thickener for soups, hot pots, sauces and savoury delights. An awesome gluten free alternative .
Toss with olive oil, cumin and roast in a hot oven like fries sprinkle with sumac, sea salt and serve with tahini dressing.
Simple hot grill or wok with buckwheat flour, salt and chilli , serve with a Parmesan, mustard and lemon style yogurt dressing for a sexy summer snack.
Why not create a Gumbo challenge in your office for enhanced corporate well being and nutrition. Casstronomy has group culinary challenges for your office team in our E course self care for corporates with support from me “Cass” your personalised Chef and wellness specialist here https://casstronomy.info/corporate-wellness-12-week-programs-online-with-casstonomy-by-cassandra-austin/
Top tip on Okra “Choose small, young Okra pods over large ones they are a delightful texture and older ones can be a wee bit stringy”
This article is general information about food and wellbeing, not medical advice. Please talk to your GP or a qualified health professional about any health condition, medication or major change to your diet.
