The okra or okro, popularly nicknamed the “lady’s finger” because of its slender look, is indigenous to tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions. The plant is found in Ethiopia and some West African countries; and is available all year round. The whole vegetable is completely edible with green coloured exterior and slimy interior. One of the reasons why it is widely loved and eaten is because of its nutritional values as popularly said that “you are what you eat”. Further, okra is known for harnessing a superior fiber, which helps with digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps to control the rate at which sugar is absorbed. Below are the nutritional values of okra:
1 Low calorie:
The okra is one of the fruits recommended for weight loss and cholesterol control programs owing to the fact that it has minimal calories; contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.

2 Eases digestion:
In a very rich amount, okra contains dietary fiber which helps in digestion and eases constipation conditions.

3 Improves vision:
With nutrients like vitamin A, and a high level of anti-oxidants, okra helps to improve situations of impaired vision.

4 Detoxifies:
It contains Flavonoids that helps in prevention from lung and oral cavity cancers; regulates the intestinal metabolisms and cleanses the tract, keeping it safe from ulcers and colon cancers, contains vitamin A which is also good for a healthy skin and serves as a natural laxative.

5 Fetal formation:
It contains folates which help in the healthy formation of babies at the fetal stage.

6 Boosts immunity:
Okra is a good vitamin-C source- helps human body develop immunity against infectious agents, cold/cough and protects the body from harmful free radicals.

7 Blood circulation:
Okra vegetable helps in foisting a healthy blood circulation and is also good for anemic conditions- production of red blood cells. It also contains vitamin K which is responsible for blood clotting.

8 Respiration:
Because of its antioxidant and vitamin C properties, okra helps in the treatment of respiratory/asthma conditions. Okra leaves have anti inflammatory properties which suits the respiratory/urinary/genital treatments.

9 Healthy bones:
It contains Calcium and vitamin K which are responsible for building strong bones, thus help to prevent such health cases as Osteoporosis.

10 Body development:
As a good protein source, the okra vegetable helps in body growth as well as in giving a healthy hair.

11 Okra promotes a healthy pregnancy:
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 also essential for fetal development.

12 Okra is rich in both folate and vitamin C. Helps prevent diabetes:
Thanks to fiber and other nutrients, okra proves beneficial in normalizing blood sugar in the body, helping with diabetes.

13 Helps with kidney disease:
Regular consumption of okra can help prevent kidney disease. Those who ate okra daily reduced clinical signs of kidney damage more than those that simply ate a diabetic diet. This also ties in with diabetes, as nearly 50% of kidney disease cases are caused by diabetes.

14 Supports colon health:
Okra is full of dietary fiber, which is essential for colon health and digestive health as a whole. The fiber Okra provides helps to clean out the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency. Additionally, the vitamin A contributes to healthy mucous membranes, helping the digestive tract to operate appropriately. 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.

15 Okra is full of vitamin C. Topical tip:
Boil a handful of okra until soft. After letting it cool, mash it, and apply it to your face. After 5 minutes, your skin should feel smooth and rejuvenated.

Read more at: http://dailytimes.ng/amazing-nutritional-facts-okra/

Thanks for the Info.




They are also[i] CHEAP/AFFORDABLE[/i]

Hello food lovers,

My name is Kemi Oladipo. I recently completed a course on 'Biosafety of plant Biotechnology' at Marche Polytechnic University,Ancona,Italy.

I am currently conducting a survey on the 'Readiness of Nigerians for the commercialization of genetically modified crops in Nigeria'. I am using the social media and other associated entities to share the survey.
I will your support and provide you a medium to express your opinion about genetically modified foods in Nigeria. Please find the link to the survey below.

Available to answer any question. Kind regards,

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLvbgIbUnannWQCz01AW8FIVT1aq4JCba1ki6lQV84QAcKBQ/viewform?c=0&w=1


Kemi