It’s true that “Prevention is cheaper than treatment”, however with global exotic superfoods dominating the health food scenario, eating healthy is becoming an expensive affair. The need of the hour is to become aware of the ‘local’, ‘traditional’, ‘regular’, ‘seasonal’ yet so NUTRITIOUS SUPERFOODS that will take care of you and your pocket! One such veggie to consider on the list is Okra.
OKRA also called Lady’s finger, Bhindi, Gumbo needs no introduction and is one of the most commonly consumed veggies, popular even among children. Okra plant is native to tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions around the world and disputed to be originated in West Africa, Ethiopia or South Asia.
Okra is a household vegetable that provides minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, K, C, folate, niacin, and flavonoids such as beta-carotene, xanthin, and lutein. However, the icing on the cake is the excellent soluble and insoluble fibre content, low fat, and calorie count.
Health Benefits:
- Okra helps in the regulation of cholesterol and blood sugar levels owing to its soluble and insoluble fibre content.
- Okra is high in potassium (the star mineral) that comes to rescue in regulating blood pressure thus preventing hypertension.
- It promotes bone health with a combination of minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
- It improves digestion, imparts a feeling of fullness thus helps in achieving weight goals.
The most commonly used part of the okra plant is the pods, used as a vegetable that can be sautéed, stewed, fried or pickled; the leaves are used in salads.
So value this little green lady, as it is a STAR VEGGIE, wearing a crown of modesty!
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