Enjoy the Slime....Okra is loaded with benefits.

Okra pods are among the very low calorie vegetables.....providing just about 30 calories per 100 grams

        Okra is an ideal vegetables for weight loss as long as it is not over cooked......

             Okra pods are very rich in dietary fiber... which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and supports colon health.

The mucilage ( slime) binds cholesterol and bile acids carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering LIVER.....this is then excreted. It soothes the intestinal tract facilitating elimination more comfortably because of its slippery characteristics.

  Okra pods are very rich in folates which is very beneficial in early pregnancy as they help prevent neural tube defects.

      Okra should be added to your regular diet because they contain a healthy amount of Vitamin A, Xanthin and Lutein which are compounds known to have antioxidant properties and are very essential for vision. Vitamin A is also required for a healthy skin and it helps prevent pimples.

     The mucilage - slimy content of okra  can also be used as a hair conditioner and scalp moisturizer to relieve dandruff and itchy scalp........Just massage watery mucilage into your hair and rinse thoroughly. 

    Regular consumption of okra helps curtail the symptoms of Asthma because of its Vitamin C content which is an antioxidant and anti inflammatory.

    They also contain a good level of Vitamin K which helps in blood clotting function and is also required for strengthening of bones.

                                       

        To now make matters easier, they are cheap and very available.......I know we Africans rarely stir fry or grill okra OR do you? How do you enjoy this wonderful vegetable?