TCM, Okra (Lady Finger) Nutrition Facts and Natural Food for Constipation

Okra, also known as "lady finger" or "gumbo", is a highly nutritious green edible, pod vegetable. Botanically, this lasting flowering plant belongs to the mallow family. Okra (lady finger) has been well-accepted in diet arena due to its high alkalinity compound that helps the body to alkalinize in so many ways. Let us recall that alkaline foods are required to be part of one daily diet because over acidification of the body can lead to the underlying cause of various diseases, especially when the alkaline-acid ratio of one body drops to 3-1. Okra (lady finger) has no harmful effects to the body if reasonably eaten, fat-free, non-toxic, and non-habit forming.

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Okra (lady finger) appears to have originated from the West Africa and well known for its enormous health benefits. The plant cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world for its fibrous fruits or "pods". Okra (lady finger) grows most fertile and well-drained soils which support the, soil ph because it grows in soils which slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Okra (lady finger) can stand the heat of warm weather. The immature pod of okra (lady finger) plant considered the edible part with a size of 3-5 inches long. It takes about 45-60 days to produce ready-to-harvest fruits. Internally, the pods feature small, round, mucilaginous white colored, seeds arranged in vertical rows. The pods harvested while immature and eaten as a vegetable.

Best Way to Eat Okra (Lady Finger) the highly nutritious edible green is one portion of Okra (Lady Finger) accumulates 25 calories.

It is worth remembering, to limit the consumption per serving, any excess or too much of everything in proper diet can be deleterious also for health. Eat it fresh to achieve maximum benefits of vitamins and antioxidants.

Okra (Lady Finger) is much better eating half-cooked to retain nutrients and enzymes. A simple approach in preparing okra meal is by boiling into 10 minutes in water until it becomes tender and ready to serve. Some people also fancy okra with tomatoes. Some are adding okra in their fresh green salads. If some people do not like the sliminess of okra, they can stir-fry with citrus or vinegar. To preserve the nutrients present in Okra (Lady Finger), it should be cooked as little as possible with low heat or lightly steamed. One can even eat it raw.

Okra (Lady Finger) the highly nutritious edible green powder or pounded leaves periodically added to broths and soups as it contains sodium compound.

Okra (Lady Finger) Health Benefits and How It Alkalize the Body Many people lured with the superficial production of food without bothering to see if this can provide some benefits from their health. There are also health conscious people who opted to eat the food which is best for them, regardless of what it looks and tastes like.

Okra (Lady Finger) the highly nutritious edible green counteracts many illnesses as the result of too much acid food intake.

Considered as high alkaline food, okra is a storehouse of many vitamins such as Vitamin A, B6, B9, C, fiber and folic acid. Okra (Lady Finger) also has an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The high content in sodium helps to replenish the sodium deficiency. Another healthy properties of Okra (Lady Finger) are the high polysaccharide (complex carbohydrate made up of sugar molecules), that can be found in pods this point for the highly sticky solution with slimy appearance.

The Vitamin C of Okra (Lady Finger), as known for its powerful antioxidant can prevent the spread of asthma symptoms. Study shows, result of taking ½ cup of cooked okra (Lady Finger) with 13 mg of vitamin C by young children with asthma experience, show significant changes on them by reducing the wheezing or panting of an asthma attack. Likewise, Vitamin C can also increase the formation of capillaries.

The high soluble and insoluble fiber found in Okra (Lady Finger) aid stabilize blood sugar, binds cholesterol and bile acid responsible in carrying toxins by the filtering liver which we need to remove. The 50% soluble fiber of Okra (Lady Finger) can effectively reduce the risk of heart attack and the other 50% of the benefits of okra decreases the risk of any cancer. The fiber works to absorb water and improves the constipation for easy removal of waste from one body. It protects the intestinal tract with its fiber compound and feeds beneficial bacteria.

On the other hand, Okra (Lady Finger) is also essential vegetable for people feeling exhausted and suffering from depression as it is common for stimulating the nervous system.

Daily calories intake must include healthy foods in the presence of enough alkaline reserves, like Okra (Lady Finger), to maintain the correct balanced, chemistry of one body. It is necessary to know what nutrients, vitamins, and minerals one get from a certain food. Otherwise, one may suffer the consequences of not knowing which are beneficial to one well-being and which health claims of manufacturers from their foods and products are true and superficial.

 

Okra (Lady Finger) Health Benefits
As part of a well-balanced diet, Okra (Lady Finger) is a nutritious food choice as a vegetable. It provides a strong alternative to most of the vegetables usually served. The low calorie count of Okra (Lady Finger) makes it an obvious choice in weight management and other significant diets. Its rich fiber content also aids in digestion by aiding smooth peristalsis and eliminating constipation.

 

Okra (Lady Finger) and Fiber
Okra (Lady Finger) soluble fiber helps to lower serum cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. Okra (Lady Finger) insoluble fiber which helps to keep the intestinal tract healthy, thus reduce the risk of some forms of cancer, especially colon cancer. Colon-Rectal Cancer is the third common form of cancer and the second cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Okra (Lady Finger) superior fiber helps to prevent diabetes and constipation. Okra is a rich source of many nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, C, iron and calcium. Half cup of cooked Okras (Lady Fingers) has close to the recommended 10% levels of vitamin B6, and folic acid demand by the body. Okra (Lady Finger) also reported being beneficial to those suffering from diabetes as it helps to stabilize the blood sugar. Some people have claimed to cure their diabetes or their health significantly improved with the daily consumption of water that been soaked with Okra (Lady Finger).

Okra (Lady Finger) seeds contain a high amount of oil which is rich in unsaturated fats such as oleic acid which is a, healthy source of fat. Found also in olive oil, avocados, almonds and cashews, oleic acid helps to lower level of cholesterol and lower blood pressure in the body.

 

Okra (Lady Finger) and Glutathione
Okra (Lady Finger) also contains glutathione, a protein molecule that naturally produced in the body. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body against the harmful effects of germs and bacteria that cause cancers and other diseases. It helps to improve liver, heart and lung functions and boost the immune system. The levels of glutathione produced in the body decrease as a person ages.

Since Okra (Lady Finger) has so many health benefits and if one is aware of one well-being, one should start eating Okra (Lady Finger) regularly in one diet.

Okra (Lady Finger) Nutrition Facts and Calories Okra (Lady Finger) had surprisingly few calories only has approximately 20 calories per half cup serving and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Also, half cup of Okra (Lady Finger) contains 22 percent of the daily value for vitamin C and 40 percent for vitamin K. Okra (Lady Finger) had vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6, foliate, vitamin E, pantothenic acid and choline. Okra (Lady Finger) contains manganese, magnesium and calcium with small amounts of copper, zinc potassium, phosphorus and iron. In addition, Okra (Lady Finger) is an excellent source of natural plant fiber, recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.

 

Okra (Lady Finger) and Vitamin A
Okra (Lady Finger) contains healthy amounts of vitamin A, and flavonoid antioxidants such as beta carotenes, xanthin and lutein. It is one of the green vegetable with highest levels of these antioxidants. These compounds have antioxidant properties and are ideal for vision. Vitamin A also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of common vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

 

Okra (Lady Finger) and Vitamin C
Okra (Lady Finger) had excellent source of anti-oxidant vitamin, vitamin-C; provides about 36% of daily recommended levels. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps body develop immunity against infectious agents, reduce episodes of cold and cough and protects the body from harmful free radicals. The high vitamin C content of Okra (Lady Finger) aids in protecting the body from infections and virus outbreaks. A bowl of chicken gumbo soup may be the best aid for someone with a cold.

 

Okra (Lady Finger) and Folate
Fresh Okras (Lady Fingers) are a significant source of folates; provide about 22% of RDA per 100 g. Consumption of foods rich in folates, especially during the preconception period helps reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in the offspring. Pregnant women or women considering conception should include Okra (Lady Finger) in their diet because of the folate content. Eat Folate rich food before conception decreases the potential for birth defects.

 

Okra (Lady Finger) and Bones
Okra (Lady Finger) high in vitamin K content, it is a co-factor aid in blood clotting enzymes and required for the strengthening of bones. The B-complex in okra aids in protecting the nervous system as well as improving the skin, hair and nails. Okras (Lady Fingers) are also excellent source of many valuable minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium. One simply boils the Okra (Lady Finger) sliced in the middle until it is mushy and slimy. Add a few drops of lemon juice and let it chill. When one washes the hair, cover one’s head with the mixture. Rinse with warm water and will find that having more volume and bounce in one’s hair.

Okra (Lady Finger) and Controls Blood Sugar Probably the biggest health benefit of Okra (Lady Finger) is its ability to assist in the control of blood sugar levels. The fiber and mucilage, the substance that looks like thick glue, helps with this process by regulating the absorption rate in the intestinal tract. Okra (Lady Finger)'s high fiber content is also useful for lowering blood cholesterol. This makes it a heart healthy food.

Okra (Lady Finger) on Digestive System and Constipation The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in Okra (lady finger) pods helps smooth peristalsis of digested food particles and relieve constipation condition. Okra (Lady Finger) is an excellent source of beneficial bacteria called the probiotics in the colon. Probiotics helps in the biosynthesis of vitamin B. They also assist in proliferation just like the yoghurt. Probiotics is beneficial bacteria. They not only aid in the digestion of food and the release of nutrients, they also fight fungi and harmful bacteria. It contains a number of amino acids and aids in gastrointestinal health.

 

Side Effects of Okra (Lady Finger)
There are no side effects of Okra (Lady Finger) the highly nutritious edible green excess quantities may cause a problem if one is on a blood thinner. Always consult with the doctor. Since Okra (Lady Finger) contains high amounts of vitamin K, a known clotting factor, be safe, and checking is always the smartest move.

 

Okra (Lady Finger) Health Info
Okra (Lady Finger) is an extremely useful vegetable and affordable cure, as it is available almost round the year Okra (Lady Finger) the highly nutritious edible green help to stimulate sexual vigour and reduce excessive menstrual blood. Its sweet taste, cold potency, vata-pitta pacifier nature, strength promoting aphrodisiac qualities, it is an exceptionally useful to ladies close to menopause. It also found useful in leucorrhoea and dysuria. In general, most anti-diabetic herbs increase fertility diabetes is an anti-fertility disease.