Okra is a gift from my Grandmother.
“When I was a small child, my grandmother always made me remember the taste of okra. She said that okra was not just a vegetable, but a gift from nature. She used to cook okra in many different ways, from a light soup to a heavy stew with meat.
In our village, we used to grow okra ourselves. I remembered how happy I was to see the green fruits growing on the plant. My mother told me that okra was very rich in nutrients, especially vitamin C and folate. He also said that it was good for eyes and skin.
There is an old Saying, that my grandmother was very fond of: ‘Okra is both medicine and food.’ He believed that okra can help us recover from minor illnesses such as colds and sore throats. And for now, when I have a sore throat, I remember my grandmother’s okra soup and I immediately feel better.
Apart from its health benefits, okra is also an important ingredient in many traditional dishes. In our country, we like to cook okra with meat, fish, or even alone. We always use okra in making sauces and soups., because its taste is unique, slightly earthy and sweet at the same time.
Now, have you ever heard of the saying that ‘food is medicine’? I believe okra is a good example of this saying. It is a delicious and healthy food that has been an important part of my and my family’s life for generations.”
Origin of Okra
Although okra has become part of many foods in the world, especially in tropical countries, its true origin is still debated by experts. but some believes say that it can be originated in the East and central parts of Africa. From there, it spread to other parts of the world, including Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
From the characteristics of this plant, including its edible fruits (esculentus), it is named scientifically as Abelmoschus esculentus.
It contains a wealth of essential nutrients for our body health, although it may look like an ordinary vegetable.
Some of the main nutrients contained in okra include:
Vitamin C: In the fight against disease, vitamin C is our hero. It helps strengthen the immune system, heal wounds faster, and protect our cells from damage.
Folate: This nutrient is very important for pregnant women as it helps in the development of the brain and spinal cord of the child in the womb.
Vitamin K1: This vitamin is involved in blood clotting and bone health.
Potassium: Potassium helps control blood pressure and keeps the heart healthy.
Dietary Fiber: Fiber helps in digestion and can help reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood.
The essential health benefits you can get from Okra are as described below.
1. Sugar Control.
Some studies show that okra can help control blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for people with diabetes.
2. Heart Health.
The fiber and potassium present in okra can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. To improve your general eye Health.
Vitamin A, which is found in some types of okra, is important for eye health.
4. Skin Health.
Vitamin C in okra helps produce collagen, a protein important for healthy skin.
5. Good Gut.
The fiber in okra helps to strengthen the digestive system and prevent problems like constipation.
Why Don’t You Eat Okra?
How to Add Okra to Your Diet
A. In Soups and Stews:
Okra adds a sweet flavor and thickness to soups and stews. You can cook it with meat, fish, other vegetables, or alone.
B.In Curry:
Okra is very useful in Indian cuisine.
Okra can add a unique flavor to vegetable or meat curry.
C. In Stir-fries:
Cut okra into small pieces and stir-fry quickly with other vegetables such as carrots, onions, and green peppers.
D. In Salads
Ripe okra can be added to salads for added flavor and nutrients.
E. As a Side Vegetable.
Okra can be prepared as a side vegetable for grilled meat or fish.
For most of us, there is no great reason not to eat okra. However, some people may be allergic to okra. If you get sick after eating okra, it is important to see a doctor.