The plant is cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions around the world for its fibrous fruits or "pods." It grows best in well-drained and manure rich soil. The plant bears numerous dark green colored pods measuring about 5-15 cm in length. It takes about 45-60 days to get ready-to-harvest fruits.
Internally, the pods feature small, round, mucilaginous white colored seeds arranged in vertical rows. The pods are harvested while immature and eaten as a vegetable.
Health benefits of Okra
(1)The pods are among the very low calorie vegetables. They provide just 30 calories per 100g besides containing no saturated fats or cholesterol. Nonetheless, they are rich sources of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins; often recommended by nutritionists in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.
(2)The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in okra pods help in smooth peristalsis of digested food particles and relieve constipation condition.
(3)The pods contain healthy amounts of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as beta carotenes, xanthin and lutein. It is one of the green vegetables with highest levels of these anti-oxidants. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
(4)Fresh pods are the good source of folates; provide about 22% of RDA per 100 g. Consumption of foods rich in folates, especially during the pre-conception period helps decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in the offspring.
(5)The gumbo pods are also an excellent source of anti-oxidant vitamin, vitamin-C, providing about 36% of daily-recommended levels. Research suggests that consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop immunity against infectious agents, reduce episodes of cold and cough and protect the body from harmful free radicals.
(6)The veggies are rich in B-complex group of vitamins like niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid. The pods also contain good amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is a co-factor for blood clotting enzymes and is required for strengthening of bones.
(7)The pods are an also good source of many important minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium.
(8)It cleanses the liver: The slimy substance in okra contains substances that bind bile acid and cholesterol to detoxify the liver.
(9)It promotes healthier intestinal tracts: The fibers of okra are a favorite of probiotics or the good bacteria. It claims to be beneficial by restoring the balance of microflora in the digestive tract.
(10)It acts as a laxative: Okra gives a lubricating factor and ensures bulk in stools that facilitates easier passage of stools, which is very much beneficial to constipated patients.
(11) It relieves ulcer: It provides as a protective coating for the digestive tract and neutralizes the acid for relief of pain and discomfort
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