Description

Okra is generally a fruit, which is often confused with vegetables. They are generally light green seed pods that are cooked whole or sliced. They usually belong to the Mallow family, related to cotton, hibiscus, and hollyhock. It is generally a tall annual tropical herb cultivated for its green seed pods that are edible. While the seed pods are 3-10 inches long, tapering and these tender, unripe seed pods are used as vegetables. Okra is said to draw its origin from somewhere around Ethiopia and was cultivated by ancient Egyptians, thereby it got spread throughout the Middle East and North India. Thereby, it is popular in places in the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, India. It is usually available all round the year.

Health benefits

• Okra Contains benefit antioxidants, and these antioxidants fend off damage from harmful molecules known as free radicals. ⁽¹⁾

• As it is a known fact that it contains folate (vitamin B9) that happen to be an important nutrient for pregnant women. Thereby, it lowers the risk of a neural tube defect, where the brain and spine of a developing fetus is affected. ⁽¹⁾

• Okra potentially has those antioxidant power that helps in stabilizing the type 2 diabetes. It is also efficient in managing blood glucose levels. ⁽²⁾

•  Okra seed extracts also have antistress properties also called adaptogen, which potentially helps in enhancing the overall health, as prolonged stressful situations often lead to ineffective adaptation in the body, which includes reduced stamina and mood affects. ⁽²⁾

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Selection Guide

Always look for unblemished pods, with a smooth texture. The ends of the pods should be brighter and greener.