

More important than the quantity of okra’s fiber, however, is its quality. According to Self‘s “ NutritionData,” One hundred grams of okra contain 10 percent of our recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. Potent natural laxative – Okra’s digestive benefits aren’t just limited to treating stomach problems. Therefore, eating more okra can keep our stomach clean and create an environment that prevents destructive cultures from flourishing. Okra’s polysaccharides were particularly effective at inhibiting the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that dwells in the stomach and can cause gastritis and gastric ulcers if left unchecked. they help remove the adhesive between bacteria and stomach tissue, preventing the cultures from spreading). A study featured in the Public Library of Science in January 2014, for example, showed that the polysaccharides present in immature okra pods possessed considerable antiadhesive properties (i.e. This information helps to reinforce okra’s antidiabetic properties, since an estimated 50 percent of all kidney diseases are triggered by diabetes.ĭigestive benefits – Mucilaginous foods have always been praised for their ability to treat digestive issues, and okra is no exception. “Those who ate okra daily reduced clinical signs of kidney damage more than those that simply ate a diabetic diet,” concluded the Chinese authors. The researchers attributed this result to okra’s high fiber content, which “helps to stabilize blood sugar by regulating the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.”Īnother study published in the Jilin Medical Journal in October 2005 found that regularly consuming cooked okra could help prevent kidney disease. List of Health BenefitsĪntidiabetic properties – A study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences in 2011 found that diabetic rats that were fed okra peels and seed powder over a 28 day period experienced a significant reduction in blood glucose levels compared to the control group. Though not as well-known as other supergreens like broccoli and kale, okra shares a similar nutritional profile to them, and its significant health benefits are gradually being confirmed by peer-reviewed studies. However, many cultures like to cook okra pods with acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice, which reduces their mucilage and makes them suitable for drier vegetable dishes. It has been prized for centuries for its edible green pods, which transform into a thick, gooey mucilage once cooked. It is easy to grow and use and looks great throughout the growing season due to its beautiful flowe Okra is also rich in vitamin A and low in calories.Okra, also called gumbo or lady’s finger, is a tall, flowering plant that is cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world. The first harvest will be ready about 2 months after planting.Harvest the okra when its about 2 to 3 inches long. Sandy loam to clay loam soil (pH 6.5 to 7.5).īefore planting, apply 1 to 2 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. It needs to be evenly moist throughout the growing season. Okra plants are tall, so be sure to space out the rows 3 to 4 feet apart.Keep the seeds overnight in tepid water to help speed up germination.
Okra vegetable full#
You can start okra seeds indoors in peat pots under full light 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date.Ladys Finger does not like to have its roots disturbed.After the first harvest, remove the lower leaves to help speed up production.

