Are you familiar with okra, also known as lady’s finger?
Despite its stickiness and unique taste, many people tend to avoid this vegetable. However, what if I told you that okra is not only affordable and easily available, but also packed with numerous health benefits and low in calories?
With just 30 calories, okra is an excellent source of vitamin C, providing around 21 milligrams. It is also rich in magnesium, offering approximately 60 milligrams. But that’s not all. Okra also contains 6 grams of carbohydrates, 80 micrograms of folate, 3 grams of dietary fiber, and 2 grams of proteins. All of these amazing nutrients can be obtained from just one glass of fresh homemade okra juice.
The versatility of okra allows you to incorporate it into your diet in various forms. You can fry it to create a delicious dish, pickle it for a tangy treat popular in Asian countries, or consume it boiled or stewed. The best part is that you can find okra throughout the year, making it a reliable source of nutrients for your regular consumption.
So, what are some of the health benefits that come along with including okra in your diet? Here are a few:
1. Diabetes Management
Okra contains a type of fiber called “mucilage,” which helps stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestines. This makes it beneficial for individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
2. Respiratory Health
For those suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions, the vitamin C content in okra can contribute to the improvement of lung function and reduce the likelihood of respiratory infections.
3. Heart Health
The dietary fiber found in okra can help lower cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the presence of magnesium in this vegetable is beneficial for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
4. Kidney Disease Prevention
Okra is known for its diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and promote the removal of toxins from the body. This can help prevent kidney diseases and maintain overall kidney health.
How to make okra water
To make okra water, all you need is fresh okra and water.
- Start by washing the okra pods and cutting off the stems.
- Then, slice the okra pods in half or coarsely chop them.
- Place the okra in a jar or a large bowl and cover it with water.
- Refrigerate and let it sit overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- The water will turn slimy, slightly thick, and have a neutral or somewhat earthy taste.
- Once the water has infused with okra and turned into a gel-like substance, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Add lemon juice or honey to the water to add flavor.
- Store the okra water in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to use okra water
You can drink okra water as a refreshing beverage by adding ice cubes, lemon wedges, mint, herbs, or your favorite sweeteners. I like to use 2 parts water to 1 part okra water, and add lemon, mint, and ice.
Okra water can also be used as a base for smoothies, juice blends, or tea infusions. Use okra water in recipes that call for liquid, such as soups, stews, and sauces.
When using okra water in cooking, remember that it has a neutral taste and can thicken liquids due to its natural mucilage. To avoid slimy textures, use okra water in moderation or mix it with other liquids.
Don’t let the stickiness or taste of okra discourage you from reaping its incredible health benefits. With its low-calorie content and abundance of nutrients, okra can be a valuable addition to your diet.
Whether you enjoy it fried, pickled, boiled, or stewed, okra offers a wide range of possibilities for improving your overall wellbeing. So why not give it a try and discover the wonders of this humble vegetable?