Okra may send shivers down some peoples spine while other peoples mouths begin to water. People seem to either really enjoy okra or really hate it. There doesn’t seem to be many middle ground. Okra is much more common fair in the southern part of the United States. It is a shame that Okra isn’t as popular in other parts of the United States. It is possible to find okra in the frozen food section of your local market if you are unable to find it fresh.
Eating Okra is very healthy for you, and there are a number of reasons for this. One benefit of eating okra is that it can be used as a demulcent. A demulcint helps mucus membranes by coating the mucus membrane and reducing inflammation and pain. Mucilage is ultimately the demulcint. People who suffer with digestion problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, may benefit from eating okra. Low in calories but high in nutrients, okra is a healthy veggie to add to your diet. Foods that are high in fiber and low in calories are filling and great for people who are trying to loose weight. High fiber is also very good for your digestive tract in general. Okra is rich in B vitamins along with vitamins A and C. Okra is a heart healthy veggie also! It can assist in lowering cholesterol, which makes your heart very happy. When we discuss okra culinarily, it is most often used in gumbos and soups. Okra’s mucilage helps to thicken these culinary delights. Okra can be eaten raw but that is based on preference. Some compare the flavor to eggplant. If you wish to reduce the slime in okra a common recommendation is to fry it. Other options include steaming or boiling. There are a large number of different recipes you can use that include okra. To truly enjoy okra though you should try it with some Cajun cooking!
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