Me thinks you should start eating Okra or otherwise known as
Ladyfinger
Something from an email my dad sent me:
A guy has been suffering from constipation for the past 20 years
and recently from acid reflux. He didn't realize that the treatment
could be so simple OKRA! He started eating okra within the last 2
months and since then have never taken medication again. All he did
was consume 6 pieces of OKRA everyday. He's now regular and his
blood sugar has dropped from 135 to 98, with his cholesterol and
acid reflux also under control.
Here are some facts on okra (from the research of Ms. Sylvia Zook,
PH.D (nutrition), University of Illinois . "Okra is a powerhouse of
valuable nutrients, nearly half of which is soluble fiber in the
form of gums and pectins. Soluble fiber helps to lower serum
cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. The other half is
insoluble fiber which helps to keep the intestinal tract healthy,
decreasing the risk of some forms of cancer, especially colo-rectal
cancer.
Nearly 10% of the recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid
is also present in a half cup of cooked okra. Okra is a rich source
of many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin B6 and folic acid. He
got the following numbers from the University of Illinois
Extension Okra Page. Please check there for more details.
Okra Nutrition (half-cup cooked okra)
Calories = 25
Dietary Fiber = 2 grams
Protein = 1.5 grams
Carbohydrates = 5.8 grams
Vitamin A = 460 IU
Vitamin C = 13 mg
Folic acid = 36.5 micrograms
Calcium = 50 mg
Iron = 0.4 mg
Potassium = 256 mg
Magnesium = 46 mg
These numbers should be used as a guideline only, and if you are on
a medically-restricted diet please consult your physician and/or
dietician.
Ms Sylvia W. Zook, Ph.D. (nutritionist) has very kindly provided
the following thought-provoking comments on the many benefits of
this versatile vegetable. They are well worth reading.
1. The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize blood sugar
as it curbs the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal
tract.
2. Okra's mucilage not only binds cholesterol but bile acid
carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. But it
doesn't stop there...
3. Many alternative health practitioners believe all disease begins
in the colon. The okra fiber, absorbing water and ensuring bulk in
stools, helps prevent constipation. Fiber in general is helpful for
this but okra is one of the best, along with ground flax seed and
psyllium. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the
intestinal tract, okra's mucilage soothes and okra facilitates
elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic many
people abhor. In other words, this incredibly valuable vegetable
not only binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids) which
cause numerous health problems, if not evacuated, but also assures
their easy passage from the the body. The veggie is completely
non-toxic, non-habit forming (except for the many who greatly enjoy
eating it), has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and
is economically within reach of most.
4. Further contributing to the health of the intestinal tract, okra
fiber (as well as flax and psyllium) has no equal among fibers for
feeding the good bacteria (probiotics).
5. To retain most of okra's nutrients and self-digesting enzymes,
it should be cooked as little as possible, e.g. with low heat or
lightly steamed. Some eat it raw.
