{"id":14382,"date":"2021-08-22T19:26:29","date_gmt":"2021-08-22T12:26:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/illume-emag.com\/?p=14382"},"modified":"2021-09-11T17:41:51","modified_gmt":"2021-09-11T10:41:51","slug":"what-are-some-surprising-okra-health-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lavyon.com\/en\/what-are-some-surprising-okra-health-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"What are some surprising okra health benefits?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"What
What are some surprising okra health benefits? – Photo by Elianna Friedman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Okra has a bad reputation due to its slimy texture when cut or cooked, but it is packed with nutrients like antioxidants and fiber. With the right techniques, okra can be tasty and goo-free. Learn about okra’s health benefits, nutrition, and how to eat it.<\/p>\n

What Is Okra?<\/h2>\n

Okra, though commonly prepared as a vegetable (boiled, roasted, or fried), is actually an African fruit. It thrives in hot, humid climates, including the southern US, where it “ends up in a lot of southern dishes,” says Andrea Mathis, M.A., R.D.N., L.D., founder of Beautiful Eats & Things. Okra pods (including stems and seeds) are edible. If you have a whole okra plant (like in a garden), you can eat the leaves, flowers, and flower buds as greens.<\/p>\n

Nutritional Value of Okra<\/h2>\n

According to a Molecules article, okra is loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, riboflavin, folic acid, calcium, and potassium. When okra is cut and cooked, it releases a thick, slimy liquid. According to Grace Clark-Hibbs, M.D.A., R.D.N., founder of Nutrition with Grace, the goo is high in fiber. Okra’s nutritional benefits include digestive support, blood sugar management, and heart health.<\/p>\n

According to the USDA, 1 cup (160 grams) of cooked okra contains the following nutrients:<\/p>\n