OKRA

OKRA

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 has 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-restricte d 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, 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