Okra Can be Good

Mind is All

What can you say about okra? People either love it, or hate it and there doesn’t seem to be much middle ground on this. Okra is a common staple in the southern parts of the United States. It is a shame that Okra isn't as popular in other parts of the United States. You can usually find okra in your local market in the froze food section.

Eating Okra is very healthy for you, and there are a number of reasons for this. One of the things okra is noted for is its ability to be a demulcint. This is a compound that can coat and ultimately sooth inflammation and pain of membranes. Mucilage is ultimately the demulcint. Herbalists believe that this can assist people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or suffer from irregularity with their intestines.

Okra is low in calories but packs a lot of nutrients in making it an extremely healthy veggie to add to your diet. Low calorie count and high fiber make this ideal for people who are trying to loose weight. Okra is also high in fiber, which also helps in digestion and keeping your digestive tract healthy. Okra also is high in a number of vitamins such as B, A, and C. This is a very heart healthy veggie. When eaten regularly, okra can assist in lowering cholesterol.

When we discuss okra culinarily, it is most often used in gumbos and soups. Okra's mucilage helps to thicken these culinary delights. Some people do enjoy eating okra raw such as on salads.  This is up to personal opinion. The flavor of okra has been compared to eggplant. To reduce the sliminess it is recommended to fry okra. Other options include steaming or boiling.

There are tons of recipes you can try to enjoy okra. Cajun cooking is a great example of a type of cooking that includes okra.