What is okra useful for the human body
Many people do not know how okra is useful. In fact, this is a unique plant. It contains a huge number of useful properties. When applied correctly, getting the desired result is easy enough.
Okra: plant composition
The plant is distinguished by unusual flowering and elongated fruits. The pods that appear in place of the buds are used in cooking.
The okra tastes like asparagus.
100 g of okra contains:
- 2 g protein
- 0.1 g fat;
- 3.8 g carbohydrates;
- more than 90 g of water;
- about 6 g of ash.
Also, the fruits are rich in vitamin B6, K, C, A, which is important for the human body. In addition, calcium, potassium and iron are present in the composition.
How is okra useful?
The plant is in incredible demand due to the content of a huge amount of coarse fiber. It is an essential part of a healthy diet.
Useful properties of okra:
- Reducing blood cholesterol levels. As a result of the studies, it has been proven that plant proteins and omegas help eliminate the malfunctioning of metabolic processes. Okra is also a good food for lowering blood sugar.
- Restoring digestion. Dietary fibers, which are part of the plant, absorb all carcinogens, toxins and remove them naturally. Also, the plant is able to prevent constipation and normalizes the work of the digestive tract.
- Favorably affects the child during gestation. Due to the presence of folic acid, the fetal neural tube develops correctly.
- Prevention of the appearance of neoplasms. Okra contains an antioxidant called glutathione. It is he who helps prevent cell mutation. This component also does not allow carcinogens to influence the natural structure of DNA.
- Improves visual acuity. A large amount of vitamin A and other components help neutralize the work of free radicals. The addition of the plant to the diet is a good prophylactic agent for macular retinal degeneration and cataracts.
- Activates vitality. Due to the presence of such components as copper, manganese, potassium, iron, calcium, vitality and muscle tone are increased. Also, the plant helps to normalize the weakened potency.
- Improving the work of the cardiovascular system. Dried and fried vegetables are high in potassium, which is essential for proper heart function. Potassium also helps maintain fluid levels and balances the percentage of sodium in the body. In addition, okra helps to reduce vascular tone, thus restoring the functioning of the circulatory system.
- Improves hair structure. Okra decoctions saturate the hair with all the necessary trace elements. Also, the plant relieves irritation, redness on the skin and relieves acne.
Okra in cooking
Okra is added to salads, various snacks, sauces. Also, the fruits are great for freezing and drying.
For consumption, use only a young ovary, which is no more than 5 days.
Okra goes well with different types of meat.You can also add a vegetable to cheeses, seafood. You should use those pods, the length of which is within 5-10 cm. In old fruits, the pulp becomes fibrous and tough.
The quality of the vegetable can be checked by bending it. It should break easily. Those pods that are bent are unusable.
They cook okra, like asparagus beans... Before you weld it up, you need to remove all hairs from the surface. Then rinse the pods thoroughly under running water.
Do not forget that during the cooking process, the fruits secrete a lot of mucus. For stews and soups, this property of the plant is a godsend. But if you add pods to a salad, then you should initially fry them in an acidic environment. Lemon or tomato juice is a good option.
Since the fruits cook very quickly, they should be added to the dish at the very end. Otherwise, they will lose their shape.
Keep fresh vegetables only in a cold place and no longer than 3 days. This could be a refrigerator or a basement. Okra also perfectly retains its useful qualities when frozen. To do this, it is enough to wash the vegetable and dry it well with a paper towel. Then place in a plastic container or special bag and put in the freezer. In this state, the pods can be kept for several months.
The fruits are also dried. Do this only in a dark, well-ventilated area. Before spreading the pods on a baking sheet, chop them finely. You can also dry whole vegetables, but in this case it is best to use an electric dryer. Keep such blanks in a glass container. A cloth bag works well too. It is best not to use plastic trays and plastic bags.
Okra: contraindications for use
Almost everyone can eat a vegetable. The main thing is not to abuse the fruits of okra. Overeating can lead to stomach upset and vomiting. Therefore, the maximum daily dose should be between 300 and 400 g.
During pregnancy, before using with okra, all hairs must be carefully removed. They can cause an allergic reaction.
Also, do not use okra for food for those who have individual intolerance. This applies to both children and adults.
Okra is not only delicious, but also an incredible healthy vegetable. Properly cooked fruits will become a real decoration for both dining and festive tables.