Okra! Who knew....!!!

On Oct 25, 2010, at 4:13 PM, Noel Vethanayagam wrote:

Subject: Okra! Who knew

Here's something new... 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 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 colorectal 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..

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 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 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.