Okra Soup! You heard it right. It is the lovely fusion of Fish, Prawns, Meats, Red oil, Okra. It is known and appreciated round the world. It is normally served with any African Swallows.
Swallows are a category of dough-like African and Indian staple food made of cooked starchy vegetables and/or grains. Fufu of Western Africa, ugali and nsima of Eastern Africa, and sadza of Southern Africa are examples of swallows.
Okra Vegetables is in abundance at this time of the year, making it affordable for everyone.
Health Benefits
Okra is rich in fibre, vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants like quercetin and catechins.
Okra is low in calories but packed full of nutrients. The vitamin C in okra helps support healthy immune function. Okra is also rich in vitamin K, which helps your body clot blood. Some of the other health benefits of okra include:
Fight Cancer
Antioxidants are natural compounds that help your body fight off molecules called free radicals that can damage cells. Free radicals are most well known for causing oxidation damage, which can eventually lead to cancer.
Okra contains antioxidants called polyphenols, including vitamins A and C. It also contains a protein called lectin which may inhibit cancer cell growth in humans. Studies using concentrated compounds from okra showed they inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells by up to 63%. Further research is needed for definitive proof of okra’s cancer-blocking properties.
Support Heart and Brain Health
Polyphenols decrease your risk of heart problems and stroke by preventing blood clots and reducing free radical damage. The antioxidants in okra may also benefit your brain by reducing brain inflammation.
Mucilage—a thick, gel-like substance found in okra—can bind with cholesterol during digestion so it is passed from the body. An eight-week study conducted on mice showed lower blood cholesterol levels after they were fed a high-fat diet containing okra powder.
Control Blood Sugar
Various studies have shown okra may help control blood sugar levels. Researchers believe okra may help prevent sugar from being absorbed during digestion.
Nutrition
Okra is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
Okra is also a good source of:
Magnesium. Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6
