Okra, also known as lady’s fingers or gumbo, is a popular vegetable native to West Africa. It is a member of the mallow family and is related to hibiscus and cotton. Okra has a long, green, tapered shape and is often used in soups and stews, as well as in dishes like okra fries and okra pickles.

But beyond its versatility in the kitchen, okra is also a nutritious food that can provide a range of health benefits. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the nutritional value of okra and whether or not it is a healthy choice for you.

Okra is a good source of a number of important nutrients, including:

• Fiber: Okra is a good source of fiber, with a single cup of cooked okra providing around 4 grams of fiber. This can help to keep the digestive system functioning properly and may also help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Vitamin C: Okra is a rich source of vitamin C, with a single cup providing around 20% of the daily recommended intake. Vitamin C is an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy immune system and for protecting the body against oxidative stress and free radicals.
• Vitamin K: Okra is also a good source of vitamin K, with a single cup providing around 36% of the daily recommended intake. Vitamin K is important for maintaining healthy bones and may also play a role in blood clotting.
• Folate: Okra is a good source of folate, with a single cup providing around 20% of the daily recommended intake. Folate is important for the proper development of the neural tube in unborn babies and may also help to reduce the risk of certain birth defects.
• Manganese: Okra is a good source of manganese, with a single cup providing around 15% of the daily recommended intake. Manganese is an essential mineral that plays a role in bone development and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol.
• Potassium: Okra is also a good source of potassium, with a single cup providing around 15% of the daily recommended intake. Potassium is an important mineral that helps to regulate heart function and may also help to lower blood pressure.

Is Okra Healthy for You?

Okra is a nutritious food that can provide a range of health benefits. Some of the potential benefits of including okra in your diet include:

• Improved digestion: Okra’s high fiber content may help to keep the digestive system functioning properly and may help to reduce constipation.
• Lower cholesterol levels: The fiber in okra may also help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Improved immune function: The vitamin C in okra may help to boost the immune system and protect the body against oxidative stress and free radicals.
• Stronger bones: The vitamin K in okra may help to maintain healthy bones and may also play a role in blood clotting.
• Reduced risk of birth defects: The folate in okra may help to reduce the risk of certain birth defects and is important for the proper development of the neural tube in unborn babies.
• Improved metabolism: The manganese in okra may help to support the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol.
• Lower blood pressure: The potassium in okra may help to regulate heart function and may also help to lower blood pressure.

Okra is also a low-calorie food, with a single cup of cooked okra containing only around 40 calories.