According to the Natural Society (2013) article, Ohro “Also referred to as lady’s finger and gumbo, is a nutritional powerhouse used throughout history for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Once loved by the Egyptians and still used in many dishes today (such as the infamous gumbo dish), this pod-producing, tropical vegetable dates back over 3500 years ago. But still today, many are enjoying both okra health benefits and the vegetable’s edible delight.”
Ochro has a number of vitamins, minerals and nutrients:
Each figure is based on 1 cup (100g) of okra.
- Fiber – 2.5 grams. 10% of RDA (recommended daily value)
- Vitamin C – 16.3 milligrams. 27% RDA.
- Folate – 46 micrograms. 11% RDA.
- Vitamin A – 283 international units. 6% RDA.
- Vitamin K – 40 micrograms. 50% RDA. The vitamin K found in okra is known as vitamin K1, one of two beneficial forms. The other beneficial form is K2; K3 is synthetic and should be avoided.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) – 0.9 mg. 4% RDA.
- Thiamin (Vitamin B1) – 0.1 mg. 9% RDA.
- Vitamin B6 – 0.2 mg. 9% RDA.
- Magnesium – 36 mg. 9% RDA.
- Manganese – 0.3 mg. 15% RDA.
- Beta carotene – 225 mcg.
- Lutein, Zeaxanthin – 516 mcg.
Health Benefits
- Preventing diabetes
- Promoting colon health and preventing colon cancer
- Boosting digestive health
- Weight management
- Promoting a healthy pregnancy
- Maintaining healthy skin
- Protecting against free radical damage
- Relief from respiratory issues like asthma, cough, or trouble breathing
- Promoting eye health
- Boosting mood
- Constipation
How to Cook Ochro
Ochro is a popular vegetable in Guyana, we believe there is no need to tell you how to cook it, but if you need to know then look at the video below.
References
- Natural Society (2013), viewed on August 2016, http://naturalsociety.com/6-okra-health-benefits-growing-cooking/
- http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/okra.html
- http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-okra/
- Video Credit: Chris (CaribbeanPot)
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