> >Subject: Okra - BHINDA
> 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 Ms. Sylvia Zook, PH.D
> (nutrition), University of Illinois.
>
> "Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients, nearly half of which is
> soluble 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 colo-rectal
> cancer. Nearly 10% of the recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid
> is also present in a half cup of cooked okra.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
> * Vita! min 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.
> Ms Sylvia W. Zook, Ph.D. (nutritionist) has very kindly provided the
> following thought-provoking comments on the many benefits of this
> versatile vegetable. They are well worth reading.
>
> 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 the body. The veggie is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming
> (except for the many that 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 intestinal 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! ,
> should be cooked as little as possible, e.g. with low heat or lightly
> steamed. Some eat it raw.
>
