John Myers
In this post you will learn what okra is and what makes it so healthy. Okra is also known as marshmallow and originally comes from Africa. The taste of the pepperoni-like pods is reminiscent of green beans.
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Okra – that’s why it is so healthy
Eaten raw, okra is a healthy snack and also makes a great salad topping. Steamed or fried, they go well with curry and vegetable pans, as well as with hearty meat and fish dishes.
- What makes the green pods so healthy is their nutritional value: 100 g okra contains only about 20 kcal, of which 0 g fat, 5 g fiber and 2 g each of carbohydrates and proteins.
- However, the micronutrients are also exciting. 100 g of the pods contain 36 mg vitamin C, 38 mg magnesium, 69 mg calcium, 199 mg potassium, 75 mg phosphorus and 394 μg beta-carotene.
- With 100 g of the pods you cover about a third of your daily vitamin C requirement. Okra thus contributes to a healthy immune function.
- Like the beta-carotene it contains, vitamin C has an antioxidant effect. Beta-carotene is also important for skin and eye health.
This is how okra affects the body
The macro and micronutrient content of okra leaves nothing to be desired. Their low calorie content makes green pods a popular part of weight-loss diets.
- Whether as a crunchy snack or a vegetable side dish – if you want to lose weight and are looking for a change in your diet, it is worth trying okra.
- Okra is not only considered a slimming vegetable, it also has a digestive effect. The reason for this is the high fiber content of okra.
- The mucilage it contains also help to maintain a healthy intestinal flora and alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, as a study published in 2014 showed.
- However, you should not eat the green vegetables in excess. This is because okra contains small amounts of oxalic acid, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
