Useful properties of okra valuable vegetable crop, which belongs to the family Malvaceae. At present we do not know anything about the country of origin of this plant, but it is widespread in Africa, North America, India and the tropics. Some botanists believe that his homeland is West Africa, India and others. This is related to the fact that in these regions grow a wide variety varieties and types of okra. Vegetables are found in Europe, but was imported by the Arabs.

Okra is an annual herbaceous plant. Height it can reach 40 cm., But occasionally up to 2 meters. Okra is quite thick and branched stem. Nutritional value of 100 g okra. Proteins – 2 grams; Fat – 0.1 g; Carbohydrates – 3.8 g; Mineral salts – 0.7 g; Water – 90.1 g; Energy value – 31 kcal; Okra is considered a low-calorie food as 100 grams it contains approximately 31 calories, because the people who are on a weight loss diet can consume this vegetable without restrictions. Is it useful  okra?

Called okra vegetarian’s dream because it contains large amounts of nutrients – iron, protein, fiber, vitamins C, B6, K, A, calcium and potassium. Doctors recommend pregnant women consume a lot of okra, due to high concentrations of this vegetable folic acid. With the help of this vitamin / B9 / form the neural tube of the embryo in the first weeks of pregnancy.

This vegetable regulate blood sugar levels, as ballast substances therein delaying absorption of glucose in the digestion of food. People with different disorders of digestion is advisable to emphasize the dishes incorporating okra. The use of this vegetable is an excellent way to lose weight as not harmful to health. Okra is a wonderful tool for the prevention of diseases such as angina, depression and chronic fatigue. Okra  can even reduce asthma attacks.

This vegetable is particularly suitable for the diet of people suffering from atherosclerosis. Furthermore, it has the ability to strengthen the walls of the capillaries. Okra helps remove excess cholesterol and toxic substances from the body. Prevents the formation of gas, constipation, and also is particularly useful in treatment of gastric ulcers. On okra are scientific research, of which it was found that the vegetables can prevent the occurrence of colon cancer.

It is also found that, in its regular consumption of significantly reduced the risk of diabetes and cataract. Okra solves all problems with potency. Doctors often recommend the consumption of this vegetable to people who have undergone surgery. Contraindications. Okra is recommended for all people with the only exception of the cases of individual intolerance.

However, in the preparation of this vegetable, care must be taken, as sometimes in larger pods of okra is possible to have areas which may cause uncomfortable skin irritation. This effect is counteracted by a slight heat treatment, but this vegetable is recommended to be handled with gloves on. Also before the heat treatment of okra should remove hairs from its surface as it is possible to cause an allergic reaction in some people.