Nowadays, people are paying more and more attention to health preservation, especially when it comes to dietary health. The effects of various foods have been thoroughly studied. In recent years, okra has suddenly become a popular dish in the market. It is indeed rich in nutrients, and some even claim that okra can cure various diseases. But does okra really have such miraculous effects? Can you eat okra when you have a cold?
Nutritional Value of Okra
Okra is rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium, potassium, calcium, and other minerals, as well as abundant pectin and mucilage. The tender fruit of okra contains a sticky substance, arabic polysaccharides, rhamnogalacturonan, proteins, calcium oxalate, etc. Regular consumption of okra can aid digestion, increase physical strength, protect the liver, and promote gastrointestinal health.
Therapeutic Effects of Okra
Eye and Skin Care
The vitamin A in okra can effectively protect the retina and prevent cataracts. Vitamin C promotes digestion and beauty, playing a significant role in skin whitening and maintaining skin elasticity.
Anti-cancer and Anemia Prevention
Yellow okra is rich in trace elements such as zinc and selenium, which can enhance the body's ability to prevent and fight against cancer. The abundant iron and calcium elements also have the effect of preventing anemia.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Okra has a high dietary fiber content. Adequate dietary fiber supplementation helps reduce the postprandial increase in blood sugar, lower blood insulin levels, or improve insulin sensitivity. It can also effectively bind with bile acids, lower cholesterol, and promote bowel movements.
Promoting Digestion
The mucilage protein secreted by okra has a protective effect on the gastric mucosa and can promote gastric juice secretion, improve appetite, and alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
Can You Eat Okra When You Have a Cold?
People with a cold can eat okra in moderation. Okra is rich in vitamin C, which can effectively enhance the body's immune system and prevent diseases. The abundant plant flavonoids in okra, combined with various nutritional elements, can promote comprehensive self-regulation of the body, ensure hormonal balance, enhance immunity, fight against aging and fatigue, and accelerate blood circulation.
The Healthiest Way to Eat Okra
Cooked
Okra can be blanched, stir-fried, deep-fried, and stewed. Before consumption, it must be blanched in boiling water for three to five minutes to remove the astringency. Okra is slightly cool in nature. After blanching, it can be dipped in soy sauce mixed with minced garlic and chili powder to balance the coolness. It can also be cooked with curry or other seasonings for a unique flavor.
Raw
Okra can also be eaten raw. After washing okra, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and consumed directly for a refreshing taste. However, it is important to note that like other vegetables, okra contains a relatively high amount of potassium, so it is better to blanch it before eating.
Precautions for Eating Okra
1. In order to maintain the nutritional content and texture of okra, the blanching time should not exceed three minutes for white blanched okra and five minutes for stir-frying.
2. Okra contains a lot of mucilage. Some people tend to remove the mucilage when stir-frying to make the dish more visually appealing. However, this is an incorrect practice. The mucilage of okra is where its essential nutrients are. Washing off the mucilage means washing away the nutrients.
3. Okra is cool in nature. People with weak spleen and stomach, prone to diarrhea or loose stools, should not eat too much.
