The benefits of Okra

The Benefits of OKRA
>
> 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 have 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 fiber in
> the form 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.
>
> Okra is a rich source of many nutrients, including
> fiber, vitamin B6 and folic acid. 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 who 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, it should be cooked as little as possible,
> e.g. with low heat or lightly steamed. Some eat it
> raw.

bro robin tnkx for the sharing about okra starting from now i always eat okra.......