Okra

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) , also known as Abelmoschus bammia, is scientifically classified as Kingdom: Plantae (unranked): Angiosperms (unranked): Eudicots (unranked): Rosids Order: Malvales Family: Malvaceae Genus: Abelmoschus Species: A. esculentus.

Okra belongs to the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton. The term “okra” most commonly refers to the edible seedpods of the plant. Okra, also known as “lady’s fingers” and “gumbo,” is a green flowering plant. Okra belongs to the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton. The term “okra” most commonly refers to the edible seedpods of the plant.

Health Benefits

Okra has long been favored as a food for the health-conscious. It contains potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium. It’s low in calories and has a high dietary fiber content. Recently, a new benefit of including okra in your diet is being considered. Okra has been suggested to help manage blood sugar in cases of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Okra is low-calorie. A 100-gram serving of okra contains only 30 calories and zero saturated fats and cholesterol. It is, however, high in soluble and insoluble fiber. The fiber in okra has been linked to several benefits, such as optimal digestive function, low cholesterol levels, reduced heart disease risk, and weight management. Because fibrous foods are more challenging to digest, you’ll feel more satiated when you eat them. At the same time, okra is actually packed with nutrients. One of the key nutrients of this green crop is vitamin C – about 36 percent of the daily recommended amount. Increasing your intake of vitamin C-rich foods can help support your immune function, prevent free radical damage, and may help regulate blood pressure.

Nutrient Facts

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy		138kj
Dietary fiber		3.2g
Carbohydrates		7.45g
Sugars		1.48g
Fat		0.19g
Protein		1.9g
Minerals
Calcium	8%	82mg
Copper	0%	0mg
Iron	5%	0.62mg
Magnesium	16%	57mg
Manganese	0%	0mg
Phosphorus	9%	61mg
Potassium	6%	299mg
Sodium	0%	7mg
Zinc	6%	0.58mg

Vitamins
Vitamin A IU	%	716mg
Vitamin A equivalent	5%	36mg
Beta-Carotene	0%	0mg
B1 - Thiamine	17%	0.2mg
B2 - Riboflavin	5%	0.06mg
B3 - Niacin	7%	1mg
B5 - Pantothenic acid	0%	0mg
B6 - Vitamin	0%	0mg
B9 - Folate	15%	60mg
Vitamin C	28%	23mg
Vitamin E	2%	0.27mg
Vitamin K	30%	31.3mg
Choline	0%	0mg
Betaine		0mg