In our household, lady’s fingers or Okra is another staple green that we place on the dining table. Okra is inexpensive and it is a nutritional powerhouse used throughout history for both medicinal and culinary purpose

Like the kiwi fruit (okra actually shares many kiwi fruit benefits), okra is known for its high vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate content,(although not quite as high as kiwi). Additionally, Okra is known for harnessing a superior fiber content, which helps with digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and helps to control the rate at which sugar is absorbed.

Health Benefits of Okra:
Preventing diabetes
Promoting colon health and preventing colon cancer
Boosting digestive health
Weight management
Promoting a healthy pregnancy
Maintaining healthy skin
Protecting against free radical damage
Relief from respiratory issues like asthma, cough, or trouble breathing
Promoting eye health
Boosting mood
Constipation

Okra can be cooked in many interesting ways. On busy lazy days, one can simply blanch the Okra in a pot of boiling water with a little oil and salt. They taste great when eaten on its own like this.  My kids have no issues eating them this way, except for Cass who always insists that her Okra is dipped with a little Japanese sesame salad dressing. Sometimes I drizzle  a little garlic oil with soy sauce on the blanched Okra.  Okra tastes great when cooked in curries or stir-fried with sambal belacan.  You can create your own cooking styles with Okra, in a whatever way that you and your family fancy 🙂