Despite being a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can provide numerous health benefits, people often overlook okra leaves. Okra crop, known for its slimy texture and numerous health benefits, is a popular vegetable. However, people often disregard the leaves and are only familiar with the edible pods of okra.
Okra leaves are rich in a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron. They are also a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants. One cup (85 grams) of chopped okra leaves contains 33 calories, 2.5 grams of protein, 0.5 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fiber, as well as 66% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin A, 30% of the DV of vitamin C, 10% of the DV of calcium, 8% of the DV of potassium, and 6% of the DV of iron.
5 Nutritional value of okra leaves
The nutritional value of okra leaves makes them an excellent addition to any diet. Not only do they provide essential vitamins and minerals, but they also offer a range of health benefits.
- Okra leaves support a healthy immune system as they are rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals and harmful toxins. Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production, which is important for maintaining healthy skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.
- Okra leaves are important for maintaining healthy digestion. They are a good source of dietary fiber which helps regulate bowel movements and can prevent constipation. Additionally, the fiber in okra leaves helps feed beneficial gut bacteria, which plays a vital role in maintaining overall gut health.
- Okra leaves are essential for bone health. They are a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a role in muscle function and nerve transmission.
- Okra leaves help regulate blood pressure as they are a good source of potassium. Potassium helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body, which can help prevent hypertension.
- Okra leaves help prevent anemia. They are a good source of iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
To incorporate okra leaves into your diet, you can eat them raw in salads or cook them in soups, stews, and curries. Additionally, okra leaves can be used to make tea, which is a popular remedy for sore throats and coughs.
In conclusion, okra leaves are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that provides numerous health benefits. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system, promote healthy digestion, support strong bones, regulate blood pressure, and prevent anemia. So, start incorporating okra leaves into your diet to reap the benefits of this underrated superfood.
