For The Love....and Hate of Okra

 

You gotta love it when you find one of your favorite vegetables or fruits in season!  Vibrant colors, abundant supplies, and low prices! (#winning). So when I saw this okra the other day, I thought I'd post about how I use to absolutely HATE it.  As we were all once forced to eat something we loathed, okra was #1 on my list. It's tough texture and slimy interior....ugh...why would anyone be subjected to such an abominable food?! 

I laugh now because I absolutely love the flavor. 

When okra is steamed just right, it has a sweet, 

savory flavor that keeps me going back for more.

Of course it has many wonderful benefits which you know I have to share:

Good Source of Folate

Folate is a B vitamin your body needs to help produce and maintain new cells. It is especially important during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and infancy. Women of childbearing age need adequate intakes of folate to prevent neural tube defects in their children. A 1/2-cup serving of cooked okra contains 37 mcg of folate, meeting 10 percent of your daily value.*

Low In Calories

Okra is a low-energy-density food, which means it has a low-calorie content for its serving size. A 1/2-cup serving of boiled okra contains just 18 calories. Eating okra can help fill you up without costing you too many calories, making it easier for you to stay within your daily calorie budget for weight management.*

Good Source of Fiber

Okra is a good source of fiber, with 2 g in a 1/2-cup serving, meeting 8 percent of your daily value for fiber. Fiber in food also helps with weight management by slowing digestion and aiding in hunger management. Including more fiber in your diet can lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. In addition, a high-fiber diet can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.*

 

Good Source of Calcium

Including okra in your diet can also help you meet your calcium needs. A 1/2-cup serving of cooked okra contains 62 mg of calcium, meeting 6 percent of your daily value. Ninety-nine percent of the calcium in your body is found in your bones and teeth, where it supports structure and function. The other 1 percent is found in your blood, where it assists with muscle function and nerve transmission. Calcium in the blood is also necessary for the contraction and dilation of your blood vessels.*

 

Good Source of Potassium

A 1/2-cup serving of okra contains 108 mg of potassium. Including more natural sources of potassium in your diet can help you control your blood pressure by blunting the effects of sodium. The American Heart Association recommends you aim for 4,700 mg of potassium a day for heart health. Eating okra can help you meet your needs.*

*See Source below

 

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/443176-how-healthy-is-okra/#ixzz2b26KnJm0