Description

Okra is a flowering plant in the mallow family. It is valued for its edible green seed pods. Many may not be aware of the medicinal value this plant possess but today I’m going explain why Africans love Okra so much. The scientific name for this plant is Abelmoschus esculentus. Okra which is also know as lady fingers or gumbo(Portuguese) is a native of the north-east african region and is cultivated usually in the warm regions. Plant such as herbiscus and cotton also share the same family group with okra. This plant has a very deep nutrition history in Africa as it was first discovered in Ethiopia during the colonial era.

Importance

1. Okra can also be used to in making salads and stew, but in west africa, okra is mainly used to prepare a native delicacy known as Okra soup, its is also called ‘draw soup’ in Nigeria because of the sticky effect it has when cooked. Okra soup is very popular and easy to prepared. This dark green skin plant is cut into tiny pieces when prepared. The edible seed pod help produce a sweet aroma when garnish when various ingredients. Okra contain a high level of protein and its also very rich in fiber.
2. The seed pod in okra are also a good source of vitamin K, which plays a major role in the strengthening on the human bone. Research have shown that okra water and okra also serve various medicinal purposes
3. In East Africa, Okra soup is recommended for people who are watching their weight and also for diabetic patient are mindful of their blood sugar. Okra is recommend for over-weight people because of its ability to lower cholesterol, thereby preventing all kinds of cardiovascular diseases. Also, the fiber quantity it possess helps subdue the feeling of hunger, thereby increasing the chances of weight loss