GOMBO

Active principles and properties

According to several prospective and epidemiological studies, a high consumption of fruits and vegetables would reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and other chronic diseases. The presence of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables could, in part, explain this protective effect.

Antioxidants.

Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells in the body from damage caused by free radicals. The latter would be involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and other diseases related to aging. In an in vitro study, okra extracts demonstrated some antioxidant potential. Okra contains low amounts of antioxidant compounds, such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and higher amounts of another such compound, quercetin. A 100g serving (about 250ml) of fresh okra provides 11mg of quercetin. For comparison, the onion, which is one of the main sources of quercetin in the diet, contains 13 mg to 20 mg per 100 g.

Dietary fiber.

Dietary fiber is only found in plant products. They include a set of substances that are not digested by the body. They are classified into two main groups: soluble and insoluble fibers. Okra contains a high proportion of soluble fiber, 40% of its total dietary fiber content. In general, soluble fiber is associated with healthier blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as a slowing down of intestinal transit. Dissolved in water, soluble fibers form viscous or gel-like substances. A study carried out at the end of the 1980s demonstrated that these substances, extracted from okra, reduced the blood sugar level of mice. Thanks to its properties, okra is part of the Portfolio diet, a diet recognized for its beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels.

Okra is rich in vitamin A, dietary fiber, zinc, calcium, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and thiamin

It has been discovered that this food, having a high concentration of vitamin “A”, is extremely beneficial in strengthening the heart muscle and thus increasing the secretions of the sexual glands, whether in men or women. A serious alternative to viagra, without the side effects. Okra is used in the composition of various pharmaceutical products. Thus, the mucilage (viscous substance similar to gelatin) of this vegetable is used to make “Nafé paste” and “Nafé syrup”, two pharmaceutical products used as a pectoral against colds and chest ailments.

In the West Indies, okra is attributed the virtue of soothing gastrointestinal disorders due to alcohol abuse. The antispasmodic properties and the magnesium contained in this vegetable would also have a beneficial effect on premenstrual syndrome. Rich in fiber, okra is an ally of digestion and also has a laxative effect mitigated by antispasmodic properties. It fights constipation if eaten regularly in soup, while eaten raw, it treats urinary incontinence. Okra leaves also have virtues.

Thus, crushed in bath water, they tone up and their juice heals irritated skin. In addition to the flowers and prepared in a bain-marie, they relieve blisters on the feet and hands. The herbal tea made with the dry seeds of okra is diuretic, it helps to fight cystitis and dysentery, irritation of the intestines, hypertension, diabetes and fevers.

In case of constipation, cut the green okra into small slippery pieces. Boil them and drink. Adults should drink the resulting liquid in the morning and at noon. The fruit contains a mucilaginous substance useful for thickening soups and stews. In addition, Nutritionist researchers attribute to okra the virtue of lowering cholesterol levels by 30 to 50%.

Okra Health Benefits:

• Okra helps prevent diabetes.

• This is a very good laxative as it helps in healing ulcers, treating irritable bowels, as well as soothing the gastrointestinal tract.

• This is very beneficial for asthma and atherosclerosis.

• It's good for sunburn and summer heat treatment.

• The fiber content present in okra has several beneficial qualities. These qualities help maintain the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Okra is very beneficial for losing weight as it is a wealth of several health benefits, only if it is cooked over low heat. This helps retain health benefits.

• Okra helps spread probiotics. They are similar to bacteria that proliferate is yogurt in the small intestine. Its also helps in the bio synthesis of vitamin B complex.

• The fiber and mucilage present in okra helps maintain sugar levels as well as regulates the absorption of sugars from the small intestine .