>>
>>A guy has been suffering from constipation for the past 20 years
>>and
>>recently from acid reflux. He didn't realize that the
>>treatmentcould be
>>so simple -- OKRA! (or Lady's Finger). He started eating okra
>>within the
>>last 2 months and since then have never taken medication again. All
>>he
>>did was consume 6 pieces of OKRA everyday.
>>He's now regular and his blood sugar has dropped from 135 to 98,
>>with
>>his cholesterol and acid reflux also under control. Here are some
>>facts
>>on okra (from the research of Ms. Sylvia Zook, PH.D nutrition),
>>University of Illinois.
>>
>>"Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients, nearly half of which
>>is
>>soluble fiber in the form of gums and pectins. Soluble fiber helps
>>to
>>lower serum cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. The
>>other
>>half is insoluble fiber which helps to keep the intestinal tract
>>healthy,decreasing the risk of some forms of cancer, especially
>>colo-rectal cancer.
>>
>>Nearly 10% of the recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid
>>is
>>also present in a half cup of cooked okra. Okra is a rich source of
>>many
>>nutrients, including fiber, vitamin B6 and folic acid. He got the
>>following numbers from the University of Illinois Extension Okra
>>Page
>>Please check there for more details. Okra Nutrition (half-cup
>>cooked
>>okra)
>>* Calories = 25
>>* Dietary Fiber = 2 grams
>>* Protein = 1.5 grams
>>* Carbohydrates = 5.8 grams
>>* Vitamin A = 460 IU
>>* Vitamin C = 13 mg
>>* Folic acid = 36.5 micrograms
>>* Calcium = 50 mg
>>* Iron = 0.4 mg
>>* Potassium = 256 mg
>>* Magnesium = 46 mg
>>
>>These numbers should be used as a guideline only, and if you are on
>>a
>>medically-restricted diet please consult your physician and/or
>>dietician. Ms Sylvia W. Zook, Ph.D. (nutritionist) has very kindly
>>provided the following thought-provoking comments on the many
>>benefits
>>of this versatile vegetable They are well worth reading
>>
>>1. The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize blood sugar
>>as it
>>curbs the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal
>>tract.
>>
>>2. Okra's mucilage not only binds cholesterol but bile acid
>>carrying
>>toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. But it doesn't stop
>>there...
>>
>>3. Many alternative health practitioners believe all diseases begin
>>in
>>the colon. The okra fiber, absorbing water and ensuring bulk in
>>stools,
>>helps prevent constipation. Fiber in general is helpful for this
>>but
>>okra is one of the best,
>>along with ground flax seed and psyllium. Unlike harsh wheat bran,
>>which
>>can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage
>>soothes,
>>and okra facilitates elimination more comfortably by its slippery
>>characteristic many people abhor. In
>>other words,this incredibly valuable vegetable not only binds
>>excess
>>cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids) which cause numerous health
>>problems, if not evacuated, but also assures their easy passage
>>from the
>>the body. The veggie is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming
>>(except
>>for the many who greatly enjoy eating it), has no adverse side
>>effects,
>>is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most.
>>
>>4. Further contributing to the health of the intestinal tract, okra
>>fiber(as well as flax and psyllium) has no equal among fibers for
>>feeding the good bacteria (probiotics).
>>
>>5. To retain most of okra's nutrients and self-digesting enzymes,
>>it
>>should be cooked as little as possible, e.g. with low heat or
>>lightly
>>steamed. Some eat it raw.
>>
>>Some important benefits of consuming okra:
>>Stabilises blood sugar level.
>>Lowers serum cholesterol level.
>>Prevents constipation.
>>Keeps intestinal tract healthy.
>>Feeds good bacteria residing in us all.
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