During the Second World War, coffee was sorely lacking. And this caused the inhabitants of Africa and Asia to use instead of coffee seeds of okra. This phenomenon even got its name. He was called a "fever" okra. Since those times, okra was easy to find from merchants at any time.
Now this vegetable is quite popular with gourmets of many countries and continents, it is loved by many, both the inhabitants of Texas and the people of Timbuktu.
Bamia: useful properties
Fresh pods of this vegetable contain a lot of nutritious elements. They contain a lot of vitamins (B6, C, K, A), there are compounds of calcium, thiamine, iron, folate and potassium. Bamia is popular for the high content of dietary fiber and protein compounds. In general, not okra, but a dream of vegetarians!
The use of okra is quite useful for pregnant women due to the fact that it has a lot of folic acid involved in the formation of the central nervous system in the first months of embryo formation.
The composition of okra contains vegetative mucus and natural fibers that can regulate the blood sugar level in the blood, absorbing it in the small intestine. As a rule, it is recommended to use okra for those who suffer from constant intestinal and gastrointestinal disorders in general. Pods of okra help secondary absorption of the liquid, they help wash out excess cholesterol compounds, metabolic toxins, excess bile. The use of okra helps to prevent bloating and constipation. The okra can cure stomach ulcers. Pods of okra help the development of useful microflora in the intestine. It promotes the proliferation of beneficial bacteria such as probiotics. It also activates the synthesis of vitamin B.
Pods of okra are ideal for those who want to lose weight. And it does not do any harm to health. In 100 grams of pods of this vegetable, only 40 kcal. It is necessary for those who suffer from depressive conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome, it helps to fight with angina, pneumonia. Bamia helps to keep the joints mobile, it is able to reduce asthmatic attacks, since it contains a high concentration of antioxidant elements. There are properties of okra pods that can strengthen the capillary walls, it is an excellent remedy for diets for those who suffer from atherosclerosis.
Scientific research in recent years has confirmed the properties of okra to prevent some forms of cancer, for example, rectal cancer, reduce the risk of diabetes and cataracts.
Thanks to such a wide range of useful abilities of okra, scientists and physicians began to comprehensively investigate this vegetable. To date, many experiments have been successfully performed, for example, on replacing plasma blood connections with active elements of mucous compounds of okra pods.
The okra and beauty
According to historians, pretty well-known beauties in ancient times, such as the Egyptian Cleopatra or the Chinese Yang Guifei, were very fond of okra. By the way, the pods of this vegetable can also be used as cosmetics.
For giving, for example, shine to hair and strengthening of their roots, it is necessary to cut pods in the form of straws, boil until a mucous consistency is obtained. Then the resulting product should be cooled, drip a little lemon juice and use as a balm for the hair.
Extract of okra pods, among other things, can be added to the creams that you use every day. It will help prevent the appearance of unevenness on the skin and pimples.
Bamiya: selection and preparation
Many ladies want to lose extra pounds, especially by the summer. To do this, you just need to include the okra pods in your diet. When choosing it, you need to pay attention to the pods and their appearance. Long they should be 8-10 centimeters, the color should be bright green. On the pods there should be no mold spots and dry impregnations. Keep these vegetables in packs in a cold place for about 3 days. Before you are going to use okra, all the pods must be rinsed under a stream of running water. Stems and its tips need to be removed.
Okra: pay attention!
Large okra pods can have small areas on the skin that can burn. When heat treated, they soften, but in a raw form cause itching. When cutting okra, you should use gloves.
Do not use cast iron and copper utensils when making okra. There may be a chemical reaction that can worsen the type of food cooked. The okra will acquire an unattractive dark brown color.
Bamia contains quite a lot of mucus, so when preparing you need to add a little vinegar or other components of the acid, and tomatoes will also suit. Pods of okra are good fried and salted, deep-fried. Pods of okra can be added to rice dishes, curry, soups. Bamia can be used as an alternative to zucchini even in the preparation of a ratatouille dish, quite refined and beloved by all gourmets. With regard to seasonings, okra is perfectly combined with lemon juice, olive oil, curry powder, thyme, pepper and marjoram.
If you get an okra in supermarkets or in the market, be sure to buy it and eat it, on health!