The natural magic of Okro

 Botanical name: Hibiscus Esculentus

Common name: Lady’s finger, gombo, Okro, Okra, Ochro

Local names: Yoruba, Ila; Hausa, Kubewa; Igbo, Olewele

Description/Distribution:

Originally from Ethiopia but cultivation has extended to hotter regions of the world. Valued in the Middle East, India, Thailand, East Africa, West Africa especially Nigeria. A very good garden vegetable and an annual herbaceous plant of the family of Malvaceae, reaches a height of two meters. Fruit is green or yellowish, covered by fine hair-like structures. There are three types of okro that is tall-green, dwarf and Lady Finger. 

Composition/Constituents:

Protein content 2%, Provitamin A (66 µg/100g), B group especially B1 0.2mg/100g, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Calcium (81mg/100g), Magnesium (57mg/100g), Iron (0.8mg/100g), Soluble mucilage fibre.

Medicinal/Health Benefits:

Stomach ulcer, because of its soothing effects. Similar in benefits to kiwi fruit, and helps digestion, stabilizes blood sugar. The mucilage is used hot in throat infections and bronchitis. Promotes healthy pregnancy due to its vitamin B, folate and vitamin C. Prevents diabetes due to fibre and other nutrients. Helps in kidney disease and supports healthy colon – due to dietary fibre, which cleans out gastrointestinal system. Maintains healthy mucous membrane due to vitamin A and may reduce wheezing in Asthmatic patients due to vitamin C. Promotes healthy skin, protects against free radical damage, promotes healthy vision and is suitable for constipation patients. Its soluble fibre lowers cholesterol and its phytochemicals have antioxidant effects.

Health Tips

Use in soups, stews. Soup of blended mucilage is effective in chronic dysentery. Can be boiled in salted water until tender, then drained and sieved, buttered with some lemon juice. Sliced raw okro is good in salads.