Great Hair, Weight Loss With Okra

By Ruth Mercado (The Freeman) Updated July 25, 2011 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines - There is a practical way to have great hair, weight loss and low-calorie meal without having to go to the parlor, gym or restaurant. Have all these with okra.

Also known as lady finger, the green edible pod vegetable is usually grown in tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. This pod with its slimy fibers isn’t exactly popular for its benefits especially for hair and weight loss. It is said that one of the unique health benefits of okra is that it can add bounce and volume to the hair. All that one has to do is slice the okra horizontally, boil these, add drops of lemon, then let it cool. Before applying the mixture, wash the hair thoroughly first, apply the mixture all over the hair then rinse with water. Much like running lady’s fingers through the hair, so will the shine and volume be with okra.

Because okra is less on calories and does not contain cholesterol or saturated fat, okra is great for those who are on weight-loss diets. One half cup of okra contains 25 calories and has the recommended amount of fiber.

Okra’s high fiber content reduces constipation and facilitates the smooth elimination of wastes from the body without causing injury to the intestinal tract. Its slimy nature washes out the toxins in bile thrown into the intestines by the liver and flushes out excess cholesterol. This cleansing asset prevents health problems related to toxicity and obesity. With its good fiber content, okra feeds the good bacteria or probiotics adding good health to the intestinal tract while regulating body absorption rate in the small intestines.

The mucilage of okra or the thick, gluey substance that the plant produces helps maintain blood sugar levels. Okra’s soluble fiber helps to lower serum cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease. While the insoluble fiber of okra helps to keep the intestinal tract in good shape, decreasing risks of colon cancer.

Botanists believe okra was grown thousands of years ago in Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan. The plant spread to India, Arabia and Europe and became an ingredient for local cuisines, including in Cebu kitchens.

In addition to its high fiber content, okra contains vitamin A required for healthy mucus membranes for skin and vision. It is rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, xanthin and lutein that helps in the protection against lung and oral cavity cancers. Its rich vitamin C content helps in developing immunities and protects against infections like attacks from common cold and flu.

Because it also contains large amounts of calcium, zinc, riboflavin, folic acid, and iron, okra helps in clotting of blood and strengthening of bones.

As old as the plant is, the seeds of ripe okra pods are used instead of coffee. Studies have revealed that African slaves in 1800s used ripe okra seeds grounded to powder as a coffee substitute.

It escapes reason why many people are so fond of buying expensive vitamin supplements and hair products when these can have chemical side effects on the body. It escapes reason why many people like to dine in restaurants and fastfood with cholesterol-laden cuisines when these are downright unhealthy. Nothing compares to the rich simplicity of the lowly okra for hair care, skin care and well-being right in Cebuano homes.