Red Okra has a rounded body and two to five inches in length. The flavor of raw red okra is between eggplant and asparagus. They become green when cooked, although their color fades away.
The fresh flavor is somewhere between eggplant and asparagus, but with a unique taste and texture.
When cooked, however, the red color dissipates and the pods turn green. Raw red okra has a bright hue to it. This has a lot of health benefits that will be tackled in this article. Read on!
Table of Contents
What is red okra?
Okra is a member of the mallow family and is native to Africa and India, but now grows throughout warm regions in Asia and the Americas. The okra plant produces beautiful yellow flowers with five petals and 10 leaves.
Its fruit, commonly called “lady’s fingers,” are green when immature and red when they become ripe at maturity.
Is Red Okra Edible?
Yes, red okra is edible. The red fruit of the plant can be harvested when it’s tender, young, and “pops” back when you gently press on it with your fingertip. If you pull or twist off a whole pod that has yet to ripen, its insides will be white and unappetizing.
The shape of red okra pods makes them particularly easy to handle and prepare.
They simply cut off the ends, slit along one side, open it up and use a knife to scrape out the insides. You can then cook red okra by boiling or frying into many of your favorite dishes and recipes!
Nutritional Benefits Of Red Okra
Red okra has many nutritional benefits that make it an excellent health food. Listed are some benefits of eating red okra:
Antioxidant Benefits
Red okra has several health benefits. The red color of this plant is due to its anthocyanin and phenolic content, which also gives it antioxidant properties. Red okra contains antioxidants, such as capsaicin and alkaloids that protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Red okra contains a compound called ursolic acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. It also decreases the production of pro-inflammatory proteins, such as COX-2 enzymes and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa), which reduces inflammation in the body.
In addition, red okra contains the ingredients apigenin and quercetin, which also have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Anticancer Benefits
Red okra prevents cancer cell growth because it inhibits an enzyme called tyrosine kinase, which is known to cause tumor metastasis in pancreatic tissues in mice. It also contains a substance called nasunin in the fruit’s skin that helps prevent cancerous effects by scavenging free radicals.
Anti-Obesity Benefits
Red okra can promote weight loss because it contains ursolic acid, which increases the breakdown of fat. It has diuretic properties that reduce water retention and bloating caused by excess fluids. Red okra also prevents obesity by preventing triglyceride formation in the liver, which regulates blood glucose levels.
Red Okra Health Benefits For The Skin
Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne can be treated with red okra. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants that promote healthy skin cells. This fruit also contains the essential fatty acid linoleic acid, which helps reduce inflammation of the skin caused by these conditions. In addition, red okra works as a natural anti-aging agent because it contains vitamin C and antioxidants that help promote skin elasticity.
Health Benefits For Bones
Red okra contains high amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which are all essential for healthy bones. This plant is a good source of antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis. It has diuretic properties that prevent excess fluid retention in the body and swelling of the joints.
Red Okra Health Benefits For The Heart
Okra is known to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Red okra is a good source of dietary fiber that lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases HDL (good) cholesterol in the body. It also contains good amounts of antioxidants, such as quercetin that protect the body cells from damage by free radicals.
Red Okra Health Benefits For Digestion
Red okra possesses diuretic properties that help relieve constipation and other digestive problems. This fruit has high water content to prevent dehydration, which can cause intestinal problems. Red okra has high dietary fiber content that promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation.
Red Okra Health Benefits For The Eyes
Okra helps fight macular degeneration and cataracts because it contains zeaxanthin and lutein, which are phytonutrients that protect the eyes from disease-causing free radicals. Consuming red okra can prevent the development of both diseases.
Health Benefits For The Stomach
Okra is excellent for preventing stomach ulcers because it contains antiseptic and antioxidant properties that kill bacteria, which prevents damage to the lining of the stomach. It also protects against ulcer formation by increasing the mucous secretion in gastric tissues. Red okra contains choline, which is an anti-ulcer compound that prevents stomach acid secretion.
Storing Red Okra
Red okra offers a variety of benefits, but it is important to know how to store it. To store fresh red okra, remove the ends and place it in a plastic bag inside your refrigerator. It should last for about 4 to 5 days before it begins to lose its freshness. Frozen red okra can be stored indefinitely in airtight containers or freezer bags.
If you would like to dry red okra, simply slice the pods into thin strips, place them in a single layer on baking sheets and bake for 1 to 2 hours at 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
After removing from the oven, flip over the pods and return to the oven until completely crispy. Store dried okra in an airtight container or jar.
You can also read: How Do You Store Leafy Greens in the Fridge?
Final Thoughts
Red okra is a healthy vegetable that contains many antioxidants and nutrients that promote good health. This article discusses some of the benefits of red okra including its ability to fight heart disease, eye problems, digestive issues, arthritis, obesity, and skin problems such as acne.
It is important to note that this article does not cover all of the possible red okra benefits.
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