What can you say about okra? People seem to either really enjoy okra or really hate it.  There doesn’t seem to be many middle ground. Okra is much more common fair in the southern part of the United States. This doesn’t mean that it can’t be enjoyed in all parts of the States. Most stores carry okra in their frozen food section.

Okra is very healthy for you for a number of reasons. Herbalists note okras ability to be a demulcint. A demulcint helps mucus membranes by coating the mucus membrane and reducing inflammation and pain. Mucilage is ultimately the demulcint. People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome may benefit from eating okra.

Low in calories but high in nutrients, okra is a healthy veggie to add to your diet. Foods that are high in fiber and low in calories are filling and great for people who are trying to loose weight. The high fiber in okra also helps keep your digestive track healthy. Okra is rich in B vitamins along with vitamins A and C. Okra is a heart healthy veggie also! Okra can assist in lowering cholesterol when it is eaten regularly.

Culinarily speaking, okra is often used in gumbos and soups. Okra has the unique ability to help thicken soups with its mucilage. Okra can be eaten raw but that is based on preference. Okra has been described as being similar in flavor to eggplant. To reduce the sliminess it is recommended to fry okra. Okra can also be boiled and steamed though this does tend to make it slimy.

You can enjoy okra in a very large number of recipes. Cajun is always a fun way to cook.  Everyone should try this at least once and it very commonly contains okra.