thanks, Isa

Good read on “ökra”,Mila. Thanks for sharing!

—– Original Message —–

Here’s something new… for those suffering with constipation

A guy has been suffering from constipation for the past 20 years and
recently from acid reflux. He didn’t realize that the treatment could be
so simple — OKRA! He started eating okra within the last 2 months and
since then have never taken medication again. All he did was consume 6
pieces of OKRA everyday. He’s now regular and his blood sugar has dropped
from 135 to 98, with his cholesterol and acid reflux also under control.

University of Illinois

“Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients, nearly half of which is soluble fiber in the form of gums and pectins. Soluble fiber helps tolower serum cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. The other
half is insoluble fiber which helps to keep the intestinal tract healthy,
decreasing the risk of some forms of cancer, especially colo-rectal
cancer. Nearly 10% of the recommended levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid
is also present in a half cup of cooked okra.

Okra is a rich source of many nutrients, including fiber, vitamin B6 and
folic acid. He got the following numbers from the University of
Illinois Extension Okra Page. Please check there for more details.

Okra Nutrition (half-cup cooked okra)
* Calories = 25
* Dietary Fiber = 2 grams
* Protein = 1.5 grams
* Carbohydrates = 5.8 grams
* Vita! min A = 460 IU
* Vitamin C = 13 mg
* Folic acid = 36.5 micrograms
* Calcium = 50 mg
* Iron = 0.4 mg
* Potassium = 256 mg
* Magnesium = 46 mg

These numbers should be used as a guideline only, and if you are on a
medically-restricted diet please consult your physician and/or dietician. Ms Sylvia W. Zook, Ph.D.(nutritionist) has very kindly provided the following thought-provoking comments on the many benefits of this versatile vegetable. They are well worth reading.

1. The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize blood sugar as it
curbs the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.

2. Okra’s mucilage not only binds cholesterol but bile acid carrying
toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. But it doesn’t stop there…

3. Many alternative health practitioners believe all disease begins in the
colon. The okra fiber, absorbing water and ensuring bulk in stools, helps prevent constipation.

Fiber in general is helpful for this but okra is one of the best, along with ground flax seed and psyllium. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra’s mucilage soothes, and okra
facilitates elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic many people abhor. In other words, this incredibly valuable vegetable not only binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids) which cause numerous health problems, if not evacuated, but also assures their easy passage from the the body.

The veggie is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming (except for the many
who greatly enjoy eating it), has no adverse side effects, is full of
nutrients, and is economically within reach of most.

4. Further contributing to the health of the intestinal tract, okra fiber (as well as flax and psyllium) has no equal among fibers for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics).

5.To retain most of okra’s nutrients and self-digesting enzymes, it
should be cooked as little as possible, e.g. with low heat or lightly
steamed. Some eat it raw.

But lemme tell you, it is not so much the diet that will make you lose the weight. It’s the EXERCISE! So don’t be too hard on yourself sa eating part; but be very, very strict and dedicated doing your exercises. Because no matter how much calories you put in, as long as you burn it off [better if your burn off more than you put in], you will be amazed to see yourself losing the pounds.

I’ll be cheering you on in your progress, MM.

YOU CAN DO IT! DO IT!