Okra are the edible, seed pods of the plant, Abelmoschus Esculentus.
HEALTH BENEFITS
I took an interest in Okra because of it’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties come from the bioactive compounds contained in the Okra. The most powerful being the polyphenol Quercetin-3-0-Gentiobiose and polysaccharide Rhamnogalacturonan.
HOW I USE OKRA
As a woman with Multiple Sclerosis (MS),I use Okra to help manage my MS. When I discovered that inflammation causes MS relapses, with relapses being the worsening of current or creation of new MS symptoms, I incorporated Okra into my beneficial diet to do the following:
- Use It’s anti-inflammatory properties to help manage inflammation.
- Use It’s antioxidant properties to protect the cells of the body from oxidative stress, which is linked to disease, a major source of inflammation.
So, Okra helps manage inflammation and a major source of inflammation.
And managing inflammation, helps manage my MS.
PREFERENCES
I prefer to use frozen prepared (ie. cleaned and cut) Okra, rather than deal with fresh whole Okra. Since I have arms and hands weakened by my MS, frozen prepared ingredients are easier to work with, making them helpful cooking shortcuts.
RECIPES
I add Okra to my single serving soups.
Feel free to check out my other recipes.
HAS OKRA HELPED ME?
Yes. I believe Okra has contributed to the anti-inflammatory nature of my beneficial diet.
I have not witnessed or identified any other benefits, but i look forward to seeing what the future brings.
CAUTION
Due to the ever possible occurrence of product contamination, I always double check my sources and check ingredient lists before trying a new item.
Allergic reactions can happen to anyone, so I do my research and keep my eyes open to any potentially dangerous reactions, especially drug interactions, when I try anything new. Okra can interfere with the diabetes medication Metformin.
Ingesting large amounts of anything can be harmful, so I always consume in moderation.
-Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy
REFERENCES
Maria-Ferreira, D., Dallazen, J. L., Corso, C. R., Nascimento, A. M., Cipriani, T. R., da Silva Watanabe, P., de Mello Gonçales Sant’Ana, D., Baggio, C. H., de Paula Werner, M. F. (2021). Rhamnogalacturonan polysaccharide inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress and alleviates visceral pain. Journal of Functional Foods, 82, 104483.
Kwok, C. T.-K., Ng, Y.-F., Chan, H.-T. L., & Chan, S.-W. (2025). An Overview of the Current Scientific Evidence on the Biological Properties of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Okra). Foods, 14(2), 177.
Lin, Y., Liu, H. L., Fang, J., Yu, C. H., Xiong, Y. K., & Yuan, K. (2014). Anti-fatigue and vasoprotective effects of quercetin-3-O-gentiobiose on oxidative stress and vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by endurance swimming in rats. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 68, 290–296.
WebMD: Health Benefits of Okra
Not in Kansas Anymore (www.notinksanymore.com) is a site/blog authored and managed by Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy (pwrchr-dorothy). This site/blog is intended to provide educational and research information, and to share the author’s journey.
The author of this site/blog is not a medical physician and this site/blog does not provide medical advice. This site/blog contains information that should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you choose to apply or implement any information posted at this site/blog, you do so at your own risk.
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