Okra: A potential super food for today’s generation

Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is a vegetable crop that is commercially cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. This article presents a comprehensive review of the nutritional composition and potential health benefits associated with okra. Various parts of the okra plant, such as leaves, buds, flowers, pods, stems, roots, and seeds, are utilized for diverse culinary and medicinal purposes. The tender fruits of okra are commonly incorporated into various dishes including salads, soups, and stews, either fresh, dried, fried, or cooked. The mucilaginous nature of the fruit juice is frequently employed to enhance the consistency of several dishes such as stews and sauces. Consumption of okra is linked to aiding the detoxification of the liver by influencing bile acid and cholesterol levels. Notably, okra is rich in soluble fiber, predominantly in the form of gums and pectins, contributing to the reduction of blood cholesterol levels and potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, the insoluble fiber content in okra supports gastrointestinal health, improves bowel movement, and alleviates constipation. Okra seeds serve as a notable source of oil, containing 20% to 40% oil, with up to 47.4% comprising linoleic acid. Due to its robustness, dietary fiber content, and distinctive seed protein composition, balancing both lysine and tryptophan amino acids, okra has earned the moniker "an ideal villager's vegetable." The high protein content, particularly the proportion of essential amino acids, in okra seeds sets them apart from other plant protein sources. Okra's potential health benefits extend to addressing certain serious human ailments, including specific cancers, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and digestive disorders. Recognized as an extensively cultivated and significant vegetable crop, okra boasts a multitude of nutritional attributes and plausible health advantages. While substantial information exists regarding the utility of okra in treating various diseases and illnesses, there is a noted scarcity of comprehensive studies, underscoring the need for further research in this domain.