OKRA (LADIS FINGER)

Okra(ladis finger):
Okra is a type of green vegetable, long finger like, having a small tip at the taporing end. Its head shows a bulge, lighter green in shade, which is often removed as inedible portion. The cross section cut okra shows white colored round seeds spread entirely inside the vegetable. One of the peculiar signs of this vegetable is the internal stickiness. The lady's finger may be cut in to round pieces or sliced in to 4 halfes or may be put whole in a mix vegetable subji. The taste is very specific to the vegetable and generally liked by children.
The name okra is most often used in the United States, with a variant pronunciation, English Caribbean okro, used primarily around the Philippines. The word okra is of West African origin and is cognate with ọkwurụ in the Igbo language spoken in Nigeria. Okra is often known as "lady's fingers" outside of the United States. In various Bantu languages, okra is called kingombo or a variant thereof, and this is the origin of its name in Portuguese (quiabo), Spanish (quimbombó or guigambó), Dutch and French, and also possibly of the name "gumbo", used in parts of the United States and English-speaking Caribbean for either the vegetable or a stew based on it. In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and often in the United Kingdom, it is called by its Hindi/Urdu name, bhindi or bhendi or bendai. Okra in Malawi is called "Therere" (Chichewa), "derere" (Tumbuka) whereas in Mauritius, the islanders call it "Lalo" (Mauritian creole).

Okra Nutrition (half-cup cooked Lady Finger) contains:
    Calories : 25
    Dietary Fiber : 2 grams
    Protein : 1.5 grams
    Carbohydrates : 5.8 grams
    Vitamin 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

OKRA BENEFITS OF EATING (LADY'S FINGER) :
1) The superior fiber found in Okra helps to stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
2) Okra's mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver.
3) Okra helps lubricate the large intestines due to its bulk laxative qualities. The Okra fiber absorbs water and ensures bulk in stools. This helps prevent and improve constipation. 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. Okra binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids). These, if not evacuated, will cause numerous health problems. Okra also assures easy passage out of waste from the body. Okra is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming, has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most unlike the OTC drugs.
4) Okra fiber is excellent for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). This contributes to the health of the intestinal tract. These are similar to the ones proliferate by the yoghurt in the small intestine and helps biosynthesis of Vitamin B complex.
5) Okra is good for summer heat treatment. Okra is a supreme vegetable for those feeling weak, exhausted, and suffering from depression.
6) Okra is used for healing ulcers and to keep joints limber. It helps to neutralize acids, being very alkaline, and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract.
7) Okra treats lung inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel.
8) In India, Okra has been used successfully in experimental blood plasma replacements. 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.
 
Other benefits reported:
Okra is an ideal vegetable for weight loss and is storehouse of health benefits provided it is cooked over low flame to retain its properties. This also to ensure that the invaluable mucilage contained in it is not lost to high heat.
For adding bounce your hair, boil horizontally sliced Okra till the brew become maximally slimy. Cool it and add a few droops of lemon and use this as the last rinse and see your hair spring back to youthfulness and jump.
Okra is an excellent laxative treats irritable bowels, heals ulcers and sooths the gastrointestinal track.
Protein and oil contained in the seeds of Okra serves as the source of first-rate vegetable protein. It is enriched with amino acids on the likes of tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This anti-inflammatory activity may curtail the development of asthma symptoms. A large preliminary study has shown that young children with asthma experience significantly less wheezing if they eat a diet high in fruits rich in vitamin C. 1/2 cup of cooked Okra contains over 13 mg of vitamin C.
Diets high in insoluble fiber, such as those containing Okra, are associated with protection against heart disease in both men and women.
The insoluble fiber found in Okra helps to keep the intestinal tract healthy, decreasing the risk of some forms of cancer, especially colon-rectal cancer.
Eating plenty of flavonoid and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables such as Okra helps to support the structure of capillaries.
1/2 cup of cooked Okra contains 460 IU of vitamin A. Some studies have reported that eating more foods rich in beta-carotene or vitamin A was associated with a lower risk of cataracts.
A study (JAMA July 23, 2003) showed that consuming a "dietary portfolio" of vegetarian foods lowered cholesterol nearly as well as the prescription drug lovastatin (Mevacor). The diet was rich in soluble fiber from oats, barley, psyllium, eggplant and Okra. It used soy substitutes instead of meat and milk and included almonds and cholesterol-lowering margarine every day.
A controlled trial showed that eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables containing folic acid, beta-carotene, and vitamin C effectively lowered homocysteine levels. Healthy people were assigned to either a diet containing a pound of fruits and vegetables per day, or to a diet containing 3 1/2 ounces (99g) of fruits and vegetables per day. After four weeks, those eating the higher amount of fruits and vegetables had an 11 percent lower homocysteine level compared to those eating the lower amount of fruits and vegetables. Okra is a storehouse of vitamins (A, B6 & C) and folic acid.

CUCUMBER

Cucumber:
The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. It is a creeping vine which bears cylindrical edible fruit when ripe. There are three main varieties of cucumber: "slicing", "pickling", and "burpless". Within these varieties, several different cultivars have emerged. The cucumber is originally from India but is now grown on most continents. Many different varieties are traded on the global market
The cucumber is a creeping vine that roots in the ground and grows up trellises or other supporting frames, wrapping around supports with thin, spiraling tendrils. The plant has large leaves that form a canopy over the fruit. The fruit of the cucumber is roughly cylindrical, elongated with tapered ends, and may be as large as 60 centimeters (24 in) long and 10 centimeters (3.9 in) in diameter. Having an enclosed seed and developing from a flower, botanically speaking, cucumbers are classified as Accessory fruits. However, much like tomatoes and squash they are often perceived, prepared and eaten as vegetables. Cucumbers are usually more than 90% water.
The cucumber originated in India, where a great many varieties have been observed,  from Cucumis hystrix. It has been cultivated for at least 3,000 years, and was probably introduced to other parts of Europe by the Greeks or Romans. Records of cucumber cultivation appear in France in the 9th century, England in the 14th century, and in North America by the mid-16th century.

Benefits of Cucumber
 
1. Aid in weight loss:
Due to its low calorie and high water content, cucumber is an ideal diet for people who are looking for weight loss.
2. Hydration:
They are 95% water but far more nutritious.
3. Diuretic:
It encourages the elimination of waste products from the body through urination. Regular intake of cucumber helps to dissolve bladder or kidney stones.
4. Nutrition:
They contain  vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
5. Energy:
They are a good source of B-vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up when needed!
6. Skin care:
The high water content, antioxidants, and the presence of certain minerals like magnesium, potassium, and silica make cucumbers an essential part of skin care. Facial masks containing cucumber juice can be used for skin tightening. Ascorbic acid and caffeic acid present in cucumbers can bring down the water retention rate which in turn diminishes the puffiness and swelling under the eyes. Cucumber skin also can bring relief to the skin caused by sunburn or windburn.
7. Anti-fog:
 Rub a slice of cucumber on mirrors to prevent fogging.
8. Fight cancers:
Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol which are linked to a reduced risk of several types of cancer.
9. Pest control:
Place a few slices in a small pie tin in your garden soil and the scent produced from the reaction with the aluminum drives grubs and slugs away
10. Control blood pressure:
Cucumber juice contains a lot of potassium, magnesium, fiber, and phytonutrients that work effectively for regulating blood pressure.
11. Diminishing cellulite:
Try rubbing a slice of cucumber along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and instantly reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!
12. Stimulate hair growth:
They contain silicon and sulphur and thus a regular intake of cucumber can help promote healthy hair growth. For best results, mix cucumber juice with the juices of carrot, lettuce or spinach.
13. Appetite control:
They are filling, yet low-calorie. They’ve been used for centuries–they were used by European trappers, traders, and explorers for quick meals to thwart off starvation.
14. Shoe polish:
Rub a cucumber slice over you shoes to provide a quick and durable shine.
15. Teeth and gum health:
They are a good source of dietary fiber and this fiber massages the teeth and gums.
16. Natural WD40 (lubrication):
 need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic area.
17. Relaxer:
Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown by studies to reduce stress in new moms and college students during final exams.
18. Halitosis control:
Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
19. Shining metals:
Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on faucets, sink, stainless steel, or surfaces you want to clean. It will remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine.
20. Ink eraser:
Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing; also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls.
21. Aid digestion:
Their high water and dietary fiber are very effective in driving away the toxins from the digestive system. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.
22. Promotes joint health:
Cucumbers are an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promote joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.
23. Treat tapeworms:
Cucumber seeds are used as a natural remedy for treating tapeworms. Bruised cucumber seeds mixed with water are also effective in the treatment of swellings of the mucous membranes of the nose and the throat.
24. Nail care:
The high silica content of cucumbers also helps to prevent splitting and spoiling of nails of the fingers and toes.
25. Relieve gout and arthritis pain:
Cucumbers are rich in vitamin A, B1, B6, C & D, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium. When mixed with carrot juice, they can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering uric acid levels.
26. Helps diabetes:
Cucumbers contain a substance needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.
27. Reduces cholesterol:
Researchers have found that sterols in cucumbers help reduce cholesterol levels.
28. Teething toy:
Frozen slices of cucumber help soothe babies’ gums. (adult supervision at all times)