Okara or Bhindi is scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus, the family Malvaceae. It is called ladies' fingers in English. This is a well-known plant and its raw fruits are being used as tasty vegetables all over the world. The plant is easily growing in about all the parts of India also. The tender pods are preferred to prepare vegetables. They are eaten boiled or in the form of sliced and fried pieces. In many kitchens, it is utilized for thickening soups and gravies because of their high mucilage content. Many people sliced the raw fruits and sun-dried them to keep for off-season use. Tender fruit slices are used in preparing Okra pickles. The tender and soft leaves are boiled and used like spinach. Many countries use to eat flowers in the soup. The mature and ripe seeds are roasted and used as substitute coffee. They are also used in curries and chutneys because of their high protein value (18-26%). The seed flour of Okra is reported to use in addition to maize flour.
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| [Okara (Bhindi) - A fruiting branch] |
Bhindi or Okara is a fair source of calcium, iron, and vitamins. It is scientifically proven that the raw and tender pods of okara has 84% of edible protein; moisture 89.6; protein 1.9 %, fat 0.2%; fibre 1.2%, carbohydrate 6.4%; minerals 0.7% ; calcium, 66.0; phosphorus 56.0 and iron 1.5 mg/100 of edible portion. In Okra, the trace elements present are: magnesium, 43.0 %; potassium 103%; sodium 6.9%copper 0.19%sulphur, 30.0 %and chlorine, 41.0/100 g of edible matter, etc. apart from the stated elements, Bhidi contains carotene, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin C and oxalic acids, etc.
In industry, mucilaginous extract of the green stem of Bhindi is commonly employed in India for clarifying sugarcane juice in Gur or jaggery manufacture.
As we know bhindi has many useful treasures in its green and tender pods for our health. Apart from the above uses stated above, Bhindi or Okra is also very good in diabetic management and lowering blood cholesterol, also in body weight management. Now, elevated blood sugar is common even among the young generations due to mismanagement of the lifestyle, food style, etc. Stress and sitting work on the system also boosting to enhance blood sugar.
So, don’t worry, I have a highly experienced and healthy drink for you. You may say it “Okara drink” for lowering blood sugar, and cholesterol, and reducing body weight. It is working perfectly without side effects. The preparation of Okara drink is very simple, easy, and takes short time rather you can say it will take time equally to prepare a tea on a gas stove.
Let's tell what you do if have uncontrolled blood sugar, elevated cholesterol, and heavy body weight. Involve this drink in your lifestyle and get benefited. This will work definitely but have to take it with the correct methods.
How to prepare Okara drink: (Recipe for one person from age 15 to adult group):
To prepare an Okara drink for a person as stated above, please take 5 numbers of Raw and tender Bhindi or Okara pods (fruits), make them into two halves each, also cut them at both ends so that mucilage can come out easily (neither crush nor fine slice). Take 300 ml of drinking water in a clean utensil and add the okra pieces to it. Now add one pinch of edible salt, turmeric powder, and peppers, and add a little asafoetida (hing) powder. If you wish to enhance the taste then you may add two-three mint and coriander leaves. Allow to boil it in sim flame and stir it well at regular intervals for about 10 minutes. You may see the tender pieces of Okara will get soft or sometimes easily mashed with fingers. Now, close the utensil with the lid and allow for 5 minutes. Your drink is ready. Now filter it in a tumbler (Optional - add one to two drops of lemon juice) and drink it in hot condition as tea in the morning. This may be taken after food also as a healthy soup. But if you want to manage the diabetics, and cholesterol and reduce your body weight, then, it is advised to take it with an empty stomach in the morning.
For, a better effect, you may take a few sips of normal hot water before this drink. Please do not eat anything for 45 minutes after this drink is taken. This may continue up to your body requirement. You yourself feel because it will give you full energy and make your body active, reduce the body weight, bad cholesterol, and lowers the blood sugar.
Caution: This drink should not be taken by a person who already has low blood pressure and low blood sugar.
Disclaimer: This article is written based on practical experiences and awareness of health, however, it would be better to get an opinion from an AYUSH consultant before starting this).
Stay healthy, stay safe...
