Okra helps to reduce weight and protect the stomach ~ Learn how to cook it first

Among summer vegetables, okra has a crisp, tender and smooth texture. Although it has the word "autumn" in its name, its peak production period is from May to September every year, and it can be called a "green miracle." Experts say that okra mucus contains pectin and mucin, which can promote gastric juice secretion, increase appetite, and improve symptoms such as indigestion, especially "blanching okra" has more significant effects.

Professor Emeritus of Taipei Medical University, Dr. Yang Lingling of Pharmacy, pointed out that okra is often used as a food ingredient for diabetes treatment in India, Japan, China and other places. Foreign studies have found that the "isoquercetin" in okra has the effect of lowering blood sugar. If patients with high blood sugar eat 16 okras a day, it will help control blood sugar.

Okra is nutritious, good for the stomach and helps lose weight

As early as the Ming Dynasty, the "Compendium of Materia Medica" recorded the therapeutic effects of okra. From a nutritional point of view, okra is rich in dietary fiber, including water-soluble fiber pectin, galactan and gum arabic, which can help gastrointestinal digestion and prevent colorectal cancer. In addition, water-soluble dietary fiber can increase satiety, making it an ideal ingredient for weight control.

At the same time, dark green foods contain many phytochemicals and have antioxidant properties. Among them, the beta-carotene in okra is a type of phytochemical, which will be converted into vitamin A, which can protect the eyes and the gastrointestinal tract and oral mucosa. Okra is also rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium, which are minerals that help stabilize blood pressure.

Blanching okra to prevent nutrient loss

Professor Yang Lingling emphasized that blanching okra can prevent nutrient loss. When choosing, choose those with straight surface, fluffy and bright green color. Avoid those with dark color or little moisture. You can also pinch it gently to see if it is soft and tough. Because okra should not be cooked for a long time, the most common way to cook it is to blanch it for 30 seconds and then dip it in sauce.

In addition, adding salt to the water when blanching can prevent it from turning yellow; chilling it after removing it from the heat can also preserve its bright green color. If you don’t plan to cook it right away, it is recommended that you wrap it in newspaper, put it in a plastic bag, and then store it in the vegetable and fruit compartment of the refrigerator. If you want to freeze it, you can first rub it with salt to remove the fluff, then dry it or blanch it before freezing.

[Reminder]: It is best to eat okra with the skin and meat. However, for patients with kidney-related diseases, okra has a high content of mineral potassium, so remember to consume it in moderation and be sure to blanch it. The safest way is to consult a nutritionist before eating it.

Do you feel stomach discomfort after eating too many cold drinks and ice cream in summer? Have a plate of cold okra to strengthen your stomach and intestines! Professor Yang Lingling especially recommends this dish of "Cold Okra and Tofu" to protect the stomach and help with weight loss.

Cold okra and tofu salad / good for the stomach and help lose weight

Ingredients: about 4 okra, half a box of egg tofu.

Method: (1 to 2 servings).

1. Wash the okra and blanch it for about 3 to 4 minutes.

2.Cut tofu and okra into cubes.

3. After placing on the plate, drizzle about 2 teaspoons (10g) of soy sauce paste on top.

4. Put it in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes and it will be very refreshing.

Tips: This dish is convenient, nutritious, low in calories (95 calories) and has no burden. However, please be aware not to use too much sauce as it may cause physical discomfort due to excessive saltiness.