Okra, how I love thee

Okra stuffed with spiced coconut ready for cooking (Photo by Cynthia Nelson)

Hold the chocolate-covered strawberries, cakes, mousse, ice cream and gourmet bars, this Valentine, gimme some okra and our love will be everlasting. I. Love. Okra.

Let me state this upfront for all those who profess to love okra but screw up their faces at the silkiness of the vegetable. You cannot say that you love okra and not like the slime. Sorry, the two go together. And true love is unconditional. You also cannot proclaim to love okra and then declare that you only like it in certain things or preferred ways. Eh-eh, you got to love it any which way.

Every week when I go to the market, I buy at least 2 pounds of okra. Every week. I just love okra so much and never get tired of eating it. The fact that it is associated with several health benefits is a bonus. I eat it simply because I like the vegetable. What I know for sure is that it is a rich source of Vitamin C and dietary fibre, and it promotes good digestive health. There are reports that Okra may help lower cholesterol due to the high fibre content and that it can help reduce the absorption rate of glucose levels which in turn can reduce blood sugar levels. Hey, even if the studies are ongoing, it is a win-win eating okra.