Okra is a known flowering plant which is recognized for its edible seed pods. It’s majorly cultivated in warm and tropical climates, such as those in Africa and South Asia. Agriculturally, it referred to as “lady’s finger,” okra comes in two colors, which arte red and green, and both varieties taste the same, meanwhile, the red one turns green when cooked. The green one is more prevalent in tropical climates e.g Nigeria. Biologically it is been classified as a fruit, however, okra is generally used in Nigeria, like a vegetable in cooking.

Although, it’s not recognized much as a common food, however, okra is packed with nutrition.

1.  Okro is Rich in Nutrients

Okro is packed with lots of rich nutrients, and particularly high in vitamins C and K. This fruit is unique, as it provides protein, a nutrient that many other fruits and vegetables lack. Okra is an excellent source of vitamins C and K1.

Furthermore, okra is low in calories and contains some proteins and fibers. From some available studies, it is known that many fruits and vegetables lack protein, which place okra at a unique level.

2. It Contains Beneficial Anti-oxidants

Okra is also packs with many antioxidants that is beneficoal to one's health. It is rich in antioxidants that may help to reduce the risk of serious illness or diseases, prevent inflammation, and contribute to overall health growth and management. Most coomon antioxidants found in Okra, is polyphenols that may contribute to heart and brain health. The other antioxidants in okra are flavonoids and isoquercetin, as well as vitamins A and C. 

Also, research has shown that eating a diet high in polyphenols which are also found in okra, may improve heart health by lowering your risk of blood clots and oxidative damage which might occur in the heart. Polyphenols found in okra may also benefit brain health due to their unique ability to enter your brain and protect against inflammation. This mechanisms may help protect your brain from symptoms of aging and improve cognition, learning, and memory.

3. Lowering Heart Disease Risk Occurrence

Okra contains a thick gel-like substance called mucilage, which is known as a binding substance, and with this in Okra, it can bind to cholesterol during digestion, causing it to be excreted with stools rather than absorbed into your body. However, high cholesterol levels are associated with a greater risk of heart disease. 

Animal research suggests that okra may bind to cholesterol in your gut and lower blood cholesterol levels. It’s also rich in polyphenols which we talked about earlier, and this help to fight harmful inflammation and protect your heart.

4. May Contain Anti-cancer Properties

Recall that, Okra contains protein, and this protein is called lectin. This certain may help to inhibit the growth of human cancer cells. This protein called lectin in Okra, is being studied for its role in cancer prevention and treatment. More human research is needed as well for proper conclusion. Although it has been tested for mice.

5. Lowering of Blood Sugar

According to research in mice indicates that eating okra or okra extract may help decrease blood sugar levels. However, maintaing healthy blood sugar levels is very important for your overall health. Consistently high blood sugar can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, research carried out, indicated that, okra may interfere with metformin, a common diabetes medication. Therefore, eating okra is not recommended for those taking this drug

6.  Protects The Skin From Sunlight

It is difficult to indicate that Okra directly protect the skin from damage of sun's ray but it can help remove damage(s) caused by sun’s rays. For this reason, consumption of okra in summer may have significant benefits for skin health.

7. Health Benefit for Pregnant Women

Okra is a good source of folate, with 1 cup (100 grams) providing 15% of a woman’s daily needs for this nutrient. Eating okra may help pregnant women meet their daily required folate needs. However, Folate is important for preventing neural tube defects. It helps lower the risk of a neural tube defect, which affects the brain and spine of a developing fetus.

It’s recommended that all women of childbearing age consume 400 mcg of folate every day. A review that included 12,000 healthy adult women found that most consumed just 245 mcg of folate per day, on average.

Advice: Eating Okra as part of your diets can help increase your health immune system and thus helping your system against some medical issues. However, when on some certain drugs, always ask your doctor for type of diet recommendations or your nutritionist. 

It's no longer new to us that women enjoy the show of being proposed to publicly, so they can feed their social media handles with these activities. However, this is fun and at the same time, this can be embarrassing and become a public disgrace. Imagine a situation whereby your proposal is rejected by her? Imagine being turned down, after taking the bold step?

Moreso, if you must propose to her publicly, you should have some certain clarification and confidential information that your proposal would not be turned down by same person. Let consider some factors before proposing publicly:

1. Question her privately about her she feels about being your wife: This will help you understand the situation you are in and if she feels the same way as you do towards her. Some women might be with you for years but wouldn't want to end up being your wife. So by asking her about her feelings will give you an insight about her feelings and if she is ready.

2. Tell her your plans of meeting her parents: If she agrees to this in excitement, just know she has long waited to become yours. But, if she grumbles and still don't have a clear response just know she isn't sure about marriage or you. At this time you will understand better how she reason, rather than proposing publicly and then rejected same way.

3. Take note of the kind of words that comes out of her: Yes, any woman who wants to be with you will always use the future terms with you, about how she want you guys to build your home and all related fantasy of hers, she have on her mind. Once, she starts using these future words, just know she is patiently waiting to be yours. But once, she doesn't, then know she isn't sure of where the relationship is going or if she wants you as her husband.

However, some reasons why you shouldn't propose to her publicly includes:

1. Rejections by her publicly

2. When you are not sure of both parties feelings. This is very important, instead of proposing publicly when you still not sure, make it private to avoid public scandal.

3. When both parents are not aware of the relationship. This is another vital one to consider, because until both parties family are settled, you can never be too sure.

4. She might like you but her heart belong to another. So consider this and make sure that her heart fully belongs to you, before embarking on such act.