If you are looking for a tasty and nutritious vegetable to add to your diet, look no further than 1 oz okra. At just 8 calories per serving (without salt, frozen, drained, cooked, boiled), okra is a great choice for weight-conscious eaters. But its benefits go far beyond just the calorie count.

In fact, 1 oz okra is a good source of key vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. It is also high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional facts of okra, its health benefits, and tips for adding it to your diet. We'll also share some delicious okra recipes and provide answers to some frequently asked questions about this versatile vegetable.

Nutritional Facts of Oz Okra

1 oz okra contains approximately: - 8 calories - 1 gram of protein

Health Benefits of Eating Oz Okra

1 oz okra is packed with health benefits. Here are just a few of the many reasons to include it in your diet: - Helps control blood sugar levels: Okra is high in fiber, which slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and helps regulate blood sugar levels. - Promotes digestive health: The fiber in okra helps keep the digestive system running smoothly and can alleviate constipation.

Ways to Add Oz Okra to Your Diet

1 oz okra is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to incorporate it into your diet: - Roast it: Toss okra with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender and crispy. - Add it to stews and soups: Okra is a classic ingredient in gumbo and other hearty stews and soups.

Oz Okra Recipes to Try

Here are some tasty okra recipes to try: - Oven-Roasted Okra: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss okra with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, until tender and crispy. Serve as a side dish or snack. - Okra Gumbo: Brown some sausage or chicken in a large pot. Remove meat and set aside. Add sliced okra, diced onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and sautee until tender. Add meat back to the pot, along with some chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Creole seasoning. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, until flavors are well-combined.

Oz Okra vs other Vegetables

Compared to other vegetables, 1 oz okra is particularly high in fiber and vitamin C. Here are some other vegetable comparisons: - 1 oz okra (cooked, boiled): 2 grams fiber, 30% DV vitamin C - 1 oz broccoli (cooked, boiled): 1.1 grams fiber, 11% DV vitamin C

The Best Time to Eat Oz Okra

You can enjoy okra at any time of day or year. It makes a great side dish for lunch or dinner, or can be added to soups and stews. It's also a great snack to munch on throughout the day, either on its own or served with a dip like hummus or tzatziki.

How to Store Oz Okra Properly

To keep okra fresh and flavorful, store it in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container. It should keep for up to a week. To freeze okra, blanch it first in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then plunge into cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months.

Possible Side Effects of Consuming Oz Okra

While okra is generally considered safe and healthy for most people, it can cause some digestive issues in certain individuals. Some people may experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea after consuming okra. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to reduce your intake of okra or avoid it altogether.

How to Select and Buy Oz Okra

When buying okra, look for pods that are bright green, firm, and unblemished. Avoid pods that are soft, discolored, or have brown spots. When possible, buy fresh okra from a local farmers' market or grocery store, as it will be the freshest and most flavorful. If you can't find fresh okra, frozen okra is a convenient and tasty alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oz Okra

- Q: Is okra slimy? A: Yes, okra has a natural slimy texture, which can be off-putting to some people. However, this texture can actually be beneficial when used as a thickener in soups and stews. - Q: Can you eat okra raw? A: While it's safe to eat raw okra, many people find the taste and texture unappetizing. Cooking okra can help bring out its delicious flavor and improve its texture. - Q: Is okra a fruit or a vegetable? A: Botanically speaking, okra is a fruit because it contains seeds. However, in culinary terms, it is commonly categorized as a vegetable because it is often used in savory dishes.