GO GREEN WITH VEGETABLES

Guest blogger Chimdimma Okpara: The rainy season is at its peak again. In spite of the benefits that the rains bring, the heavy uncontrollable downpours get the environment damp, wet and soggy. This of course could put everyone off as many activities on the To-do-list are hampered on a rainy day.

Regardless of the waterlogged and dully attitude associated with the season, let’s also look at the blessings that abounds therein:

 It is indeed the season of the greens. Abundance of food and natural greenly supplies for health, beauty and wellness. In the season of the greens, essential vitamins for daily nutritional needs are easily sourced around and quite affordable too.

Mrs. Durotola at her niece’s engagement ceremony last weekend was handed the microphone for her piece of advice to the couple. She practically went nutrition lane with a mind-blowing caption which she repeated over and over again: “eat with the season”. Having not only urged Enyiola to be home maker, she also pointed out that the secret to happiness is first wellness and wellness comes from the preventive and restrictive approach to health watch and disease control. Going green and natural at all times is the gateway to health, wellness and a sound mind.

What a lecture it was. I couldn’t help but scribble an interesting illustration she gave using “the okras”

 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Abelmoschus_esculentus_%28cropped%29.jpg

The Okra also called the lady’s fingers or gumbo is a powerhouse of nutrients and has long been used as an herbal treatment for numerous ailments like low virility and high cholesterol. And now there has been talk of it being helpful in reducing diabetes too. The medicinal value of okra is undoubted as it is rich in fiber and low in unwanted calories, facts that will impress diabetics.
It is low in calories, a good source of dietary fiber and it is fat-free which makes it a vital part of weight-watchers menu. The okra is best with its numerous nutrients when not over cooked.

The okra is:

• Low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium
• High in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Manganese, Protein, Riboflavin, Niacin, Iron, Zinc and Copper

The nutritional value and health benefits of okra makes it ideal for:

• Maintaining optimum health
• Weight loss

Avoid including okra in your diet if you're interested in:

• Weight gain

Nutritional facts:

Half cup of cooked okra contains
Calories: 25
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 1.52 g
Carbohydrates: 5.8 g
Vitamin A

: 460 IU
Vitamin C: 13 mg
Folic acid: 36.5 micrograms
Calcium: 50.4 mg
Iron: 0.4 mg
Potassium: 256.6 mg
Magnesium: 46 mg

It is a green revolution,

G0 green with the glut of greens around us says Mrs. Durotola.