I grew up having fresh okra from our garden every summer. Every. Single. Summer!   I learned to love fried okra at an early age, and it became one of my favorite veggies, and when I got older then I even learned to eat it stewed.  I must admit, though, that it took me quite a while to acquire a taste for stewed okra.  Once I got past the slimy texture of it, I really liked it.  Now, okra is one of my very favorite “comfort foods.” I must admit again, though, that “fried” okra is my go to veggie for comfort food, not stewed okra.  Not only is okra a favorite of mine and many other people, it also has many benefits:
.
Here are just some of the health benefits contained in okra:

• Pectin – good for the stomach, digestive system, irritable bowel syndrome, and for high cholesterol, etc.
• Minerals – such as calcium, magnesium,  manganese, and iron
• Vitamin A – great antioxidant, good for the immune system, stomach, skin, aids in bone formation, helps to lower cholesterol, and slows the aging process, etc. (hmmm, note to self: I need to eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Vitamin C – great antioxidant, good for the immune system,  stomach, skin, adrenal glands, and aids in the production of anti-stress hormones, etc.
• Vitamin K – good for the stomach, bone formation, may help prevent osteoporosis, etc.

That’s a lot of green goodness packed into that one vegetable!  So next time you’re choosing veggies, don’t overlook okra!