The other day I was in Kimironko market doing some grocery shopping and stopped at a stall where I normally buy okra, a super vegetable many people may not like because of its slimy nature.

"You are the only person I know who buys okra passionately. Many people don’t know the value of okra,” said Anastasie Mukabashambo, the vendor I buy veggies and other foodstuffs from in one of Kigali’s busiest markets.

Kimironko market offers an assortment of vegetables, but very few people buy okra, also known as ‘gumbo’ or ‘ladies’ fingers’. 

"I think many people don’t understand its benefits. Only foreigners buy it. Rwandans say it makes the soup slippery and unappetising,” Mukabashambo added.

However, research shows that benefits are in the slime. This slime contains soluble fibre that we can digest. 

For those who don’t want to add it to their beef or chicken stew, there are other ways to consume okra and take advantage of its immense benefits.

My husband did not like it. He said it makes him nauseous because of its slippery nature. However, after reading about it and understanding its benefits, he is now the biggest fan of okra and yes, there are other ways to take it, especially in water, boiled with other leaves with medicinal benefits and adding lemon to give it a better taste. Once it is in a bottle, it becomes easy to consume.

Okra is a pod-producing, tropical vegetable which mainly grows in Africa and Asia where it is popular for its nutritional and culinary benefits. It is also very popular in North Africa and the Middle East. Egyptians are particularly known for their love for okra.

Benefits

Scientists and nutritionists say okra is rich in vitamins C and K as well as superior fibre which is vital for the digestive system. It is known to help ease digestion and combat constipation. For diabetics, okra is important for stabilising sugar levels and controlling the rate at which sugar is absorbed in your body.

"Okra is an excellent source of vitamins C and K1. Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that contributes to your overall immune function, while vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s known for its role in blood clotting,” writes the wellness website Healthline.

"Additionally, okra is low in calories and carbs and contains protein and fibre. Many fruits and vegetables lack protein, which makes okra somewhat unique. Eating enough protein is associated with benefits for weight management, blood sugar control, bone structure, and muscle mass,” the site adds.

Okra contains several healthy components including vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants like B1 and B2, quercetin, rutin, catechin, and epicatechin. It’s also known for high vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate content. Studies have indicated the vitamin C content of okra could help with asthma and even skin conditions.

As a fibre source, it helps to regulate digestion and maintain blood sugar levels. The inclusion of pectin also makes it a great choice to help reduce cholesterol.

Okra is also known to promote a healthy pregnancy. An extremely important B vitamin for producing and maintaining new cells, folate is an essential compound for optimal pregnancy. The vitamin helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida and helps the baby to grow sufficiently. Vitamin C is essential for foetal development.

The fibre in okra helps to clean out the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency. Also, the vitamin A contributes to healthy mucous membranes, helping the digestive tract to operate normally.

According to several studies, okra helps in dealing with respiratory issues like asthma. "The consumption of fruit rich in vitamin C, even at a low level of intake, may reduce wheezing symptoms in childhood, especially among already susceptible individuals,” one study says.

Other benefits include giving you a finer skin because the vitamin C helps keep the skin looking young and vibrant. The vitamin aids in the growth and repair of bodily tissues, which affects collagen formation and skin pigmentation, and helps to rejuvenate damaged skin. Next time you go to the market, don’t leave that slimy veggie behind.