Okra, also known as “lady’s fingers” and “bamia,” is a green flowering plant. Okra belongs to the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton. The term “okra” most commonly refers to the edible seedpods of the plant. The pods usually gathered while they are green, tender, and at immature stage. The plant is cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions around the world for their fibrous fruits or “pods.” Okra grows best in well-drained and manure rich soil.

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The young seed pods are eaten fresh or cooked as a vegetable. The seeds can be used to extract oil. Okra fiber can be used in paper production.

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Okra contains potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium. It’s low in calories and has a high dietary fiber content. Popular forms of okra for medicinal purposes include okra water, okra peels, and powdered seeds. The health benefits of okra include its ability to lower total cholesterol levels, improve digestive health, improve vision, boost skin health, prevent certain cancers, strengthen bone, lower blood pressure, and protect heart health.