Okra is a green edible vegetable that is readily found in most parts of Africa. The flesh is often grated and cooked as a soup which is usually complemented with stew to enjoy “swallow meals” by a majority of families in Southern Nigeria, to be precise.
However, have you ever thought of it that seeds gotten from okra can be used to make a coffee drink? If you never thought of the possibility, now you know. However, okra coffee don’t have the same quantity of caffeine content like the real coffee drink, and as a result, they can’t give equal health benefits. On normal terms, everyone would prefer the original coffee beans because of the caffeine content an it’s effects.
So, what are the health benefits of okra coffee if it doesn’t have the same quality of caffeine as the real coffee beans? Does it have any usefulness?Â
Yes, Okra coffee do have it’s own medical effects on consumers. This article will briefly highlight some of the okra coffee benefits, and a simple recipe to prepare the tea on your own.
How Did Okro Coffee Originate?
According to studies, okra coffee was first invented from okra seeds while the Civil War era lasted in the USA. This was around the 1860s.
During the severe periods the Civil War in the USA, it was reported that an embargo was placed on the supply of coffee by suppliers, and this severity made the people to resort to okra seeds as an alternative to coffee beans. The real originator remains unknown.
Okra is also native to Africa, and was said to have originated close to the axis of the Nile River in Northern Africa. According to a published work from the Arizona University, it was stated that “Okra” is an African word, as well.
As time went on, the vegetable fruit was later introduced to other regions outside of the Arab nations, and the Middle East.
So, how can you prepare an okra coffee drink?
How To Make Okra Coffee
Coffee from okra seeds is relatively easy to make. It involves a simple process of roasting or frying the okra seeds till they become golden brown. Thereafter, you pulverize them in a mortar with the use of a pestle. Or otherwise, you can you use a blender to get the same task done.
Then, you can go ahead and use the ground seeds of okra, as the same way you would use ground coffee to make your coffee drink/tea.
Note that okra seeds can be also eaten in the raw state and can be very tasty with salads. When using okra seeds, it’s ideal to test the seeds to ascertain if they will taste good to your own preference.
You can simply carry out the test by squeezing a seed inside/between your fingers. It will taste very bad and would be unfit to eat, if it squishes between your fingers, while doing the short test.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Okra Coffee?
Okra coffee is simply a caffeine-free substitute for coffee from roasted and grounded okra seeds. But, are there any benefits attached to the consumption of okra coffee when compared to real coffee and other beverages?
Affirmatively, there are several health benefits that can be derived from Okra Coffee, and some of them are briefly summarized below, based on the nutritional composition of Okra:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Okra seeds, which are the main ingredient of okra coffee, are extremely packed with antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids and isoquercetin. Studies have shown that these antioxidants in okra seeds can fight off free harmful radicals.
Okra coffee also has an high content value of Potassium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. On the other hand, coffee beans are deficient of these three nutrients and other macro nutrients.
2. Healthy Alternative to Caffeinated Drinks
Coffee from Okra also has a significant low amount of caffeine which make it a great alternative for people who can’t take caffeine drinks. Excessive intake of caffeine is also linked with anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Thus, okra coffee is a much better substitute.
3. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Some medical studies suggests that okra coffee may be helpful lower blood cholesterol levels. It is equally rich in polyphenols, which fight harmful inflammation and protect your heart.
4. Regulates Blood Sugar
One animal study indicated that drinking okra extract may help to decrease blood sugar levels. Although, it has not been confirmed, okra coffee may also have the same effect. However, medical experts warned that okra may interfere with metformin, a common diabetes drug. Hence, drinking okra coffee is not recommended for those taking this drug.
5. Good for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are usually advised to reduce their intake of coffee and caffeine during pregnancy. However, okra coffee is free of caffeine and that makes it good for pregnant women.
And what’s more? Okra is a great source of folate, which is an important nutrient during pregnancy. Okra coffee is also is a good source of folate, with 1 cup (100 grams) provides 15% of a woman’s daily needs for this nutrient.
With these few benefits listed above, it’s left to you to decide whether you want normal coffee or the okra coffee.
Although, it is easier to purchase the normal coffee drink from any store around you, but if you decide to take an okra coffee drink, you would have to prepare it all by yourself, it’s very hard to see them available in most stores.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
