"My Okra Obsession"
Growing up I was never a fan of Okra, the taste wasn't that great and the gooey-ness (it's not a word I know) was gross. It wasn't until I had an awesome Indian Okra dish that I became a fan. As I began to study more ways to heal naturally using food I became more than a fan and now it may be an obsession....lol I enjoy(almost crave) having Okra once or twice a week. That may not seem like much but for someone like me who never liked it in the first place, it is now my second favorite veggie next to Brussels Sprouts (another vegetable I never liked) that says a whole lot.
I have learned that when I am craving something whether it be something sweet, my mouth is dry or I have a headache it is my bodies language and way of getting my attention. I may need water, to have a Bowel Movement or I am lacking a nutrient which can be found by eating something sweet like an Orange, Dates, Watermelon etc. Well in 2011 I learned after dropping large Blood Clots during Menses and going to the hospital that I suffered from small Fibroids. I was informed that they are unfortunately very common in "Ethnic" Women and that many have a Hysterectomy or just deal with them because they are not lethal. The moment I became aware of them it seemed my belly began to protrude in a way it never had before.
I just dealt with them and the more I talked to women about it the more common I realized it was. A Hysterectomy was not an option so I didn't know what else to do. Then I they got so big that I could feel them moving around in my stomach, this was horrific for me because I was dealing with symptoms from my Thyroid as well. I started studying to become an Certified Herbalist studying to be a ND to help myself and my family but wanted to go deeper so I began to study whole foods (fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, seeds, legumes which are really just herbs before being dried out or broken down into an Extract) and the vitamins and nutrients in them. I started researching food that rebuilds the Reproductive System and Okra was on the top of the list.
Okra is full of Vitamin A, Fiber and Folic Acid, for those of us who have had children we know the Doctor prescribes Prenatal Vitamins and one of the first Vitamins listed is Folic Acid. It is needed to maintain a healthy, strong Reproductive System especially for Women. It has Vitamin B 6, Calcium, this list goes on and on. So with all the ACTUAL FOOD (sugary snacks, chips, pop and fast-food are not food even if it's Organic!!!) I added Broccoli, Cabbage and other Cruciferous Vegetables to my daily regimen as I focused first on slowing down my Thyroid activity but I still felt the Fibroids moving around in my belly.
On that wonderful day when I was offered an Indian dish with Okra and I reluctantly ate it, it was like a light went off in my brain and my tummy. I began to research Okra and it's benefits for the body and learned that the part that I enjoyed the least (gooey-ness) was the source of major healing for the Uterus and Ovaries. Much like Aloe Vera Gel, the Gelatinous substance within holds the key to it's healing properties. The changes in my diet interrupted the heavy bleeding but the consistent intake of Okra (not fried, you kill the good stuff) stopped those "things" from moving around in my stomach. One of them was so big that I could actually put my fingers around it to show someone where it was and today I couldn't tell you where it was or where it went.
Now when I have a craving for Okra I know it's my body telling me that it needs the healing Okra provides. I'm not sure how long this obsession will hold true for me but as for now, when I go to a Fruit or Vegetable Market I stand next to Indians who ask me HOW I LEARNED TO PICK GOOD OKRA??? as I pop off the tips to make sure they are tender and ready for consumption!!!! Yep, I'm an expert folks!
