Nutrition of Freeze Dried Okra

Okra is a vegetable that grows best in warm climates. Okra pods are eaten cooked, often boiled or fried. The insides of okra pods contain a mucilaginous juice, which gives traditional gumbo dishes their telltale thickness. Freeze-drying okra removes the juices and results in a crunchy dried snack. Freeze-dried okra offers many nutritional benefits, including serving up beneficial amounts of folic acid and vitamin B6.

Fiber

A half ounce of freeze-dried okra contains 3.3 grams dietary fiber. Adding dietary fiber to your diet can aid your digestive system, adding bulk to your stools and preventing constipation and diarrhea. A diet rich in dietary fiber can lower your cholesterol levels and control your blood sugar levels. If you are looking to lose weight, snacking on freeze-dried okra can help by making you feel full, preventing you from overeating or snacking on unhealthy foods.

Vitamins

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Freeze-dried okra is full of vitamins A and C. A half ounce of freeze-dried okra contains 97 percent of the reference daily intake of vitamin A recommended by the FDA 4. Vitamin A aids your body in growing skin and bone cells. Vitamin A benefits your nighttime vision and your reproductive organs. A half ounce of freeze-dried okra offers 216 percent of the RDI for vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your body build collagen, blood vessels and cartilage 4. A diet rich in vitamin C can help your body absorb iron 4.

Minerals

Eating a half ounce of freeze-dried okra adds 84 percent of your RDI of calcium to your diet. Your body needs calcium to promote healthy bones and ward off osteoporosis. If you don't consume dairy, freeze-dried okra makes a great daily snack to ensure you are getting ample calcium in your diet.

You'll get 33 percent of your RDI of iron by eating a half ounce of freeze-dried okra. If you suffer from low iron levels, or if you don't eat meat, snacking on freeze-dried okra can help get your body the iron it needs.

Other Nutrients

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Freeze-dried okra is a hearty snack. Each 1 1/2 cups of freeze-dried okra contains 2.5 grams of protein. Protein is an essential part of your diet. Protein helps your body heal itself by repairing and building new cells.

Eating 1 1/2 cups of freeze-dried okra will add 10 grams of carbohydrates to your daily intake. Carbohydrates help your brain and nervous system function properly. Enzymes in your body turn carbohydrates into glucose, which your body uses for energy.