In the 1967 thought-provoking movie, The Graduate, the leading character (portrayed convincingly by Dustin Hoffman) asked for some advice on career direction. “Plastics, my boy. Plastics,” he was told.
By following the advice, plastic has now become a staple of convenience and a modern lifestyle. During the 2019 Global Plastics Summit, it was reported that plastic production is projected to rise by an average of 3.5% to 4% annually until 2035.
“We produce around 430 million tons of plastic a year, two thirds of which are short-lived plastics, which soon become waste. Plastic pollution can have devastating impacts on our ecosystems and wildlife, our health and well-being, and the global economy,” explained Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, the Secretariat’s Executive Secretary of the International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, to the United Nations News.
That’s bad news. “When plastics do break down, they don’t biodegrade; rather, they break into increasingly smaller pieces, many of which end up in the oceans as microplastics that harm aquatic life and birds,” said David Suzuki, a Canadian environmental activist.
Microplastics, which are invisible to the naked eye, are defined as any plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in length, as stated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the European Chemicals Agency.
Microplastics are notably persistent and hazardous. They result from the degradation of larger plastic items into minuscule particles that ultimately contaminate the ocean, atmosphere, and soil.
Now, here’s good news. Recent research suggests that extracts from okra can remove up to 90 percent of microplastics from ocean water, freshwater, and groundwater. The study was published in the journal ACS Omega.
The viscous compounds responsible for the slimy texture of okra may significantly contribute to water purification. Researchers have found that these natural plant extracts are remarkably effective at capturing microplastics, which are minuscule plastic particles that contaminate oceans, rivers, and even potable water.
Lady finger may evoke the title of a James Bond film, yet it actually refers to okra in English. While it is a widely used ingredient in various Filipino recipes, okra is notably absent from the Bahay Kubo song.
The reason: okra is not indigenous to the Philippines. The exact country of its origin remains uncertain; however, it is believed that okra first emerged in the Ethiopian Highlands, although the specifics of its spread from that region are not well-documented.
Okra is not only good for getting microplastics in the body, it can also be used for its therapeutic properties against diabetes.
We received an email from an individual with diabetes who had watched a television program indicating that okra is beneficial for those suffering from this chronic condition.
“As a diabetic, I decided to try it, and it proved to be very effective,” he wrote. “My blood sugar levels are now under control. In fact, I have already decreased my medication.”
He described his method: “Take two pieces of okra and trim both ends of each piece. Additionally, make a small incision in the center and place these two pieces in a glass of water. Cover the glass and leave it at room temperature overnight. In the morning, before breakfast, simply remove the two pieces of okra from the glass and drink the water. Continue this daily routine. Within two weeks, you will observe significant improvements in your blood sugar levels.”
His sister also managed her diabetes by following the same regimen. “She had been on insulin for several years,” he reported. “However, after consuming the okra every morning for a few months, she has ceased taking insulin but continues to consume the okra daily.”
The only modification his sister made recently was to chop the okra into small pieces at night, add the water, and drink it all the following morning.
At the conclusion of his email, he encouraged, “Please give it a try, as it will not harm you even if it does not provide significant benefits. However, it is essential to continue taking it for a few months before expecting to see results.”
Okra could also have a future as a supplier of commercial laxative ingredients. Its gelatinous substances absorb water, swell, and ensure the bulky stools that obviate and overcome constipation.
Biology Insights reports: “Okra’s effectiveness against constipation is rooted in its high content of dietary fiber and mucilage. A single half-cup serving of cooked okra typically contains about 2 grams of fiber, split nearly half soluble and half insoluble. The insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool. This increased mass stimulates the intestinal walls, speeding up the transit time of waste through the colon.”
According to the report, the soluble fiber component, along with the mucilage, works to soften the stool. Mucilage is the characteristic viscous, gel-like substance present in the okra pod. This complex polysaccharide absorbs water in the digestive tract, forming a soft, slippery mass.
“This absorbed water increases the moisture content of the stool, making it easier to pass,” Biology Insights states. “The mucilage also acts as a lubricant, coating the lining of the large intestine and facilitating the movement of hardened fecal matter. This combination of increased bulk, softened consistency, and internal lubrication makes okra functional for relieving and preventing constipation.”
Okra has gained popularity in Japanese cuisine, where it is served with soy sauce and katsuobushi or as tempura. In the southern United States, breaded and deep-fried okra is a common dish. Additionally, the immature pods can be pickled.
Wikipedia reports that okra is an essential component of several regional signature dishes. Frango com quiabo (chicken with okra) is a renowned Brazilian dish, particularly in the Minas Gerais region. Gumbo, a robust stew featuring okra as a key ingredient, is prevalent throughout the Gulf Coast of the United States.
Okra is a staple in callaloo, a Caribbean dish and the national dish of Trinidad and Tobago. In the Philippines, okra plays a crucial role in the Ilocano dish pinakbet.
In certain countries, the seeds of okra, rather than the young pods, are of primary interest. Similar to soybeans, the seeds offer excellent vegetable protein, which can be utilized in various forms, including full- and fat-free meals, flours, protein concentrates and isolates, cooking oils, lecithin, and nutraceuticals (foods with health benefits).
Meanwhile, the increasing demand for okra is advantageous for Filipino farmers. Over the past few years, the country has exported fresh, premium okra predominantly to Japan and South Korea, with Tarlac acting as the central production area. The peak shipping period occurs between October and June to address the off-season needs of temperate East Asian markets.
