Health Benefits of Okra Also Known as “Lady’s finger”

The mucilaginous content in okra sets it apart from other vegetables for its extraordinary benefits.

Okra is also known as “lady’s finger” in some parts of Asia. And various other names in other parts of the world. The plant is cultivated in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions around the world.

Okra is an edible pea pod and although can be eaten raw, I’ve never acquired the raw taste. You can lightly blanch, steam or give it a quick stir-fry to reduce the “green” taste.
Use when it’s tender, as it gets very fibrous when it’s older. In the okra pods, the white soft seeds (edible) are arranged in 5 to 10 vertical columns, giving it the angled appearance on the outside.

Nutritional Benefits:

Okra is very low in calories and dense with nutrients. It is high in fiber, vitamin A, C, and folate content.

It is also a good source of the B vitamins, vitamin K, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and traces of magnesium and manganese.
Okra is one of those few vegetables which have the highest content of phytonutrients and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, xanthin and lutein.

Health Benefits

Okra is one of the best medicinal vegetable although it is not everyone’s favorite. You may like to try it if you knew about its immense health benefits:

Anemia:
Helps red blood cells production and prevent anemia.

Anti-Cancer:
The high antioxidants in okra helps protect the immune system against harmful free radicals and prevent mutation of cells.

Asthma:
The high antioxidants and vitamin C content make okra useful for reducing asthmatic attacks.

Bone Strength:
Folate in okra builds strong bones and density, preventing osteoporosis.

Cholesterol:
The soluble fiber helps to lower serum cholesterol, thus also reducing atherosclerosis and the risk of heart diseases.

Constipation:
The rich fiber and mucilaginous (slimy) content in okra pods help increase bulk, bind to toxins and ensure easy bowel movements with its natural laxative properties. Regularly eating okra also reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Diabetes:
It has insulin-like properties that help to reduce blood sugar level.
Gut flora: The fiber helps improve the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Immune Booster:
The high antioxidants and vitamin C content make okra a good immune booster food that reduce your catching the cough and cold.
Peptic Ulcers: The mucilaginous content provides a temporary coating to the digestive tract and stomach lining while healing the ulcers.

Pregnancy:
The rich folate content in okra can help decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in babies.

Skin Health:
With good bowel movements, skin health will improve. Helps reduce acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

Vision Health:
Okra contains beta-carotenes (precursor of vitamin A), xanthin and lutein, all antioxidant properties that are helpful for vision health, preventing eye problems like cataract and glaucoma.

Consumption Tips

Choose smaller-sized okra over the big ones. The feel should be crisp and firm to be sure they are tender and not overly fibrous. Avoid those which color does not look fresh and are soft.

As with most vegetables, okra may be subject to insecticide/pesticides. Buy organic if possible. If not, soak okra in water with apple cider vinegar and seasalt for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Cut off the tops and cut okra into smaller pieces of 2-3 inches if desired. Lightly blanch, steam or quickly stir-fry to reduce the mucilage and the “green taste”. It can be added into your salad, or dipped into your home-made chilli sauce, or eat it just on its own.
Okra cannot be juiced due to its very fibrous texture and mucilaginous (slimy) content.

Caution

Like most vegetables, okra has a small amount of oxalic acid and does not generally bother. Avoid okra if you have a history of kidney stones.

Prayer for new week

God will remember your requests today and grant you speedy answers. He will remember all your

good works and reward you greatly. Your sins and curses shall no longer stand as hindrances to your manifestations.The Almighty God will proof to the whole world that you are His favourite. Your own case and situation shall be exceptionally enviable. Do not despair because of what you are going through now, the journey is not far anymore. You will reach your goal very soon. It is your time to shine in Jesus Name.

Happy new week to you all from us ASBS'World.

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Five clever ways to apologize to your spouse

Sometimes we let our thoughts and emotions get the best of us. When we get upset and angry,

we take those emotions out on the people we care for the most, especially our spouse. If you have offended your spouse, do not fret. You can make amends. However, don’t just settle for a simple “I’m sorry.”

Tell your spouse just how much you do care by apologizing with one of these fun ideas.

• Write

  Words are an excellent way to show how much you care. Write a letter to your spouse asking for forgiveness. Be willing to open your heart and share your emotions with him. Share the frustrations and sadness that may be in your heart.
  Another fun and simple way to apologize to your spouse is to write a list of all the reasons why you love him. Preface or conclude the list by asking for forgiveness and tell him why you did what you did. Throughout the list, share with him all of the reasons that your heart begins to beat fast when he walks in the room, and how much you love cuddling him on the couch. This type of list will not only make him happy, it is also an excellent way to strengthen your marriage and remind both of you why you fell in love with each other in the first place.

• Physical touch

  Sometimes all it takes is a hug, a handhold or snuggling on the couch to show that you are truly sorry for what you have done. Physical touch is a powerful thing. Think about the times when you have had a bad day, did a hug or a kiss turn it around? Think about a baby or young child when they are upset, frightened or sad. Does the embrace from a loving parent help calm him down? Be willing to get close to your spouse when you have done something wrong. Ask for forgiveness, explain the feelings in your heart, and then give your husband a hug, a kiss or even just put your hand on his knee. There is power in touch.

• Use candy or treats

  If your spouse likes gifts, give meaningful or clever “I’m sorry” gifts. These gifts could be anything from your partner’s favorite treats to flowers or jewelry. However, don’t think that every time you mess up you can buy your way out of a mess. After some time, the gifts begin to lose their meaning.

• Plan alone time

  Find a babysitter, plan a romantic dinner and show your spouse that you want to spend time with him. Before the alone time begins, ask for his forgiveness and tell him you are sorry. Then, you can enjoy some alone time together and really work on strengthening your relationship.

• Use your own talents

  Each of us has our own unique talents. Use these talents to tell your spouse you love him. If you are clever at coming up with quotes, bake him a treat and attach a saying. If you are musically talented, write or sing a song to your partner telling him how much you care. Think about the unique talents you possess and how you can use those gifts to better the relationship with your spouse.read here
  We all make mistakes. Some are much larger than others and some can offend and hurt others, especially our spouse. When you make these mistakes, be willing to say “I’m sorry” and make things right.

YOU ARE A REFERENCE LETTER

You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men.- 2 Corinthians 3:2

Have you ever gone on a job interview? Some of the things your prospective employer wants to see are references and letters of recommendation.

There are very few things in this life that speak more strongly for you than when someone is willing to put their reputation on the line for you.

Reference letters from people of repute give weight to your résumé. People tend to accept a new idea or way of doing things when it is backed up by success stories.

As the early church spread with the good news of Christ, the stories of changed lives flowed with the message.

As Christianity grew, its greatest strength was in the lives of those who had been converted to the Lord and lived lives of purity and holiness. Those people became the recommendation letters for the early Apostles and missionaries.

The reputation of the church, the changes in the people, the things they willingly gave up, the lengths to which they were willing to hold to this Jesus went ahead of those first missionaries and opened doors for ministry.

As a child of God, your conduct becomes a letter of recommendation for Christ. You are the letter that the world reads to determine whether the claims of Jesus are true or not. In you they seek to see the evidence of Christ.

They judge the Lord and His Church by your daily conduct. With the letter of recommendation, in the form of the reputation of the first century church, doors opened wide to the message of salvation.

Be a letter for the Lord to your family, friends, neighbourhood and working colleagues.

Prayer: Lord, may my life be a living testimony of Your love and power.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Prayer for New Month of September

Welcome to the" EMER" months, 

God will send His healing to you and your family. He will proof to u that He is Jehovah Ralpha Before the week gets to an end, you will sing a new song of favour and breakthrough, Your weak prayer life will become strengthened in Jesus Name. All benefits due you shall be given to you in Jesus name.
God will release healing upon your spirit, soul and body. Healing upon your home and marriage, upon your work, business and finances. There shall be no more afflictions, there shall be no tragedy. You shall not die young; the God of Heaven will give you long life, prosperity, and good days to enjoy His blessings in your life in Jesus mighty name.

Happy New Month of September folks from ASB'S World.

Relationship: Your son shouldn’t get married without hearing this advice

As mothers, we will always remember our children as though they were still little enough to snuggle up on our laps. Even if they are old enough to have kids themselves, it's hard to let go of those memories.

Now, as I see my own son all grown up right before my eyes, I realize I'll never be quite as prepared as I'd like to be for him to take the next step in life … It doesn't seem like he is old enough! But the thought of him succeeding makes me smile. Though he will always be my little boy, I want him to have a happy life and a happy marriage.

Here are some things every son needs to hear from his mother before getting married:

• Love and value your wife

  As a husband, you have an important role in your marriage — but so does your wife. Never underestimate the value of your wife. She will be the queen of the home you create together. Love her, always respect her, provide support, and be forever grateful to her. She will carry your children. She will be your children's mother. Treat her with the highest level of love and respect. Your role is important too; managing, providing for and protecting your family will help you and your wife have a happy marriage.

• Have eyes only for your wife

  When you decide to marry, know that you are making a serious commitment. Marriage means staying together as friends and lovers through the ups and downs of life. Your wife will be your best friend as much as she will be your wife. Marry someone who can be both. Of course, you both will have other friends in your lives, but your spouse will be the one you always turn to. Never talk to your wife in a way that makes her doubt your love. Never give her a reason to think you are being unfaithful. Love her and her only.

• Support her goals

  While we should all have individual goals, it is important to share goals with your partner. It is also important that you support your wife's goals. As you start your marriage, both of you will have similar goals. From getting married to starting a family or moving into a bigger house, there will be many goals you share. Decide to share goals, but also decide to support your wife in her own achievements.

• Enjoy your (alone) time together

  When you first marry, you will have time for each other, but that may change as work schedules collide and children come along. While time should be spent together as a family, it is crucial you spend time alone with your wife. Don't let go of the deep discussions you have earlier in your marriage. Continue to date your wife even after you are married. Be romantic, and ask her all those silly personal questions you did when you first met. A woman in love is a confident woman! Give her that love and confidence by spending time with her.

• Make your own decisions as a couple

  Do not let anyone intervene in your decisions. Obviously, opinions from friends and family should be considered, but at the end of the day, you and your wife should have the final say. Don't feel pressured by others and don't let others choose where life takes you. Though friends and family might try to intervene, it is your family who will live with the consequences of your decisions. Make sure you and your wife are on the same page.

• Establish patterns in your home

  While you shouldn't always need to ask your wife's permission to do things, setting limits and rules from the beginning of your marriage will set a standard for both of you to live by. Remember, you are partners in this adventure called life. You are in it together. Decide to live your life a certain way. Talk about the things you expect from your life together. Set up a way of life early on in your marriage. Know how expenses will be paid, how children will be raised, and how time will be spent. When you both agree, there will less friction and frustration in your home.

• Have God in your life

  Keep in mind that your home should be a little slice of heaven. God should be present. Your home should be a place where harmony, love and charity thrive. Kneel together in prayer to tell God how grateful you are. Ask for help making decisions. Ask for guidance.

• Be yourself

  You are so unique, and you need to share your individual personality. Don't hide yourself from the world. Make yourself known for admirable qualities like honor, strong work ethic, trust in God, and solid morals. Your wife will love you for it, and you will have confidence and pride in the things you do each day. read here
  As mothers, we must prepare our children to grow and form their own families. Don't let this chance go to waste. Though it's hard to see your boy grow up, it is a perfect opportunity to teach him how to be happy in his marriage. Plus, we all know that when our kids are happy, we are happy. Take the time to give this advice to your son so he can start his own life with your support and wisdom.

FOCUS ON JESUS

Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face. Psalm 5:8

Have you ever tried to walk a perfectly straight line along a muddy path? It's not as easy as you might think. When walking on a muddy path, most people tend to walk slowly with their heads focusing intensely at their feet.

When someone attempts this task with their eyes cast downward, their footsteps become unsteady and crooked. When you walk with your eyes constantly looking down at your feet, you have no idea where you're going.

There's no perspective because you cannot see how you fit into the larger landscape. There's no genuine focus, since every step treads over the last step's focal point.

You haven't imagined yourself as part of a bigger picture. The only way to make a purposeful line of progress is to forget about your feet. The key is to look straight ahead, set your focus on a fixed target ahead of you - a fence post, street sign, or tree in the distance. Then, with your eyes fixed on that target, just start walking.

When you lock your focus on target ahead, the immediate problems become stepping stones towards your goal.

The same is true in our lives. If we walk through life concentrating only on what lies ahead of us, we will fail to see the bigger picture and allow little distractions to become major obstacles.

But when we look beyond ourselves and fix our thoughts and spiritual eyes on Jesus, we can trust that our paths will be straight and trustworthy on every step of the way. He is our big picture.

The ultimate goal of our lives. The final prize of all our endeavours.

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You at all times.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 5:1-12