AN OVERVIEW ON OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus) AND IT'S IMPORTANCE AS A NUTRITIVE VEGETABLE IN THE WORLD

Abstract

Okra a commercial vegetable crop belongs to family Malvaceae. It originates from Ethiopia and is widely spread all over tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of the world. It plays an important role in the human diet and is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, potassium, enzymes, and total minerals which are often lacking in the diet of developing country. Its medicinal value has also been reported in curing ulcers and relief from hemorrhoids. Okra has found medical application as a plasma replacement or blood volume expander and also useful in genito-urinary disorders, spermatorrhoea and chronic dysentery. The fruits of okra have reawakened beneficial interest in bringing this crop into commercial production.