Okra Compound Stimulates Immune Cells to Attack Cancer: In this new study, researchers discovered that a polysaccharide (complex sugar) isolated from okra flowers stimulated immune cells to kill human liver cancer cells in vitro. And okra’s immune stimulating ability doesn’t just come from its flowers. In fact, the pods are also rich in immune-stimulating polysaccharides—that’s what makes them so slimy! Researchers have previously isolated several immune-boosting polysaccharides from the pods and found them to contain beta-glucans—similar to the immune-boosting glucans found in medicinal mushrooms like shiitake, reishi, maitake, etc. Okra is quickly emerging as a superfood against cancer and diabetes. Previous studies have shown it potently kills breast cancer and melanoma cells in vitro, and a study in the USA showed that men eating okra regularly may reduce their risk of prostate cancer by 40%. And for those in need of extra energy boost from their food, the news gets even better: new research has shown that okra not only significantly boosts mood but also reduces fatigue and increases endurance in vivo. Perhaps that’s no surprise, since roasted okra seeds were widely used as a coffee substitute during the Civil War. Okra tastes great in stews and curries. It can be roasted with garlic, chili and other spices, lightly fried, baked, or simply put on the grill! #Okra #Cancer #Immune ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24721087
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 16:54:07 +0000
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