Molokhia is mucilaginous. This mucilage is made of sugar residues (polysaccharides) and proteins (glycoproteins) which swell in water to create a gel-like mass. This mucilaginous property increases when heat is applied as is the case with cooking, and, the resultant gel is the substance that is mostly responsible for the gut-soothing properties of this vegetable. Another healthy vegetable that has mucilaginous properties is okra.