Okra belongs to the plant family of hibiscus and cotton. The term “okra” most commonly refers to the edible seedpods of the plant. It has high dietary fiber content and low calories. Okra can be used successfully as a direct diabetes treatment.
Okra is a well-known vegetable in Indian kitchens. And also it is known as ladyfingers, bhindi, or bamia, okra is a pod vegetable, filled with seeds and is often added to soups like gumbo for extra texture and flavor.
Studies on Okra and Diabetes
Medical research on okra for diabetes management is still in the early stages. According to a study, okra water improved the blood sugar levels of pregnant rats that had gestational diabetes. Roasted okra seeds have been used from long time in Turkey to treat diabetes, is proven to have a positive effect on lowering blood sugar.
Researchers have found that treatment with Orka, isoquercitrin and quercetin 3-O-gentiobiose reduced blood glucose and serum insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance in obese mice.
Okra contains:
- Potassium
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Folic acid
- Calcium
Okra helps in managing blood sugar levels in cases of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. And it is rich in protective substances called antioxidants including myricetin.
Benefits Of Okra For Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels:
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Helps In Lowering Cholesterol:
Okra is a source of fiber, which is helpful in regulating or lowering cholesterol level. Apart from okra, foods that are high in fiber are recommended for the people who have diabetes as it lowers cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels along with diabetes can give you serious health issues, it is important to manage both of them.
2. Dietary Fiber:
Okra is high in fiber. Eight medium-sized pods are estimated to contain 3 grams of fiber. This bulk fiber quantity has several benefits. Okra also helps in digestion, cuts hunger cravings, and keeps you full for longer time. Foods which are high in fiber are an important part of dietary treatment for diabetes. Increasing dietary fiber intake has been shown to promote good glycemic control and improve insulin sensitivity.
3. Anti-Fatigue:
Okra can decrease fatigue level. By including okra in your daily diet along with a healthy exercise routine, you may be able to work out for longer and recover more quickly from your exercise. In preventing and treating diabetes, cardiovascular activity is essential. Make sure to do physical activities apart from just concentrating on your diet.
4. Anti-Stress Effects:
Okra seeds have an antioxidant, anti-stress effect in the bloodstream. High-stress levels can cause blood sugar levels. Mental health should be good for the treatment of diabetes. Managing stress levels is an important part in managing diabetes. This stress levels can be managed by consuming okra on regular basis.
How To Prepare Okra Water:
- To prepare Okra water, you need to take 5-6 medium-size Okra and cut both the edges.
- Soak these ladyfingers in a bowl of water.
- Keep them overnight or at least for 8 hours.
- Next morning strain the water and squeeze out the okra to get the water and consume it.
- It will benefit you a lot.
Apart from consuming okra water you can include okra in your diet by making curry or just by frying it.
Safety Concerns
it is to be noted that okra water isn’t always safe to consume when you are having diabetes pills. It is advisable to consult your doctor before having it, as it may effect your blood sugar levels It can be consumed when you plan to manage your blood sugar levels through diet and exercise.
