Is okra (Ladyfinger) good for diabetics?

Diabetes is a chronic and rapidly growing disease that is also known to have many permanent complications in different body systems. Our day to day diet plays a vital role in maintaining glucose levels and avoiding all complications associated with diabetics.

Okra or ladyfinger is one of the best foods that have anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic effect and can help to reduce glucose levels in the body. This vegetable is also known to possess anti-hyperlipidemic properties to prevent cholesterol absorption and thus reduce fats and fats in the blood.

In this article, we will discuss the relationship between okra and diabetes. Lets have a quick look.

Okra and diabetes

Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are the main risk factors for diabetes. High consumption of foods rich in sugar and fats can lead to obesity, insulin resistance and consequently diabetes. This is why people with type 2 diabetes often suffer from obesity.

Obesity or hyperlipidemia causes glucose levels to rise, which then contributes to loss of beta-cell function and impaired insulin secretion, leading to diabetes.

It should also be kept in mind that in some people, the impairment of beta cells may be due to their genetic history or a family history of diabetes.

Okra contains phytochemicals like polysaccharides, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, and sterols along with dietary fiber.

These compounds contribute to the effects of hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia, thus reducing lipid levels and controlling diabetes.

Okra can also help to improve pancreatic cell function and reduce beta cell dysfunction due to genetic factors.

How can okra help control diabetes

1. Low glycemic index

Experts recommend that you include foods with a low glycemic index in a diabetes diet. Okra has a glycemic index of 20, which means that consuming this vegetable tends to raise glucose levels very slowly, as it takes longer to break down in the intestine. For Diabetics eating okra to fill their stomachs as well as control blood sugar levels.

2. Fight kidney disease

Diabetes is a major risk factor for kidney disease. High levels of sugar can damage the nerves in the kidneys and cause complications. Okra helps to maintain glucose levels and prevents any kind of damage to the kidneys.

3. It contains soluble fibers

Soluble dietary fiber is good for diabetics, as it plays an important role in digesting carbohydrates. Okra, is very much rich in soluble fiber, it slows down the digestion and reduces the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. It also helps to keep a person more satisfied for longer time and prevents unhealthy binges.

How is okra used to control diabetes?

Take two pieces of okra in bowl.

Cut off both ends.

Then you will see s  sticky white liquid will start to come out of the okra.

Alternatively, put okra in a cup of water before bed at night.

Cover the glass.

In the morning, take the okra out of the water and drink it.

Note: Repeating the above mentioned steps daily can help you to control your blood sugar as much as possible. Another important factor is that raw okra helps to treat diabetes faster than cooked, because it remains healthy in the previous raw state. So while you can add okra to soups and curries, the best natural remedy for managing diabetes is eating raw okra soaked in water.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is okra good for diabetes?

Yes, okra, or Bhendi or Ladyfinger are good for controlling diabetes. It is rich in various flavonoids, antioxidants, sugars and tannins that can help lower glucose levels.

2. How does okra lower blood sugar?

Okra is rich in dietary fiber and phytochemicals. Fiber contain in okra helps to feel full stomach and prevents excessive calorie intake, while phytochemicals help to control sugar levels and enhance beta-cell function in the pancreas.

3. Does okra interfere with metformin?

Metformin is the main drug for diabetes treatment. If a diabetic person who is taking metformin starts  consumes okra for a longer period, the antidiabetic effect of the okra vegetable may reduce the effect of the drug.

4. What are the side effects of eating okra?

High consumption of okra can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea and bloating in some people. Okra is also rich in oxalates, so it can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.

5. Does okra help sexually?

Some studies say okra is a sexual stimulant that can help to relax muscles, improve blood flow, and keep the reproductive organs functioning.

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