How Good is Okra for Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the person produces high blood sugar levels due to defect in the insulin production or defect in the response to the insulin produced by the body or both. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin. This is mostly the congenital type. In type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced but it is inadequate for the normal function. It is most common type of diabetes. The common symptoms of diabetes include polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger), weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, delayed wound healing, tingling and numbness, male sexual dysfunction. Gestational diabetes is diabetes during pregnancy. Let us read to know how good is okra for diabetes patients.

Is Okra Good for Diabetes?

• Okra is also known as lady’s finger or gumbo. The term okra refers to the edible seedpods of the plant.
• It contains potassium, vitamin B, Vitamin C, folic acid and calcium.
• It has anti diabetic property, regulating sugar levels hence used in diabetes.

Benefits of Okra for Diabetes

1. Rich in Dietary Fiber: It is rich in dietary fiber, contains 3g of fiber, helping in digestion and curbing hunger prangs.
2. Anti Stress Effect: It is rich in antioxidants, and has anti-stress effect leading to lowering of blood sugar levels.
3. Lower Cholesterol: It lowers cholesterol with its high fiber and antioxidant property.
4. Anti Fatigue Effect: It improves the recovery times and fatigue levels by ingesting okra.

How to Use Okra for Diabetes

Okra can be used in various forms namely okra water, okra peel and powdered seeds, and okra pills. Okra soups and stews are also used for diabetes.

1. Drink Okra Water for Diabetes

Ingredients:

• Okra pods-3
• Water- 1 glass

Procedure:

• Wash 4/5 medium-sized okra pods.
• Clip both the ends off the pods, then split the pods in half or pierce each side of the pods with a knife.
• Put the okra pods in a large jar and cover them with water.
• Soak them overnight, at least for 8 hours.
• In the morning, squeeze the pods into the water.
• Throw the pods away and drink the water.

How it works: It helps in reducing blood sugar levels.

Repetitions: once daily.

Preparation time: 8 hours.

Best time to drink: early morning on empty stomach.

Tips: If fresh okra is not available, freeze-dried okra or canned okra can be used to create okra water.

2. Okra Pills for Diabetes

1. Okra Squash 90 Tablets

Ingredients of the pill:

• Iodine, 225mg
• Dried okra
• Squash
• Beet leaves
• Cabbage
• Cayenne
• Rhubarb salt
• Di calcium phosphate
• Magnesium stearate
• Pharmaceutical glaze

Procedure:

• Ingest 1 tablet with one glass of water. (Before each meal).

How it works: It contains both soluble and non-soluble fiber, helping in regulating blood sugar levels.

Repetitions: thrice daily (TID).

Preparation time: Unknown.

Best time to apply: one before each mealtime.

Tips: Do not use if seal is broken. Store in cool, dry place.

2. Okra 400mg (100 Veggie caps)

Ingredients:

• Okra
• Fruit concentrate
• Maltodextrin (sweet potato)
• Vegetable cellulose capsule
• Cellulose
• Magnesium stearate
• Silica.

Procedure:

• Ingest 1 tablet with one glass of water (before each meal).

How it works: It contains both soluble and non-soluble fiber.

Repetitions: 4 times a day (QID).

Preparation time: Unknown.

Best time to apply: one before each mealtime.

Tips: Do not use if seal is broken. Store in cool, dry place.

3. Okra Peel and Powdered Seeds

This is the most traditional way to use okra. Okra seed extract is considered safe for the health.

Ingredients:

• Okra peel
• Powdered seeds

Procedure:

• Wash 4-5 okra, peel the okra using handheld grater or lemon zester.
• Eat half teaspoon of okra peel.
• The seeds are powdered and dried out and then consumed.

How it works: It is most effective in lowering blood sugar levels.

Repetitions: once a day.

Preparation time: 5 minutes.

Best time to apply: anytime of the day.

Tips: Not to ingest more than 5 grams of okra seeds/day.

Safety Tips:

• If the subject is on metformin, okra tends to block the absorption in intestines. So please consult doctor (if taking metformin).
• Caution to be taken if taking insulin lowering drugs or sulphonylurea drug.
• An increased chance of kidney stones, as okra is high in oxalates.

Okra has various benefits, but it is a part of diabetes management plan and not the ultimate cure.

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