Okra for Diabetes Patients

Ladyfinger's benefits

Okra, also known as ladyfingers, is a nutritious vegetable with high levels of essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamin C. It is also a great source of dietary fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. Studies have shown that consuming okra or okra extract can lead to significant reductions in fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1C levels, making it a potentially beneficial food for those with diabetes. Its popularity as a "superfood" is growing among those with diabetes or cancer or at risk of developing them.

Okra consumption can offer numerous benefits for diabetes, some of which are listed below:
  • Okra reduces overall calorie intake and controls blood sugar levels: The advantages of okra consumption for diabetes patients, as outlined by Rohit Yadav, a Dietician and Diabetes Educator at Government Medical College, can be attributed to two key factors. Firstly, okra is an excellent source of insoluble dietary fiber, which promotes feelings of fullness and slows down sugar release, resulting in reduced caloric intake. Secondly, okra regulates sugar absorption in the intestinal tract, facilitating better blood sugar level management.
  • Anti-fatigue benefit: A study highlighted by Healthline suggested that the inclusion of okra in one's diet could lead to improved recovery times and reduced fatigue levels. This implies that incorporating okra into one's diet, along with regular exercise, may enable individuals to exercise for longer periods and recover more quickly. Given the importance of cardiovascular activities in managing and preventing diabetes, okra consumption may promote a more active lifestyle.
  • It increases the absorption of sugar by muscles: A 2017 study published in PLOS One investigated the effect of myricetin, a substance found in okra as well as red wine and tea, on rats with diabetes. The researchers isolated myricetin from okra and gave it to the rats, leading to increased sugar absorption in their muscles and ultimately lowering their blood glucose levels. Myricetin, a substance found in okra and other foods, has been linked to lower blood sugar levels in various laboratory and animal studies, according to a 2012 review in Food Science and Human Wellness. Additionally, the authors suggest that myricetin may have other potential benefits for individuals with diabetes, including reducing related risk factors. 
  • It reduces blood sugar spikes: According to a study published in ISRN Pharmaceutics in 2011, okra consumption was found to be correlated with a reduction in blood sugar spikes in animals. In the study, rats were given liquid sugar and purified okra via feeding tubes, and those given okra had lower blood sugar spikes after feeding than the control group.
  • Okra is high in fibre: According to Healthline, okra is a fiber-rich food that contains approximately 3 grams of fiber in eight medium-sized pods. The high fiber content of okra offers several benefits, including improved digestion, reduced hunger cravings, and increased satiety, leading to a feeling of fullness for an extended period. It is recommended that individuals with diabetes consume foods high in fiber content as part of their dietary treatment plan. Studies have shown that increasing fiber intake can improve glycemic control and enhance insulin sensitivity.

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