Diabetes is a complicated disease and a diabetic patient has to absorb a host of precautions while including something new in the daily diet. Okra or Lady finger has been in news for quite some time and it has been claimed to have anti-diabetic properties.

Let us explore the relationship between okra and diabetes in this article. Join in for the article “Diabetes and Okra: Does it Help in Blood Glucose?”

Facts Related to Okra

Very few people are aware of the term okra. Hence, before trying to understand the relation between okra and diabetes, let us know a few facts about the vegetable.

• It is also known as lady’s fingers in most part of the world.
• It is a rich source of various minerals and vitamins such as potassium, calcium, folic acid, as well as Vitamin C.
• The vegetable is low in calories and has a high content of fibre in it.

Does Okra Help with Blood Glucose?

Most of the times, diabetes patients ask the question whether consumption of okra does any help to maintaining blood glucose.

• Okra water does help in improving the blood sugar levels. This is particularly true for gestational diabetes.
• Roasted okra seeds are also helpful in stabilizing blood sugar.
• Okra helps treat blood glucose by reducing the rate in which sugar is used up from the intestines of our body.
• Okra also contains insoluble fiber which is very important in stabilizing blood glucose.

Health Benefits of Okra for Diabetes Patients

The reason for all the hype about okra being beneficial for the diabetic patients is as follows:

-) The vegetable is a rich source of fiber. Eight pods of okra contain about three grams of fiber. When a diabetes patient consumes food which is high in fiber, the insulin sensitivity of the body is said to increase. Besides, the fiber rich foods are also a very good way of improving digestion, ulcers, and a host of other digestion related issues.

-) The high fiber contains also helps the diabetes patient to lose all the extra weight which happens to play a very vital role in the effective management of diabetes.

-) Okra seeds also play a big role in reducing bad cholesterol from the body. Cholesterol can be a very important contributor to diabetes related complications such as heart diseases.

-) Stress is considered to be one of the biggest contributors to a host of diseases and it is necessary to be stress-free in order to lead a healthy life. Diabetes patients are often advised to be stress-free and adopt habits that can calm their mind. Controlling and combating stress is also important to keep the blood sugar levels under control. Okra seeds have been known to reduce stress in patients suffering from diabetes.

-) Similarly, okra seeds also help the diabetes patients by enabling them to feel less tired and weak. One of the major adverse effects of diabetes is a feeling of tiredness and fatigue at all times in the patients. Feeling tired at all times can also contribute to weight gain and heart and kidney related conditions. As such, okra seeds, by helping to avoid the feeling of fatigue, goes a great deal in benefiting the diabetes patients.

-) Besides, the okra seeds are very low on their calorie count which as well can help diabetes patients to shed all the extra calories by including the same in their daily diet.

-) Okra is also known to be good for your digestion and helps in combating constipation. Digestion problems are very common in patients suffering from diabetes.

Hence, as seen above, okra is indeed very healthy for those suffering from a chronic condition such as diabetes.

Different forms in Which Okra can be Consumed

Okra need not be consumed just as a vegetable. There are multiple ways in which you can consume it for getting the best benefit out of it. The forms are:

Okra Peel: This is the most conventional way of using this healthy vegetable for the treatment of diabetes. For doing the same, you can simply use the kitchen knife. For best result, the recommended quantity is half a teaspoon of the peel.

Okra Water: The most popular way of using Okra and deriving benefits out of the same is by using Okra water. Just put the vegetable overnight in water and then consume the water after removing the vegetable. Soaking the same overnight will ensure that all the essential properties of Okra have been absorbed by the water.

Powdered Seeds: The seeds are first dried. Post that, they are grounded in a powder form.

Soups: In order to ensure that you are getting enough of the vegetable, you can use the same as part of various soups and vegetables that you make at home.

Pickle: Sometimes, a few people may find eating the vegetable as bitter and that is a great demotivation for eating the vegetable. Hence, Okra pickle is preferred under such circumstances as the bitterness shall be removed.

Risks Associated with the Consumption of Okra for Diabetic Patients

Not everything is good with this vegetable. Let us see some of the risks that are associated with the consumption of Okra is you are a person suffering from diabetes:

• Sometimes, the metabolism can become really slow if you are consuming this vegetable.
• A few studies conducted by experts show that if a diabetic patient is regularly in taking this vegetable, he or she is more exposed to the chances of getting kidney stones.
• Some research shows that consumption of okra can come in the way of medical treatment of diabetes, particularly when you are taking metformin.

As such, given the risks, it is always advisable to consult an expert before including this vegetable in your diet if you are someone who is suffering from diabetes.

Precautions While Consuming Okra

• If you are taking metformin for the treatment of diabetes, make sure you do not include the vegetable in any of its forms as it can react with the same.
• Overeating okra can be harmful due to potassium content. Hence, consult your doctor to know the quantity that you can intake.
• Always remember to see the reaction of consuming the same on your daily diet. Do monitor how its inclusion affects your blood sugar and glucose levels.

We hope that the post has been helpful in informing and educating you about the relationship between diabetes and the popular vegetable. Although the vegetable can be helpful in stabilizing blood glucose and thereby reducing the harmful impact of diabetes, it is important to take appropriate precautions while including okra in the daily diet. As seen above, there can be risks associated with its consumption. Hence, an expert advice is always recommended!!