I’m sure you are wondering why I am about to talk to you about Okra and its use in helping manage blood sugar. How do these two things relate to each other?
Well I want to start by defining both and then explaining how Okra can help you in the management of diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease and it has affected a considerable percentage of the population throughout the world. Diabetes is associated with abnormally high levels of the sugar glucose in the blood. Diabetes is due to one of two mechanisms:
- Type 1: Inadequate production of insulin (which is made by the pancreas and lowers blood glucose)
- Type 2: Inadequate sensitivity of cells to the action of insulin.
In understanding diabetes and the effect of this condition on blood sugar, where does okra fit into the story?
Well, in traditional medicine Okra seeds are reported to have the ability to manage increased blood glucose concentration. Modern research has correlated this traditional claim with scientific evidence. It does so by reducing absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as by:
- Providing high fiber source
- Anti-stress effect
- May help lower cholesterol
Okra, also known as “lady’s fingers,” is a green flowering plant. Okra belongs to the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton. Fresh pods are low in calories, with little to no fat, high in fiber, and have several valuable nutrients, including:
- about 30% of the recommended levels of vitamin C
- 10 to 20% of folate
- about 5% of vitamin A
- Potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium
- Iron, zinc, manganese, and nickel
Okra seed is mainly composed of oligomericcatechins and flavonol derivatives, while the pod is mainly composed of hydroxycinnamic and quercetin derivatives. Pods and seeds are rich in phenolic compounds with important biological antioxidant properties.These properties, along with the high content of proteins and other dietary elements enhance the importance of this in the human diet.
How To make Okra water
- Take five okra pods, medium sized. And wash them thoroughly.
- Cut off the ends of the pods. Now, with the help of a knife, split the pods in half.
- Take a mason jar or a tumbler with three cups of water and put the pods in it.
- Let the pods soak overnight.
- Squeeze the pods into the water and take them out.
- Drink the water.
There’s some strong evidence that proves that okra can help reduce blood sugar. It’s important to understand that okra is not a medicinal/insulin replacement or a replacement for lifestyle behavior modifications. However, with so many possible benefits for those that have diabetes, it may be worth trying alongside traditional treatment if your doctor agrees.