Okra is basically one of the main food groups in the American south! With its crisp raw texture and the gelatinous texture it takes on when cooked, okra can be enjoyed in a number of different ways. In addition to being tasty, though, okra can be a powerful tool in the fight against diabetes. If you’re looking for a natural way to control your blood sugar levels and improve your health, find out how okra helps with diabetes treatment.
What Okra Does for Diabetes Patients
This tasty vegetable has been found in numerous studies to benefit diabetes patients. To start with, okra is an excellent source of dietary fiber. The New England Journal of Medicine indicates that a diet high in fiber can improve blood cholesterol levels and minimize the effects of type 2 diabetes. Researchers required those in the test group (in other words, those who followed a high-fiber diet) to eat a wide variety of fibrous vegetables, including okra. Those who followed the high-fiber diet saw a 10% decrease in glucose levels.
On top of its fibrous qualities, okra can stabilize blood sugar. Okra is a natural source of many different flavonoids. Flavonoids can regulate glucose absorption by controlling the rate at which the body uses glucose found in the intestines. Regular consumption of okra can lead to improved blood sugar levels, particularly if patients use a concentrated form of the vegetable. The Wall Street Journal reports on a recent study in which obese mice were fed okra extract every day. After 28 days, the rats’ blood sugar levels were significantly reduced.
Preparing Okra
Since all studies up to this point have involved highly concentrated forms of okra, you may wish to use an extract or oil as recommended by your primary care physician. Seed extract, which is captured from the seeds of okra, has been supported by the greatest variety of research. Some patients slice four whole okra and soak them in a glass of water every night. The next morning, they discard the okra and drink the remaining water.
If extracts or okra water aren’t options for you, can simply aim to get more of this healthy vegetable into your diet. Though fried okra may be contradictory to your diabetes-friendly diet, you can still eat okra raw, steam it, or cook it into dishes and soups.
Making the Most of Your Diabetes Treatment
Okra isn’t a treatment to use in and of itself. For best results, you’ll still want to follow the care instructions of your doctors and care practitioners. This may include eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise to keep your blood sugar levels stable. As is the case with most diseases, diabetes needs to be battled on many fronts to keep patients healthy.
We all know that vegetables are an integral part of a healthy diet, but who knew that okra could influence your diabetes treatment? Make this versatile vegetable part of your daily diet and see what it does for you.
