Health and Lifestyle

Benefits of Okra for Diabetes

Dr. Veena Madhankumar

Jun 22, 2021 — 3 min read

Diabetes is a serious disease with many life-threatening complications. This disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that causes high blood glucose. It affects all the systems of the body. Often only blood sugar comes to mind when you think of diabetes, but this disease is so much more complicated. This disease becomes a complication when you are not aware of how to control or prevent it. Once you know you have diabetes, the first thing you will worry about is what food that you are eating is contributing to it and how you can control your diet. No food is off-limits when you have diabetes. Here is some information about the benefits of Okra for diabetes.

Okra is a vegetable that is also known as lady’s finger. It is gaining a reputation as a so-called superfood for people with diabetes. Okra is low in calories, with almost no fat content. It is abundantly loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Zinc.

1) Rich In Fiber

Okra is rich in fiber content. Foods that are rich in fiber are an important part of the diet for people with diabetes. Increased intake of dietary fiber has been shown to improve glycemic control and insulin sensitivity.

2) Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Okra is found to lower cholesterol levels. Foods that are rich in fiber and have antioxidant properties are usually recommended for people with diabetes as they can lower the levels of cholesterol. In a study, it was shown that people with diabetes might have high cholesterol levels. When diabetes is combined with high cholesterol levels, the consequences can be critical. So make sure your diet keeps the cholesterol levels under check.

3) Helps to Manage Stress

Okra has antioxidant properties which can help to manage stress levels. Managing stress levels is one crucial factor in the treatment regimen for diabetes, as high-stress levels can cause a spike in blood glucose levels. Henceforth maintaining mental health should be made a part of diabetes treatment.

4) High Energy Levels

Physical activity is essential to prevent and treat diabetes. By adding Okra to your diet, you may be able to work longer. Okra can be a significant contributing factor to an active lifestyle.

Though Okra has multiple potential benefits for those with diabetes, it is very important to understand that Okra is definitely not a replacement for Insulin. And if you are already on a treatment plan for diabetes, then you need to take your doctor’s opinion about including Okra in your diet.

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