Okra, Bhindi or else known as ladyfinger, is a green flowering plant that is filled with minerals and nutrients. Apart from its amazing taste, it has a reputation as a ‘superfood’ as it is beneficial for those with diabetes or cancer. It is also low in calories and has a high fibre content.
Okra is particularly beneficial for those who are in the early stages of diabetes. Research has found that people who consumed okra water reported decreasing blood sugar levels. Other than that, roasted Okra seeds have been used for years as a medicine in Turkey to treat diabetes.
Here is what makes okra beneficial for diabetics.
High in Fibre
Okra is a vegetable with high amounts of fiber, which is a crucial part of treating diabetes. It is even hailed as an anti-diabetic food ingredient thanks to its high fibre content that stabilises the blood sugar levels by slowing the rate at which it is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Other than that, it also promotes better glycemic control and improves insulin sensitivity. All in all, okra not only helps in diabetes but also provides other health benefits like indigestion, reducing cravings, and keeping people fuller for longer.
Filled with antioxidants
In managing diabetes, it is not only about controlling the food you eat but also how you live your life. Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but with diabetes we need to learn how to manage it. Eating okra will help, as okra is also rich in antioxidants which can reduce the stress level in the body in the long term. According to research, stress is dangerous for those who have diabetes as long term stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Manages Cholesterol Levels
Those who have diabetes, according to research, are more likely to have high cholesterol. Prevent this from happening by eating foods that are rich in antioxidants and fibre, which can manage the cholesterol level in your body. Maintaining good health is very important in order to reduce the complications of diabetes.
How to incorporate okra into your diet
Incorporating okra into your diet is easier than it looks, for there are many ways to cook it. You can eat it on its own or in combination with onions and tomatoes.
For okra water, cut okra into pieces and put it in water overnight to drink it in the morning.
Okra peels are also useful, as you can grate okra with a grater and then use it as a garnishes or consume it as it is.
You can also buy powdered okra seeds or make it from scratch by drying out the seeds then grounding it. Powdered okra seeds are shown to be beneficial for diabetes and as a supplement.
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