Green vegetables are considered very beneficial for maintaining health. They contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that have been shown to reduce the risk of many acute and chronic diseases. If you are a victim of diabetes, then some vegetables can also be beneficial in controlling your blood sugar level and reducing the complications of diabetes. Okra is one such vegetable that is very beneficial for diabetes patients.
There is evidence from many studies that if diabetic patients consume bhindi vegetables regularly, it can help prevent the increase in blood sugar levels. Most importantly, this vegetable is low in both calories and fat which makes it beneficial for diabetes.
Consume okra in diabetes
Research on okra for diabetes management suggests that it may be beneficial in reducing the risk of sudden spikes in blood sugar. A study done on rats found that okra water can lower the blood sugar levels of pregnant rats.
Roasted okra seeds have long been used in Turkey to treat diabetes. It has also been shown to have positive effects on lowering blood sugar.
Why okra is beneficial in diabetes, the contribution of some nutrients present in it has been found.
The fiber content in okra
Bhindi is rich in fiber. Eight medium-sized pods can contain 3 grams of fiber. Foods containing fiber not only help in digestion but also have the benefits of reducing hunger pangs and keeping the stomach full for a long time. High fiber diet is also considered good for diabetics. Being low in the glycemic index, okra may be beneficial in improving insulin sensitivity.
A report by Diabetes UK also mentions okra as having anti-diabetic properties. In vitro (laboratory) and in vivo (animal) studies have shown okra to be a potent blood glucose-lowering vegetable. In a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, researchers in India found that feeding okra peel and seeds to diabetic rats showed a reduction in their blood sugar levels.
Also, know about the benefits of okra
Okra can be beneficial for the body in many other ways not only in diabetes. Okra is rich in Vitamin-A and C as well as antioxidants which help in reducing the risk of serious health conditions like cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. It is also a good source of magnesium, which may help support muscle and nerve function and increase energy levels.
(PC: Freepik)
