Can Okra Help Control Your Hunger And Diabetes?
Can Okra Help Control Your Hunger and Diabetes? Also called ladyfingers, okra is closely related to cotton and hibiscus and is a favorite vegetable in the American South and areas of Africa and the Mediterranean, with numerous ways to cook it to get valuable health benefits Okra is one of the top purveyors of glutathione, which has anticarcinogenic and several other advantageous properties, and in glutathione content, it falls in the top four among all foods, behind asparagus, avocado and spinach Okra may help to fight symptoms of diabetes due to its ability to lower blood sugar, fight stress and lower fatigue for improved health Okra consumption may benefit diabetics due to several nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, folate, potassium, calcium and vitamin K Bulk fiber from eating okra has been shown to aid digestion by reducing your hunger cravings and keeping you feeling fuller, which is an important component for controlling diabetes symptoms What vegetable looks like a cross between a jalapeno, a mini cucumber and a star fruit, has enjoyed a long Southern tradition and was recently found to provide some really incredible benefits for your health? If your answer was okra, you get a thumbs-up, and if you or someone you care about struggles with their blood sugar, not to mention bouts of hunger that only exacerbates their blood sugar woes, listen up. But first, a little okra history: Also called "ladyfingers," and closely related to both cotton and hibiscus, okra comes in more than one variety, so it can be tinged with red and have either a smooth or a rough and even prickly texture. A favorite in the American South and areas of Africa and the Mediterranean, where it's usually cooked to reveal a slimy texture, there are (fortunately) serving alternatives; five p Continue reading >>
The Incredible Health Benefits Of Okra
Fried okra is a delicious southern staple that pairs well with other hearty dishes. Unfortunately, eating it fried undoes many of the natural health benefits of this unique vegetable. Not only is okra extremely tasty in its own right, but it also provides a wide range of outstanding health benefits when it is not fried. From preventing diabetes to promoting healthy pregnancies, this vegetable is a must-try dietary staple for enhancing overall health and wellness. Foods that are high in fiber have been shown to prevent diabetes since fiber can help normalize the body's blood sugar. Okra is also a low glycemic index food, with an index of about 20, making it suitable as part of a diet for diabetes treatment and prevention. Similarly, okra may even reduce kidney damage. Since almost half of all kidney disease cases are caused by diabetes, the fact that okra can help prevent diabetes means that it can also serve as a preventative food against kidney disease. One study published in the October 2005 Jilin Medical Journal found that daily consumption of okra reduced clinical signs of kidney damage when compared to people who ate a regular diabetic diet. Okra's high dietary fiber content also ensures optimal colon health and digestive health. Fiber is essential for cleaning out the gastrointestinal system, and sufficient fiber intake helps the colon work with enhanced efficiency. In addition, okra is also packed with vitamin A, and this essential vitamin helps to ensure that the digestive tract is functioning optimally, as well. During pregnancy, it is extremely important to get adequate amounts of folate. This B vitamin is ultimately responsible for creating and maintaining new cells in the body, which results in the prevention of certain birth defects. Okra is rich in folate Continue reading >>
Fact Check: Okra Cures Diabetes?
Rumor claims drinking water in which okra has been soaked overnight will make 'diabetes go away.' Claim: Drinking water in which okra has been soaked overnight will make diabetes go away. TRUE: Okra may have some beneficial effect in helping to regulate blood sugar levels. FALSE: Okra can cure diabetes or eliminate the need for diabetics to take insulin. Examples: [Collected via Facebook, January 2014] Someone posted that soaking okra ends in water over night and drinking the water next day helps cure blood sugar levels in diabetics, is this true. Origins: An item widely circulated via social media in January 2014 (shown above) advocated cutting the ends off a few okra slices, soaking the slices in water overnight, then drinking the water the following morning as a way of making diabetes go away and eliminating the need for There is a bit of truth to this claim in the sense that okra (also known as ladys finger, bendi, and gombo) does possess some anti-diabetic properties, namely that the viscosity of okras carbohydrates helps to slow the uptake of sugar into the blood by reducing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing the glycemic load of glucose in the blood that can disrupt the bodys ability to properly process the sugars (and that in some cases can lead to the onset of diabetes): Soluble fiber, found in porridge oats, okra, strawberries and aubergines among other foods, forms a kind of gel inside the bowels. This slows down the absorption of food from the gut, evening out the peaks in blood glucose that occur after meals. Soluble fiber also draws in bile acids that contribute to raised cholesterol, allowing the body to pass the acids out of the system rather than reabsorbing them into the blood. Soluble fiber therefore Continue reading >>
Okra And Type 2 Diabetes
Okra is an interesting vegetable because, depending on where you live, you may eat it every single day or you may have never heard of it in your life! This green pod vegetable is widely consumed in the southern United States, particularly in Creole cuisine, and some people even refer to it as “gumbo pods” or “lady’s fingers.” It’s originally from Egypt, where it’s thought to have been growing since about the 12th century. Today, okra is eaten around the world and prepared in so many different ways. As its green hue suggests, okra is a fantastic vegetable for any diabetic diet. It can be eaten in abundance by anyone wishing to stay healthy and feel great! Okra Nutrition Facts Okra is a super low calorie, low carbohydrate food. 1 cup contains just 33 calories and 7 grams carbs. It’s high in fiber – 1 cup will give you 3 grams fiber, which means it’ll keep you full! Okra is also a fantastic source of calcium, potassium, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, B6, and K. Okra has a low glycemic index of 32. Health Benefits of Okra Vitamin C: This antioxidant lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system, and prevents respiratory problems. Vitamin B6: Bolsters the immune system and helps regulate blood glucose levels. Calcium: Can help regulate glucose metabolism. Fiber: Promotes satiety and healthy gut bacteria and helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Folic acid: Lowers cardiovascular risk and may prevent birth defects. Research on Okra and Type 2 Diabetes There isn't a great deal of research but the science available confirms that okra is beneficial for your health. Fascinating studies have shown that okra consumption can reduce blood sugar level and lower lipid levels by preventing the absorption of cholesterol. Okra extract has been found to have the same effec Continue reading >>
Is Okra Good For Diabetes?
Okra, commonly known as lady’s finger and as Bhindi in Hindi, is one of the most favorite vegetables around the world. Besides its popularity for unique taste, okra provides numerous health benefits. It helps in controlling several serious health issues. If you are wondering, is okra good for diabetes? Then, the answer in yes. Consuming okra in moderation might not completely cure diabetes, but it has positive impact on blood sugar level, and thereby controls diabetes. Keep reading to discover the benefits of eating okra for diabetes. Why is Okra Good for Diabetes? Okra is a rich source of fiber, which is essential part of dietary plans for diabetes. Intake of fiber improves glycemic control, and even insulin sensitivity. Stress can be one of the causes of rise in blood sugar level, and managing stress level is important for managing diabetes. Okra has antioxidants that provides anti-stress effects in the bloodstream and can be used to reverse the effects of diabetes. Diabetes is often associated with unhealthy cholesterol level which harm your body further. Presence of antioxidants and fiber in okra helps in lowering the cholesterol level. Okra also ensures a diet of healthy cholesterol levels which is good for diabetes sufferers. Diabetes may lead to fatigues and decrease the recovery time of our body for any cuts, bruises, pain and infections. Studies say that okra can improve the recovery time and fatigue levels. Research on okra for diabetes has shown that okra is beneficial for people suffering from type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. How to Use Okra for Diabetes? Do you know how to prepare okra for the treatment of diabetes? There are several recipes for okra that have positive effect on diabetes. We have list down the recipes that makes okra a home remedy for Continue reading >>
Okra For Managing Diabetes And Preventing Kidney Disease
Okra is a widely available exotic, medicinal vegetable with a gooey texture that can be purchased year round in local markets. It is high in minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that provide many health benefits and can be used for treating diabetes, preventing kidney disease, alleviating asthma, lowering cholesterol, boosting the immune system, and promoting a healthy pregnancy. A cup of okra contains about 30 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 7.6 grams of carbohydrates, 0.1 grams of fat, 21 milligrams of vitamin C, 88 micrograms of folate, and 57 milligrams of magnesium. In 2011, researchers conducted a study that was published in the journal ISRN Pharmaceutics in which researchers fed rats water-soaked sliced okra pod solution through a gastric feeding tube. The researchers found that the fiber in the okra helped reduce the absorption rate of glucose, which reduced blood glucose levels in the treated rats. Okra’s high fiber content also promotes good digestive health and lowers cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in other foods so that it can be excreted from the body. Okra is also useful for alleviating asthma symptoms as it is rich in vitamin C. High amounts of vitamin C found in okra also supports the immune system as it helps to create more white blood cells, which can help protect against pathogens. A 2005 study published in the Jilin Medical Journal also indicates that okra is useful for preventing kidney disease as results showed that patients who ate okra daily had reduced signs of kidney damage more than those who were on a diabetic diet. The high levels of vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, and traces of zinc and calcium also promote a healthy pregnancy. The fiber and folic acid also helps prevent folic-deficient birth defects and constip Continue reading >>
- Drink Okra Water And Treat Diabetes, Asthma, Cholesterol And Kidney Disease!
- Unbelievable: Treat Diabetes, Asthma, Cholesterol And Kidney Diseases With Okra Water- Now You Can Make It Yourself
- Believe It Or Not, But This Treats Diabetes, Asthma, Cholesterol And Kidney Issues Used Together With Okra Water – Now You Will Be Able To Prepare It Yourself
Is Okra Good For Diabetes?
According to a handful of recent studies, okra may reduce symptoms of diabetes - a group of diseases that includes type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes claimed the lives of 75,578 Americans in 2013, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2014, 8.5 percent of adults worldwide had the condition, the World Health Organization (WHO) report. By 2030, diabetes may be the seventh leading cause of death. A number of factors increase a person's risk of developing diabetes, including a family history of the disease. Lifestyle factors also play a role, so doctors routinely recommend diet changes and increased exercise to reduce blood sugar levels. Okra may help reduce blood sugar levels in some people with diabetes. Research into the effects of this seedy vegetable is still in the early stages, but the results are promising. Contents of this article: What is okra? Okra thrives in temperate climates, producing large hibiscus-like flowers that eventually give rise to green seed pods. It is a member of the mallow family, which includes a number of other popular plants, including hibiscus, cocoa, and cotton. Scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus, okra may have been grown as long ago as 2000 BCE in Egypt. Okra's flavor is mild, and the entire seed pod can be eaten. This vegetable-like fruit also has a long history in traditional medicine. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens report that in Eastern traditional medicine, okra leaves and fruit were used as pain relievers, moisturizers, and to treat urinary disorders. In Congolese medicine, okra is used to encourage a safe delivery during childbirth. Can okra help with symptoms of diabetes? Diabetes can often be well-managed with increasing a hormone called insulin Continue reading >>
Benefits Of Okra For Diabetes
What Is Okra? Okra, also known as “lady’s fingers” and “gumbo,” is a green flowering plant. Okra belongs to the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton. The term “okra” most commonly refers to the edible seedpods of the plant. Okra has long been favored as a food for the health-conscious. It contains potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium. It’s low in calories and has a high dietary fiber content. Recently, a new benefit of including okra in your diet is being considered. Okra has been suggested to help manage blood sugar in cases of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Incidences of diabetes diagnoses are only increasing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The verdict is out on whether okra can be used successfully as a direct diabetes treatment. However, the okra plant does have many proven health benefits. Read on to see if okra could be a viable part of your diabetes treatment plan. Studies on Okra and Diabetes Medical research on okra for diabetes management is still in early stages. We do know that according to one study, okra water improved the blood sugar levels of pregnant rats that had gestational diabetes. Roasted okra seeds, which have long been used in Turkey to treat diabetes, have also been studied and proven to have a positive effect on lowering blood sugar. Okra Benefit #1: Dietary Fiber Okra is high in fiber. Eight medium-sized pods are estimated to contain 3 grams of fiber. This bulk fiber quality has several benefits. It helps digestion, cuts hunger cravings, and keeps those who eat it fuller for longer. Foods that are high in fiber content are an important part of dietary treatment options for diabetes. Increased dietary fiber intake has been shown to promote better glycemic control a Continue reading >>
Does Okra Help Reduce Blood Sugar?
Okra is a good vegetable choice for a diabetic. Okra provides significant amounts of manganese and vitamins C and K, making it a nutritious vegetable choice. Diabetics don't need to worry that okra is going to greatly increase their blood sugar levels. In fact, preliminary research shows that eating more okra may help you lower your blood sugar levels. A 1/2-cup serving of cooked sliced okra has just 3.6 grams of carbohydrates. Nonstarchy vegetables, such as okra, that contain less than 5 grams of carbohydrates are counted as "free" foods for diabetics who are counting carbohydrates -- as long as you eat fewer than three servings per meal. At that amount, they aren't likely to significantly increase your blood sugar levels. The research on the effects of okra on blood sugar is still in the preliminary stages, but a study published in the "Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences" in 2011 using rats found a potential beneficial effect. Diabetic rats given powdered okra peel and seed had reductions in their blood sugar levels at the end of the 28-day study, compared to rats in the control group that didn't get powdered okra. Another study, published in "ISRN Pharmaceutics" in 2011, found that a solution made from okra helped decrease the absorption of glucose in rats with diabetes. Each 1/2-cup serving of sliced, cooked okra has 2 grams of fiber, or 8 percent of the daily value. Of this fiber, about one-fourth consists of soluble fiber, which is the type that slows the emptying of the stomach and the movement of sugars into the bloodstream. Fiber helps improve blood sugar control in diabetes, with a high-fiber diet potentially decreasing after-meal blood sugar levels by as much as 21 percent, according to a review article published in "Nutrition Reviews" in April 2009. Continue reading >>
Okra Nutrition:improve Heart Health, Eyesight & Cholesterol Levels - Dr. Axe
Current: Okra Nutrition: Improve Heart Health, Eyesight & Cholesterol Levels Okra Nutrition: Improve Heart Health, Eyesight & Cholesterol Levels Dr. Axe on Facebook688 Dr. Axe on Twitter6 Dr. Axe on Instagram Dr. Axe on Google Plus Dr. Axe on Youtube Dr. Axe on Pintrest192 Share on Email Print Article Okra, both a common pod vegetable and nightshade vegetable eaten in the Deep South, is also called gumbo in the U.S. Although when we think of gumbo we usually think of soups, cajun and creole cuisine, okra has numerous health benefits. An edible ornamental flowering hibiscus, okra is an annual, erect herb with stems that contain stiff hairs. The whole plant has an aromatic smell resembling that of cloves and somewhat resembles the cotton plant, but okra has much larger and rougher leaves and a thicker stem. Its best to gather the pods while they are green, tender and at an immature stage. The okra plant is an annual, requiring warm, humid climates preferably where temperatures go above 85 degrees F, and is easily injured by frost as reported by theU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (1) The fruit is a long pod, generally ribbed and spineless in cultivated varieties; however, pods vary in length, color and smoothness depending on the variety and grow best in well-drained and manure-rich soil. The International Knowledge Sharing Platformstates that there are many okra uses , as itsan economically important vegetable crop of which itsfresh leaves, buds, flowers, pods, stems and seeds have value. (2) As a vegetable, it can be used in salads, soups and stews, fresh or dried, and fried or boiled. It offers mucilaginous consistency after cooking. Often, the extract obtained from the fruit is added to different recipes like stews and sauces as a thickener to increase the cons Continue reading >>
What Is Okra?
Tweet Okra is fast gaining a reputation as a so-called 'superfood' for people with or at risk of diabetes or cancer. Commonly referred to as ladyfingers, or by its biological names Abelmoschus esculentus and Hibiscus esculentus, okra is known to have a positive effect on blood sugar control, among many other health benefits. Okra is a tall-growing vegetable that traces its origin from ancient Ethiopia (Abyssinia) through to Eastern Mediterranean, India, the Americas and the Caribbean. Parts of the plant (immature okra pods) are widely used vegetables in tropical countries and are typically used for making soups, stews or as a fried/boiled vegetable. These tender pods are very low in calories, providing just 30 calories per 100 g, and contain no saturated fats or cholesterol. They are also rich in nutrients, completely non-toxic, and have no adverse side effects. How can it help treat diabetes? Evidence of okra having anti-diabetic properties has increased in recent years, with multiple Vitro (laboratory) and Vivo (animal) studies confirming okra as a potent blood glucose-lowering (or anti-diabetic) food. In one study, published 2011 in the Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciences, researchers in India found that diabetic mice fed dried and ground okra peels and seeds experienced a reduction in their blood glucose levels, while others showed a gradual decrease in blood glucose following regular feeding of okra extract for about ten days. Outside of scientific research, many people with diabetes have reported decreasing blood sugar levels after soaking cut-up okra pieces in water overnight and then drinking the juice in the morning, while in Turkey roasted okra seeds have been used as a traditional diabetes medicine for generations. What's behind this effect? The superior Continue reading >>
Research Articles | Okra Is Discovered To Be A Powerful Natural Antidepressant | The Eden Prescription
Okra has become well-known recently as a superfood against diabetes, prompting many people to give it a try. If youve felt an unexpected boost to your mood from okra, there may be more to it than just good nutrition and stabilized blood sugar: researchers have just discovered that okra seeds contain a powerful natural antidepressant and theyve demonstrated the effect on mice. Thats good news for diabetics, because depression is especially prevalent among diabetics due partly to blood sugar fluctuations associated with diabetes. Okra antioxidants as powerful as blueberries and blackberries If youve ever noticed that people with healthy diets appear to be in better moods more often, there is good reason for it. Scientists have known for long that flavonoids (found in fruit and vegetables) have mood-elevating properties. For example, quercetin (found in apples, citrus fruits, onions, parsley, red wine, tea, blackberries, blueberries, leafy green vegetables) has been shown to significantly improve mood-scores in diabetic mice. Since the seeds and leaves of vegetables often contain the highest concentrations of antioxidants, researchers in this study prepared extracts from okra seeds and leaves, to test antioxidant levels. The extracts were found to contain the same levels of antioxidants (58 68 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram) as extracts of blueberry and blackberry, which are among the most powerful of all the fruits and berries. Because of this, it made sense to test the okra extracts as anti-depressants in mice. Okra exerts powerful antidepressant effects but at what dose? The researchers used standard tests known as forced swimming and tail suspension to gauge the mood of the mice (based on their reaction time to these events) as a measure of depression. The res Continue reading >>
The Fruit Youve Never Heard Of: 5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Eating Okra
The Fruit Youve Never Heard of: 5 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Okra From the United States to Ethiopia, there arent many places that you wont find people eating okra, or ladies fingers. The small, green pods are found in cultural dishes across the globe, used to serve up as side dishes and accent pastas and casseroles. They can be grilled, fried, sauted, or baked. They can be breaded, seasoned, ground into a curry, or simply consumed raw. Despite a starkly different texture, okra tastes quite a bit like eggplantwhich make it a fairly mild and non-offensive fruit that everyone from kids to adults can enjoy eating. Its not just the taste that makes okra a great addition to your shopping list, though. The fruit comes loaded with nutrients, and it has an impressive variety of nutritional benefits that can make it a health -enhancing food to consume. Whether youre looking to stay a little spryer or manage a health condition, these are five of the biggest benefits that you can get from adding okra to your diet when you can. Diabetes is one of the riskiest conditions in the world to develop; whether youre born with it or develop it later in life, it can pose long-term health risks and absolutely devastate your body. The scientific community is still searching for a cure for diabetes , but they have found increasing instances of certain foods and diets helping to assist with the management of the varying types of diabetesand okra is one of those. According to a study conducted in 2015 , okra water can have a therapeutic effect on women suffering from gestational diabetes, improving the blood sugar in a study conducted on pregnant rats. Another study , conducted in 2013, took a look at why the Turkish community has long preached the benefits of okra consumptionand found pr Continue reading >>
8 Foods That Are Off-limits For Type 2 Diabetes
Foods That Don't Belong in Your Diabetes Diet One of the most essential steps to avoiding complications from type 2 diabetes is managing your diet, says William Sullivan, MD, a senior physician at Joslin Diabetes Center and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. People with type 2 diabetes can control their blood sugar by eating foods that are low in sugar and carbohydrates. A healthy diet is even more important if you're overweight. "Weight loss has a dramatic effect on controlling diabetes," Dr. Sullivan says. He advises small portions and healthy foods — especially those low in sugar. So what shouldn't be on your plate? Avoid — or at least limit — these eight foods to help manage type 2 diabetes. Continue reading >>
Okra For Diabetes
Okra is a vegetable used in cooking in warm climates. Recently, some websites have posted that it is a “diabetes cure.” What is the science on okra? How can it help you? Okra’s scientific name is Abelmoschus esculentus. It is used as a thickener in stews because of the goopy stuff in its seed pods. That same goop keeps many of us from eating it at all, but it may contain powerful medicine. Like bitter melon, okra has been tested successfully in rodents, but not in humans, and not in America. In researching this article, I found articles from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Japan, and the studies are definitely worth looking at. A 2005 study from Taiwan published in the journal Planta Medica tested okra in rats with diabetes. Researchers purified a chemical called myricetin from the okra. They gave the rats the solution by IV. The myricetin greatly increased rats’ muscles’ ability to absorb glucose, which in turn reduced their blood sugar levels. A study from Bangladesh was published in the online journal ISRN Pharmaceutics, based in Cairo, Egypt. The study showed that purified okra given to rats orally through a feeding tube slowed glucose getting out of the intestines, which sharply reduced after-meal glucose level spikes. In a study from India published in the Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, in 2011 researchers fed diabetic rats powdered okra seed and peel extracts. After up to 28 days of consuming the extracts, the rats showed a significant reduction in blood sugar levels. Their triglyceride (lipid) levels also returned to near normal. In just these three studies, we see evidence that okra may help insulin function or even act as a substitute for insulin. It also slows glucose from getting into the blood in the first place, like drugs suc Continue reading >>
