OKRA FOR DIABETICS

Okra  is also known as “lady’s fingers.”  Okra has long been favoured as a food for the 7health-conscious. It contains potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium.  It is low in calories and has a high dietary fibre 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.  

It is useful for diabetics in the following ways!

1) DIETARY FIBRE
Okra is high in fibre. This bulk fibre quality has several benefits. It helps digestion, cuts hunger cravings, and keeps those who eat it fuller for longer.
Foods that are high in fibre content are an important part of dietary treatment options for diabetes as increased dietary fibre intake promote better glycaemic control and improve insulin sensitivity. Okra is also reported to have biological importance as an anti-inflammatory agent.

2) ANTI-DIABETIC, LOWER CHOLESTEROL AND ANTI-HYPERLIPIDEMIC
Okra is filled with flavonoids and polysaccharides which add to the antioxidant property by inducing the hypolidemic effect in which the adsorption of cholesterol and blood sugar gets reduced from the diet, therefore, regulating diabetes as well as several complications related to the heart hence reducing fatigue. Okra contains a soluble fibre called pectin which helps in reducing cholesterol.

3) ANTI-FATIGUE BENEFIT
One study indicates that recovery times and “fatigue levels” can be improved by use of the okra plant. Presence of polyphenols and flavonoids contribute in the anti-fatigue property.
Okra can be used in various forms in one's diet. Commonly it is used as a vegetable but we can also make a delicious salad which can be very beneficial for diabetics.