Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes are all caused by one specific problem. That problem is with the hormone insulin. If you can manage that, then you can manage diabetes.
Insulin is created by the pancreas, and it helps your body’s cells absorb glucose from the food we eat and use it for fuel. Without insulin, glucose stays in our blood. This is the cause of high blood sugar and diabetes. (1)
Diabetes affects more than 29 million Americans and kills more people than AIDs and breast cancer combined. It is a serious condition, and managing it can be very difficult.
However, okra may be able to help!
Also known as “gumbo” or “lady fingers” or by its scientific name Abelmoschus esculentus, okra has been shown, in some studies, to lower blood sugar in rats. It should also be noted that, although official studies on humans have not been performed, okra seeds are used as a traditional treatment for diabetes in Turkey.
Official research is lacking, but many people eat okra to help maintain their diabetes, and it works for most.
Here are 3 Reasons Why Okra Helps to Lower Blood Sugar and Manage Diabetes:
#1 Dietary Fiber
A diet rich in dietary fiber is linked to better glycemic control and improved insulin sensitivity. These are all essential for reducing blood sugar levels. Okra is full of dietary fiber. Eight medium-sized pods contain about 3 grams of fiber. Fiber is also good for digestion and keeping you full longer.#2 Less Stress
Believe it or not, high amounts of stress over a long period of time will cause blood sugar to spike. That is why those who suffer from diabetes should also look into stress management. Extracts taken from okra seeds have been shown to act as an antioxidant and anti-stressor for the blood stream.#3 Cholesterol Reduction
Okra consumption may help to lower cholesterol levels. This is very important for those who suffer from diabetes because those who have diabetes and high cholesterol are less likely to manage their diabetes or recover. Sadly, high cholesterol levels are often found in those who suffer from diabetes.Okra Water
One way to consume the health benefits of okra is to drink okra water every morning. The process is a very simple one. Ingredients:- 2-4 Medium Sized Okra
- 1 Cup of Room Temperature Water
- Cut off the ends of the okra and slit it lengthwise.
- Place the okra in the water and leave it overnight.
- In the morning, squeeze the water out of the okra and drink everything.