Okra, also well known as “lady’s fingers,” is a green flowering plant. The Okra belongs to the identical plant family as hibiscus and cotton. The popular term “okra” most commonly applies to the edible seedpods of the plant. Okra has long been prized as a portion of food for the health-conscious.

It contains:

  • vitamin B
  • vitamin C
  • potassium
  • calcium
  • folic acid

It’s low in calories and holds a high dietary fiber content. Recently, a new advantage of including okra in your diet is being considered.

Consuming okra surely lower blood sugar?

A 2011 study written in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences points to a link between okra and lower blood sugar levels. These relatively large doses appeared to have no harmful effects, and they succeeded in reduced blood sugar levels for up to 28-30 days after the rats had eaten the okra.

What are the side effects of eating okra?

Overeating okra can harm some people. Fructans and gastrointestinal issues: Okra is rich in fructans, a type of carbohydrate that can create diarrhea, gas, cramping, and bloating in individuals with bowel problems. People with irritable bowel syndrome, named (IBS) and other gut conditions are more prone to be sensitive to foods rich in fructans.

Kidney stones and Oxalates: Okra is also rich in oxalates. The most general type of kidney stone is formed of calcium oxalate.

According to the (NDDKD) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, high-oxalate foods can increase the risk of kidney stones in people who have had them before. Other rich oxalate foods include rhubarb, swiss chard, and spinach.

Solanine and inflammation: Okra carries a compound called solanine. Solanine truly is a toxic chemical that has been related to arthritis, joint pain, and long-lasting inflammation for a tiny percentage of individuals who may be sensitive to it. It’s found in many vegetables and fruits, including tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, artichokes, and blueberries.

No studies have suggested lowering solanine intake for the general population. In general, fruits and vegetables help and reduce inflammation successfully.

Blood clotting and Vitamin K: Okra, and other foods that are abundant in vitamin K, can influence those who use blood-thinning medications like Coumadin or warfarin.

Vitamin K helps the blood to clot. People who are at risk of blood clots should not suddenly alter the volume of vitamin K they consume but keep their intake of vitamin-K-rich foods consistent from day to day.

Is okra good for high blood pressure?

Fruits and vegetables provide excellent sources of blood pressure-lowering nutrients such as magnesium and potassium. Magnesium-rich foods; black beans, okra, spinach, pumpkin seeds, and squash seeds. These easy dietary and lifestyle modifications are safe and effective methods to lower your blood pressure naturally.

Why is okra slimy?

Why is Okra Slimy? Okra pods are known as “mucilaginous,” which appears in a slimy or gooey mouthfeel when cooked. This “mucilage” or slime carries soluble fiber that we can digest. Keeping the pods whole and briefly cooking (think stir fry) can help to reduce the sliminess of the pod.

Do you eat the whole okra?

Fresh okra greens can be prepared like spinach or beet greens (or eaten raw), and the seeds can be crushed and used as a coffee substitute or even pressed for oil. … The traditional Southern method of fries sliced okra in a simple cornmeal coating; you can also batter whole pods and fry them up.

It is assumed that soaking cut-up okra cuts in water overnight and then taking the juice on an empty stomach in the morning can help decrease blood sugar levels.

But, it may be noted that there’s no certain medical research that explains that okra can effectively cure diabetes. Therefore, the Okra should not be used as a replacement for your insulin or conventional treatment. You should also consult your doctor before engaging holistic treatments like okra.

Sources:
healthline.com
medicalnewstoday.com
bastyr.edu
sustainablefoodcenter.org
foodprint.org
timesnownews.com