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.

But what we didn’t know is that it is a nutrition powerhouse filled with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide an array of health benefits from treating diabetes to preventing kidney diseases.

This makes okra a nutrition hero when it comes to our health.

Studies on Okra and Diabetes

Medical research on okra for diabetes management is still in early stages.

According to recent studies, okra water improved the blood sugar levels of test subjects.

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.

Whether you consume okra stewed, boiled, fried, or even in pickled form, you can reap the health benefits of this little green vegetable any time of the year. Here’s how:

Okra Water Recipe

1. Pierce each side of the pods with a knife.

2. Place the pods in a large mason jar, then cover them with water.

3. Soak the pods overnight, at least eight hours (up to 24 hours).

4. In the morning, squeeze the pods into the water to release any leftover sap.

5. Throw the pods away and drink the water.

Other Health Benefits:

Because okra is a rich source of dietary fibre, important vitamins and minerals, and powerful antioxidants, the vegetable is known to be beneficial for health in a number of ways.

These include:

• Preventing and improving constipation

• Lowering cholesterol

• Reducing the risk of some forms of cancer, especially colorectal cancer

• Improving energy levels and improving symptoms of depression

• Helping to treat sore throat, irritable bowel, ulcers and lung inflammation.

If you try this recipe, treat it as a medicine. Take it every day for at least four weeks. Don’t skip. I read comments from people who brought their A1C down as much five points with once-daily okra water. Keep records of your sugars and show them to your doctor.