How okra normalized my blood sugar

February 14 this year was extra memorable to me because that was the day I was declared diabetic! My mother is, but I am the only one who’s diabetic among my siblings.

I am taking medicines, exercising regularly, and dieting and while all of that significantly reduced my blood sugar by 20% in one week, it was a tip from a friend in Arizona which helped bring down my blood sugar to normal. She sent me a link about okra — aka ladyfingers or bhindi or gumbo pods (although in my research, it seems it is popular globally as okra) and how it helps diabetics.

The online discussions were encouraging. There were lots of testimonials on how simple yet effective the treatment was. So many swear by it and have stuck with the regimen for years.

Here’s the recipe: Prepare okra water by using two fresh okras soaked overnight. Cut the ends of the two okras and slit them in the middle before placing in a glass of water. Keep overnight in room temperature. You can also cut the okras into four pieces each. You then take the water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach which should be slimy with the okra’s mucilage. It is disturbing at first try, but the wonderful results encourage you to go on.

When I was diagnosed, my fasting blood sugar was 220. After taking medication, it went down to 180. But after a week of okra water (plus my medication), my blood sugar went down to 110 and is now between 86 and 92.

I always knew that a combination of exercise, diet, and medication helps diabetics. My doctor proclaimed he would help me be normal in three months so he was extremely surprised when I did it in one month.

One of my colleagues, who’s at least 10 years younger than me, already takes insulin shots. I have been encouraging people to try okra water and combine it with their medication so he did. Now, he said he doesn’t need insulin shots!

According to www.medicalhealthguide.com, through the years, the simple okra has had a long list of medicinal benefits, to wit:

“Decoction of young okra fruit is used to treat inflammation of the  mucous membrane, especially of the respiratory tract. Okra juice is used to treat sore throat associated with coughing. Decoction of okra leaves, fruits, and leaves is used to treat urinary problems, such as painful urination and other genitourinary problems including gonorrhea and syphilis.

“Okra leaves and roots are used as poultice for wounds.

Okra juice is used to treat skin itchiness and acts as a skin moisturizer. Okra seeds are used to treat and prevent muscle spasms.

“Decoction of okra is used to treat fever, headache, and arthritis. Okra is rich in fiber that absorbs water and improves the bulk of stool. Very effective against diarrhea and constipation.

“Okra’s mucilage binds with cholesterol and bile acids then expelled through stool from the body. Okra helps in lowering the blood sugar level by blocking the absorption of sugar in the intestinal tract.

“Okra’s mucilage acts as a lubricant and a laxative for the intestinal tract, facilitating the easy passage of waste. Okra is believed to smoothen the skin and prevent the eruption of pimples and acne.”

The website further revealed that in a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences 2011 entitled “Anti-diabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.),” Moench suggests that extracts from okra could be developed as a prospective phytomedicinal plant against diabetes mellitus. The results show that by administering okra extracts to diabetic rats, there was a significant reduction in blood glucose level and the lipid profile level also normalized.

Besides being low in calories, okra is full of vitamins and minerals (A, thiamin, B6, C, folic acid, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, and dietary fiber). It is highly recommended for pregnant women because of its richness in folic acid, which is essential in the formation of the fetus especially during the first trimester.

Okra pods contain flavonoid antioxidants such as beta-carotene, xanthin, and lutein. It is one of the green vegetables with the highest levels of these antioxidants. The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize the blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from within the intestinal tract.

The mucilage of okra also binds cholesterol and bile acid, carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. It helps lubricate the large intestines due to its bulk laxative qualities. The okra fiber absorbs water and ensures bulk in stools. This helps prevent and improve constipation.

It also binds excess cholesterol and toxins, which can cause numerous health problems. Okra fiber is also excellent for feeding the good bacteria probiotics, which contributes to the health of the intestinal tract.

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Post me a note at mylene@goldsgym.com.ph or mylenedayrit@gmail.com.