Okra or okra is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help reduce the risk of diabetes, along with other health conditions such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. The good news is that bhindi is our very own bhindi and is widely eaten in India. So if you are fighting with your mother over eating bhindi, think again! The humble okra can go a long way in controlling your high blood sugar levels.
How okra helps in controlling high blood sugar
Diet plays a very important role for people with diabetes or high blood sugar. Okra or okra is one vegetable that has a very low glycemic index – a rating that reflects how quickly a food affects your blood sugar (glucose) levels. Okra has a glycemic index of around 20 GI. Generally, a food ranked between 0-50 is considered a low GI, 51-69 a moderate, and 70-100 a high GI. All foods with a high glycemic index are considered unsuitable for people with diabetes.
Okra is low in calories, contains almost no fat. It is also rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Zinc. The biggest thing is that the amount of fiber in it is very high, which is very beneficial for diabetics. When foods are high in fiber, they keep you full for longer. This means that you have control over your diet and weight, which are directly related to diabetes.
Bhindi or bhindi is a great source of soluble and insoluble fibre. Since it takes time to break down, it releases sugar very slowly into the bloodstream. This prevents spikes in blood sugar levels.
The peels and seeds of okra or okra have been studied for their anti-diabetic properties. So include them in your daily diet and remember to cook without using too much oil.
(Disclaimer: The article is based on general information and is not a substitute for the advice of a medical expert. Zee News does not confirm the same.)