Okra

Okra known in many English speaking countries as Ladies Finger is a flowering plant.  It is valued for its edible green seed pods.  The geographic origin of okra is disputed.  The plant is cultivated in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climate region around the world.

The species is often perennial often cultivated as an annual in temperate climate and often grows to two meters tall. It is related to such species such as cotton, coco and hibiscus.

In cultivation the seeds are soaked overnight prior to planting to a depth of 1-2 centimetres.  Germination occurs between six days to three weeks.  Seedling requires ample water.  The seed pods become rapidly fibrous and wood.  To be edible as a vegetable it must be harvested when immature usually within a week after pollination.

Okra is available in two variety green and red. Red okra also carries the same flavour as the more popular green variety and differs only in colour.  When cooked the red okra pods turn green.

Health benefits

Okra has long been favoured as a food for health conscious.  It contains potassium, folic acid, vitamin c, vitamin b and calcium.  It is low in calories and high in dietary fiber. Okra contains 80% water.  Okra has an innate ability to manage blood sugars, and also cholesterol, though it has not been conclusively proven.

Okra is high on fiber eight medium sized pods are estimated to contain 3 grams of fiber.  The bulk fiber quality has several benefits.  It helps in digestion, cuts cravings and keeps those who eat it fuller longer.

Dietary fibres help control sugars by cutting into the cravings by means of giving a feeling of fullness. Increased intake of dietary fiber have been shown to promote better glycemic control and improve insulin sensitivity 

Food with high fiber content and antioxidant qualities are recommended for people with diabetes as it tends to lower cholesterol.  When high levels of cholesterol are combined with diabetes the picture is not pretty as these can lead to nasty health complications.

Okra is also known to reduce recovery time and fatigue levels.  By including okra in your diet along with a healthy exercise routine you may be able to work out longer and recover more quickly from your exercise. Cardiovascular activity is an essential part of treating and preventing diabetes.

There is no conclusive medical research that proves that okra is a natural cure for diabetes. It’s important to understand that okra is definitely not a insulin replacement.  However with so many possible benefits for those with diabetes it’s worth trying alongside traditional treatment if your doctors agree.  Make sure to keep your doctor up to date with any tweaks or additions in your diabetes treatment plan

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