Diabetes is a disorder caused by an imbalance in blood sugar levels. It is currently one of the most common metabolic illnesses, and no cure is available. This makes following an appropriate diet and a fitness routine necessary. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth Editorial team, Dr Swati Bhushan, Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi(Mumbai), explained how ladyfingers could help control Diabetes.
How Ladyfingers Help Control Diabetes
Low Glycemic Index (GI) of ladyfingers makes it a right choice for diabetics. According to Dr Bhushan, ladyfinger is found to be rich in antioxidants, which helps to reduce oxidative stress caused by harmful free radicals, and it improves insulin resistance, thereby making a perfect choice to maintain blood sugar levels in diabetics during pregnancy, i.e., Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).
Also read: Do You Know These Benefits of Drinking Okra or Lady Finger Water Daily?
A study exhibited anti-diabetic activity by increasing insulin secretion and slowing down carbohydrate absorption. The dietary fibre present in ladyfinger reduces the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestines, thus managing diabetes. It also helps maintain body weight, improve glucose tolerance, decrease HBA1C levels and normalise lipid profile.
Raised levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF – α) play a role in the development of diabetes, and ladyfinger was shown to decrease these levels.
Soluble fibre like pectin present in it helps manage diabetes. Anti-diabetic activity of ladyfinger is also attributed to the compound Rhamnogalacturonan, which has a hypoglycemic effect.
One study observed that the major flavonoids, namely isoquercitrin and quercetin, present in ladyfinger, help to reduce blood glucose, serum insulin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels. “50 percent of kidney disorders are caused due to diabetes, ladyfingers help to prevent them”, added Dr Bhushan. Thus, lkadyfinger has the potential to improve the clinical condition of diabetes and prevent complications associated with it.
Also read: Get The Ageless Glow With Lady Finger aka Okra
Other Health Benefits Of Ladyfingers
Following are some other health benefits of ladyfingers:
- Ladyfingers are good for lowering blood sugar levels.
- Lowers the risk of heart disease by controlling harmful cholesterol levels.
- High in vitamin C, which can help enhance our immune system.
- Ladyfingers are safe to eat while pregnant because they contain vitamins A, B, and C.
- High in vitamin K, which aids in bone development and blood clotting.
- Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are all found in ladyfingers. It is also good for your eyes because of these three dietary carotenoids.
There is no solid medical evidence proving that ladyfinger is a natural diabetes treatment. It is important to note that it is not an insulin replacement. Yet, with so many potential benefits for diabetics, it may be worth experimenting alongside regular treatment if your doctor agrees.
While making any changes or additions to your diabetes treatment regimen, it is necessary to inform your Doctor.
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