May lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Maintaining good blood sugar levels is critical to overall health. According to animal studies, eating okra or okra extract may help lower blood sugar levels. In one research, rats fed liquid sugar and purified okra had lower blood sugar increases than control animals. According to the researchers, the okra reduced sugar absorption in the digestive tract, resulting in a more steady blood sugar response. However, okra may interact with metformin, a commonly used diabetic medicine. As a result, eating okra is not advised for patients taking this medication.

Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers discovered evidence that it may reduce overall cholesterol levels. The obese mice were given an ethanol extract of okra as part of the investigation. The nutrients in the solution, such as isoquercitrin and quercetin, helped lower blood glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol levels. This vegetable is very high in fiber, with 1 cup providing 3.2 g of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber-rich meals, according to the American Heart Association, can decrease harmful cholesterol levels.