Okra miracle: The green pod that helps fight diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and digestive disorders
From blood sugar crashes to global breakthroughs, okra emerges as a powerful health ally
At 62, Jose Alan didn’t expect a simple green pod to play both hero – and villain – in his life.
Affixed to his right arm is a gluco-patch – his silent sentinel, keeping watch over his precarious blood sugar levels.
For years, his diabetes turned meals into a gamble. When indulging in his favourite foods, his blood sugar would spike dangerously above 300 mg/dL – a level flirting with coma.
But then, Jose stumbled upon an unlikely ally: okra.
The discovery felt almost magical. He noticed that chewing on fresh okra (also known as lady's finger) gradually tamed his erratic blood sugar, bringing it down closer to the normal threshold of 125 mg/dL.
Okra became his constant companion – he even stashed fresh washed pods in his car. But like all powerful remedies, it demanded respect.
One fateful day, Jose downed 21 pieces of okra in one go. His gluco-patch sounded the alarm: blood sugar plummeted to a perilous 50 mg/dL.
Nauseous and lightheaded, he scrambled for a lifeline – chocolates – to stabilise his sugars. Jose now jokingly calls okra the “culprit”, but he also hails it as a lifesaver.
The humble giant in health and science
Long overlooked, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is rapidly gaining recognition as a superfood and a scientific marvel.
Once relegated to kitchens, this low-cost, nutrient-packed vegetable is now at the heart of groundbreaking studies.
Health experts and researchers alike are unraveling okra’s secrets. Its pods, seeds, and even mucilage (the sticky substance within) are teeming with bioactive components that combat chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and digestive disorders.
Rich in soluble fibers such as pectin and guar gum, okra has also shown promise in addressing obesity and hyperlipidemia. Traditional medicine long knew its value as a plasma replacement and blood volume expander.
Nutritional value
Nutritionally, okra is no slouch. It’s a low-fat powerhouse of fiber, potassium, magnesium, manganese, vitamins B1, B6, and C, plus calcium and vitamin K.
It is widely known that Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, helps the liver produce clotting factors that cause blood to clot. A deficiency in vitamin K can lead to excessive bleeding.
Okra seeds, too, boast high protein and unsaturated fatty acids – making it a quiet champion of health.
Scientific breakthroughs: Okra in focus
Modern science has finally caught up with tradition.
A 2021 study in Molecules highlighted okra’s phytochemicals as potent agents against chronic illnesses.
Researchers from the University of Hail in Saudi Arabia confirmed okra’s antibacterial, antifatigue, liver detoxifying, and even chemo-preventive properties.
In Italy and Portugal, scientists applied advanced techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyse okra’s bioreactive components.
They identified functional groups such as alkyl, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters, shedding light on okra’s medicinal arsenal. Emerging technologies, including FTIR and chemometrics, now allow for deeper dives into nutrient compositions, proving okra’s far-reaching potential.
Meanwhile, a 2004 study by Costantino and Romanchik-Cerpovicz, who published their work in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, showcased okra gum as a fat replacement in frozen dairy desserts, offering hope to those on fat-restricted diets.
With moderate milk-fat replacements of up to 75 per cent, okra gum delivered creamy satisfaction without compromise.
Its mature fruit and stems find utility in the paper industry, while its mucilage extraction continues to evolve.
Factors like temperature, water ratios, and extraction times influence the yield and activity of okra’s polysaccharides – a growing area of study.
India produces more than 60 per cent of the world's okra, with peak production from April to July, according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
The major okra-producing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
On the global stage, okra production speaks volumes. In 2020, the world produced nearly 10 million tons, with India and African countries like Nigeria leading the charge.
The future of okra: Small pod, big promise
Research into okra’s pharmacokinetics – how its components interact within the human body – is still unfolding.
But one thing is clear: okra is no ordinary vegetable. Whether taming diabetes, revolutionising nutraceuticals, or serving industries, its potential knows no bounds.
For Jose Alan, the lesson is simple: the humble okra, when used wisely, can save lives. But it is also a reminder that even miracles come with a measure of caution.
• It consists of a small sensor placed under the skin, typically on the abdomen or arm, which measures interstitial glucose levels—the glucose found in the fluid between cells.
• This data is then transmitted to a display device, such as a smartphone or dedicated receiver, allowing users to monitor their glucose trends continuously.
• Cost Range: The cost of CGMs can vary based on the brand, model, and insurance coverage. Generally, prices are as follows:
• Sensors: Disposable sensors, which are replaced regularly, can range from $35 to $100 each.
• Transmitters: These are replaced less frequently and can cost between $200 to $300.
• Receivers/Readers: If not using a smartphone, a receiver may be needed, costing approximately $200 to $500.
• Some CGM systems are now available over-the-counter, potentially affecting pricing and accessibility.
• Replacement of sensors: Typically replaced every 7 to 14 days, depending on the model. Some newer sensors offer wear times up to 15 days.
(Source: FDA)