Professional FAQs: Can Okra Really Lower Sugar And Cholesterol?

Okra image

Expert opinion from Deidre Huysamen

Dietician – Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services · 7 years of experience · South Africa

Okra has a very low glycemic index and therefore will not cause a significant increase in your blood sugar levels. As a low GI carbohydrate, this is broken down slowly in the body, allowing for a slow and steady release of sugar into your blood stream. This helps to maintain your energy levels and keeps you fuller for longer. This slow and steady release will help to prevent blood sugar spikes and instead ensure a gradual increase in your blood sugar levels. Okra is also high in fibre. Its high fibre content can further help to lower your blood sugar or control your blood sugar, and this can may play a role in improving your heart health by potentially lowering your cholesterol levels.

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Expert opinion from Carl Bender

Master of Science: Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition · 6 years of experience · USA

Okra has a low glycemic index, so although it won’t lower blood sugar, it will result in a slower increase in blood sugar. Along with a healthy diet and exercise eating okra can also help to reduce your cholesterol levels. However, there are a lot of factors (genetics, exercise, total diet) that regulate your cholesterol level, so just adding okra likely won’t alter your cholesterol. If you want to add okra to your diet, make sure not to eat fried or pickle okra because those will be high in added calories and sodium which would negate any potential benefits of okra.

Expert opinion from Stephanie Small

Master of Science in Exercise Physiology & Sports Nutrition · 6 years of experience · USA

Okra is a high-fiber vegetable that can positively improve blood sugar levels and cholesterol. However, this is in combination with a healthy diet.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors or nutritionists and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Medical advice varies across region. Advice from professionals outside your region should be used at your own discretion. Or you should contact a local health professional.