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| - Last Updated on November 22, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post shared a recipe for making okra water with garlic cloves, claiming it can help cure diabetes. However, after fact-checking, we found that this claim is false.
The Claim
A YouTube Shorts reel from the account Flavoredd by Nikki, with 17.4K subscribers at the time of fact-checking, claims that drinking a mixture of okra, garlic, and clove can cure diabetes.”
Fact Check
Can okra cure diabetes?
No, but it may help manage it. Okra has indeed been studied for its potential impact on blood sugar control. As per some animal studies, there is no scientific evidence that okra water helps cure diabetes, but okra has traditionally been used to help many cultures balance blood sugar levels. Other studies suggest that okra can indeed play a positive role in the management of diabetes. It inhibits the effects of hyperglycemia and lowers the excess glucose found in the blood. Okra has been recognized to enhance digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and provide anti-stress and anti-fatigue effects. These properties may help improve the total health status of patients suffering from diabetes.
Diabetologist Dr. Ritesh Bansal explains, “While many believe that okra helps control blood sugar levels, there is limited scientific evidence to support the idea that soaking okra in water and drinking it specifically aids in sugar control. However, okra does contain insoluble fiber, which may help regulate sugar absorption in the intestines and contribute to better sugar control.”
He adds, “Okra also has antioxidant and anti-stress properties, which could potentially help manage blood sugar spikes. Including okra in a balanced diet may offer benefits for blood sugar levels, but the specific impact of drinking okra-infused water requires further research to confirm its effectiveness.”
Can garlic cloves cure blood sugar?
No, but it can help people with diabetes. Garlic has long been celebrated for its various health benefits, and research has shown it may have a modest effect on blood sugar. Some studies suggest that garlic may improve insulin sensitivity and help manage blood glucose levels, primarily due to its active compounds like allicin. Allicin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit overall metabolic health.
However, the evidence is not strong enough to suggest that garlic can replace conventional treatments and cure diabetes. One review of several studies found that garlic supplementation had a small but significant effect on reducing blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. But again, these findings were not definitive enough to label garlic as a cure. Its effects were relatively mild, and much more research is needed before garlic can be considered a reliable treatment for diabetes.
According to Harita Adhvaryu, a senior dietician and diabetes educator from Ahmedabad, “while garlic may have a positive impact when incorporated into a balanced diet, it should not be relied upon as the sole approach to managing diabetes.”
Is it possible to cure diabetes with diet?
Currently, there is no known cure for diabetes, and the idea of completely reversing the condition through diet alone is misleading. However, a well-balanced diet can play a crucial role in managing and even significantly improving blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
For some people with early-stage type 2 diabetes or those who are at high risk, adopting a very strict diet and exercise plan—often under the guidance of healthcare professionals—may lead to substantial improvements in insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels. In some cases, people with type 2 diabetes may experience a form of remission (where blood sugar levels return to normal without the need for medication), but this is not the same as a cure.
The key is to focus on a nutrient-dense, low carbohydrate– glycemic diet that includes plenty of vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Regular physical activity also plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing insulin resistance, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
For people with type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition, diet alone cannot reverse or cure the disease. Insulin therapy remains necessary.
Dr. Ayush Chandra, Consultant Diabetologist and Founder of Nivaran Health, Delhi NCR, emphasizes that diabetes management should not solely rely on one aspect. He states, “Diabetes care requires a comprehensive approach, including appropriate medications and insulin therapy when necessary, always under a clinician’s guidance. It also involves a balanced diet with the right mix of macro- and micronutrients, regular physical activity, sufficient water intake, mental well-being, and consistent blood sugar monitoring.”
What should diabetics eat for better blood sugar control?
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet. For individuals with diabetes, the key to managing blood sugar is maintaining a well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes are particularly beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels. Fibre-rich foods, in particular, help slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps prevent spikes in glucose.
Garlic and okra can certainly be part of a healthy diet, but they should not be viewed as miracle foods. The best approach is to adopt a comprehensive diet plan tailored to your personal needs, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider or dietitian. Proper medication and regular exercise are also crucial components of diabetes management.
Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition said While it’s true that okra and garlic have some health benefits, there is no evidence to suggest that they can cure diabetes. Diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. If you’re looking to improve your blood sugar control, focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and following medical advice is your best bet. Before trying any alternative treatments, always consult your doctor. Let’s remember: no single food can replace the importance of a well-rounded approach to diabetes care.
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