Taiwan now has more than 2.5 million people living with diabetes. Nutritionist Yang Sihan said animal studies have shown that okra extract can help improve high blood sugar. In tests on mice fed a high-fat diet to induce obesity and metabolic disorders, their blood sugar levels dropped after being given okra extract, and their insulin resistance improved. Human studies also suggest that eating okra may help stabilize blood sugar.
On her Facebook page, Yang cited a study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, which found that okra extract helped reduce high blood sugar in animal experiments. Obese mice with metabolic abnormalities saw significant decreases in both blood sugar and insulin levels after consuming okra extract and flavonoid compounds found in okra — indicating improved insulin resistance.
She also highlighted another human study consisting of eight clinical trials involving 331 participants with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Compared to the control group who did not consume okra, the results showed:
- Fasting blood sugar dropped significantly, with okra lowering fasting glucose by about 14–15 mg/dL.
- No significant change in HbA1c levels.
Yang emphasized that while the research shows okra can help stabilize blood sugar, it does not guarantee that blood sugar will return to normal. Okra is rich in dietary fiber and phytochemicals, which support blood sugar control, but it must be paired with proper diet, exercise, weight management, and medication when needed.
