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Safety concerns for people with diabetes
It has to be noted that okra may interact with some medication for diabetes. The journal ISRN Pharmaceuticals (quoted earlier) found that okra can affect how metformin hydrochloride works. They recommended that people treating diabetes with metformin don’t consume high quantities of okra.
Other Precautions with Okra
Although okra is generally safe to consume and is used to help treat various ailments, there are some precautions that you should be aware of.
Gastrointestinal problems. Okra is high in fructose and if you have fructose intolerance okra can cause digestive upset. This includes abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and excess gas. Also, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that their symptoms are worse after consuming okra.
Kidney stones. If you suffer from kidney stones, then you may want to avoid okra. Okra contains sources of calcium oxalates, and studies have shown that these minerals can form kidney stones.
Blood clotting. The vitamin K content of okra means that it can help with blood clotting. However, high amounts of okra can affect blood-thinning medication. If you are at risk of blood clotting or deep vein thrombosis, you should speak to your doctor about using okra for its health benefits.
Is Okra Safe During Pregnancy?
Studies have shown that okra has many health benefits for the general population and can boost your health. There is no medical research pointing to specific precautions for pregnant women using okra. However, if you have fructose intolerance, are prone to kidney stones or blood clots, you should speak to your healthcare advisor. *
