A recent scientific study has revealed the potential of okra to protect the brain from damage caused by obesity, particularly obesity resulting from overnutrition during early stages of life.
اضافة اعلان
Published in the journal Brain Research, the study suggests that including okra in the diet may reduce brain inflammation and mitigate complications associated with obesity and high blood sugar levels.
Researchers conducted experiments on lab mice that were subjected to overfeeding during the nursing stage by reducing the number of pups per litter, which led to rapid weight gain. These mice later exhibited symptoms similar to human metabolic disorders, including obesity, high blood sugar, and insulin resistance.
However, when 1.5% of okra was added to their diet, the mice showed significant improvements in several health indicators, including reduced body fat, better glucose tolerance, increased muscle mass, and a marked decrease in brain inflammation.
The study also found that okra helped restore insulin sensitivity in the hypothalamus—the brain region responsible for regulating appetite and energy balance. This led to reduced food intake and improved metabolic equilibrium in the mice.
Researchers believe the health benefits of okra are linked to its rich content of antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds like catechin and quercetin, both known for their anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties.
Interestingly, mice that were not overfed during early development did not show significant benefits from consuming okra, suggesting its effects may be particularly valuable for individuals at risk of metabolic disorders.
Although the study was conducted on animals, the findings highlight okra's potential as a promising dietary component in early nutritional interventions to prevent obesity and its neurological complications.
— Agencies
