An okra-enriched diet could counteract metabolic disruptions caused by overfeeding in infancy. Digest
Early-life nutrition influences lifelong health, and excessive calorie intake in infancy can set the stage for obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. However, okra, a vegetable rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, may help counteract these harmful effects. A recent study found that rats overfed during infancy became obese and glucose intolerant, but those fed an okra-enriched diet avoided these issues entirely.
Researchers raised a group of rat pups in small litters, where each pup had greater access to milk, and another group in normal-sized litters. After weaning, the pups ate either a standard diet or one supplemented with 1.5% okra powder. The researchers tracked food and water intake, weight gain, glucose tolerance, insulin response, and inflammation in the animals' brains and fat tissue.
You just missed this in your inbox
Every other week our Premium Members received this exact study plus Rhonda's practical commentary and 8+ other hand-picked papers.
Pups from small litters (who consumed more calorie-dense milk) gained more weight, ate more food, and developed obesity, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and insulin resistance in the brain. These rats also showed elevated levels of pro-inflammatory molecules in the hypothalamus, including 78% higher interleukin-6 levels. But when these same rats consumed the okra-supplemented diet, they avoided these metabolic disruptions.
These findings suggest that okra helps protect against long-term metabolic harm caused by early overfeeding in early life. Breastfeeding also helps support a normal body weight and metabolism. Learn more in our overview article.