Okra Water: The Surprising Super Drink You Didn’t Know!

The wellness world has always been full of questionable and bizarre trends, and the rise of TikTok has only spread these trends even more widely. On this social media platform, a new wellness trend is making the rounds lately: okra water, which promises smoother and clearer skin, balanced vaginal pH, boosts weight loss, improves blood sugar management, prevents miscarriage or birth defects.

While all this may sound attractive and inspiring, the scientific evidence behind these claims may be limited.

What is okra water?

Okra water is water prepared by soaking okra pods in water for 24 hours, and then drinking this water has various benefits for the body.

To make this water, add pieces of okra to the water and let it soak overnight. Then in the morning you can filter that water and drink it. Although more scientific research is needed about its health benefits, many people consider it a traditional home remedy.

The potential benefits of okra water

The potential benefits and downsides of drinking okra water.

Rich in nutrients

Detailed information about the specific nutritional value of okra water may be scarce, but okra itself is packed with nutrients.

Okra contains vitamins A, C, K, and B vitamins (especially folic acid), as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. In addition, okra also contains a good amount of fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.

Eight to ten pods of raw okra contain:

• Calories: 31
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Carbs: 7 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fat: 0.2 grams

Okra is a good source of manganese, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber.

• Manganese: This mineral is essential for bone health, metabolism, and the formation of antioxidants.
• Vitamin C: It strengthens the immune system and protects the body from free radicals.
• Vitamin K: It helps in blood clotting and bone health.
• Folate: It is essential for cell division and growth, and is especially important for pregnant women.
• Fiber: It improves digestive health and helps control cholesterol levels.

Rich in antioxidants

Okra contains a lot of antioxidants that protect us from diabetes and heart disease. The antioxidants present in okra protect us from damage caused by free radicals and keep the vital organs of the body healthy. These antioxidants also slow down the growth rate of cancer cells. In this way, drinking okra water is also beneficial for cancer patients. Apart from this, the antioxidants present in it are also good for our skin.

Support blood sugar control

Okra has long been used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. Okra contains a good amount of fiber, which may help control blood sugar levels.

Okra contains polyphenols and antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation and help keep blood sugar levels stable.

It has a low glycemic index, making it a good option for diabetics, as its consumption does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar.

Although scientific research is limited about the effect of okra and its water on blood sugar, some studies and traditional uses may be beneficial in diabetes management. If you want to consume okra water for diabetes management, it is important that you make it part of a balanced diet and consult a doctor or nutritionist according to your condition.

Improves gut health

Okra contains a high amount of dietary fiber, which can help prevent constipation. Fiber helps in regulating intestinal movements and softens the stool, thereby reducing constipation.

Additionally, pectin is a soluble fiber found in okra. It helps in promoting the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. Good bacteria (probiotics) maintain internal health, improve the digestive process.

The fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C properties of okra can help reduce inflammation. Regular consumption of okra can help control inflammation-related problems.

Support during pregnancy

Okra water is an excellent nutritional source for pregnant women, especially in terms of folate.

Folate (vitamin B9) is an important nutrient that is especially important during pregnancy. One cup of okra water contains about 15% of the daily requirement of folate, which is beneficial for pregnant women.

Folate helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida and anencephaly) during fetal development.

Folate reduces the risk of anemia and helps maintain blood quality.

Apart from okra, other good sources of folate include green leafy vegetables, pulses, nuts, and beans. Pregnant women should consume these nutrients as part of a balanced and varied diet and should always consult their healthcare provider.

Support weight loss

Okra water may be helpful in weight loss efforts, and several of its compounds may help boost this process.

Okra contains high amounts of dietary fiber, which helps improve digestion, make you feel fuller for longer, and prevent overeating.

The pectin in okra is a type of soluble fiber that thickens in the stomach and helps control appetite.

Okra also contains antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation and boost metabolism.

It is also low in calories, making it an ideal food if you want to control calorie intake for weight loss.

Due to these properties, including okra water in your diet may support the weight loss process. However, weight loss also requires a balanced diet and regular exercise.

How to make okra water?

• To make, cut 8 to 10 okra fingers in the middle and soak them in 2 glasses of water overnight.
• When the okra is soaked in water overnight, squeeze out the juice left from the pod and add it to the water.
• Now water is ready to drink. Apart from this, it can also be made by boiling it.

When to drink okra water?

It is usually recommended to drink it in the morning on an empty stomach, as it is believed that this maximizes its health benefits.

Conclusion

Okra water is made by soaking okra pods in water for 15 to 24 hours. This process releases okra’s nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, into the water, which may offer several other health benefits, including promoting weight loss and blood sugar management.

Okra water in particular can be part of a healthy diet, but it should not be considered as a treatment for any particular medical condition.