Okra water is the latest health trend to take TikTok by storm. Proponents of this concoction, made by soaking starchy plants in water, claim it has numerous health benefits, from aiding weight loss to improving digestion and moisturizing the skin.
Top #okrawater TikTok videos posted on social media sites have millions of views. But while the health benefits touted by influencers may sound promising, the science behind their claims is less clear. Here’s what a registered dietitian has to say about this viral drink.
What is okra water?
Okra water is a homemade concoction made by soaking okra pods (the edible part of the plant) in water for several hours or overnight. The texture of the resulting beverage is often described as slimy due to the mucilage, gelatinous substance found in many plants, including okra.
- Calories: 33
- Protein: 1.93g
- Fat: 0.19g
- Carbohydrate: 7.45g
- Dietary fiber: 3.2g
- Sugar: 1.48g
- Potassium: 299mg
- Calcium: 82mg
- Vitamin C: 23mg
- magnesium: 57mg
- Phosphorus: 61mg
However, it is unclear how much of these micronutrients transfer to okra water. Further studies conducted specifically on okra water are needed to confirm this data.
Expert opinion about okra water
There is no denying that okra itself is rich in nutrients. Some studies suggest this vegetable may be associated with health benefits such as improved digestion and blood sugar management. However, the potential benefits of okra water are unclear.
“If you’re looking for a low-calorie way to enjoy taste and add flavor to your meals, okra water can be considered a healthy drink,” says Scott Keatley, MD, CDN, a nutritionist in private practice in New York City. , says Scott Keatley. “Okra contains vitamins and antioxidants, but water alone doesn’t extract all the nutrients and provides very little fiber. This is the real health benefit of okra.”
Here’s a closer look at what the science says about the potential health benefits of okra water.
May help with weight loss
Although there is no direct evidence that okra water leads to a smaller waistline, okra’s high fiber content promotes feelings of fullness and satisfaction, which may support weight loss by reducing caloric intake. There’s evidence to suggest that, says Alyssa Simpson, RD, RDN, owner. Nutrition Resolution Research in Phoenix, Arizona.
“If you enjoy the taste, okra water is a good low-calorie option,” says Keatley. “But infusing your water with your favorite other fruits and vegetables can also support weight management. If you’re concerned about the sugar content of other fruits, keep in mind that you get sugar from okra, too. The sugar is only in the form of galactose, so it’s not very sweet.”
May help manage blood sugar levels
Limited research suggests that okra may help manage blood sugar levels, possibly thanks to its fiber content and compounds that slow sugar absorption and improve insulin sensitivity, says Simpson. he points out.
The form of okra used in this study was concentrated, and additional research is needed to determine whether the effects of eating okra and drinking okra water are similar.
may aid digestion
It’s important to note that okra can cause stomach upset for people who already have digestive problems. “The carbohydrates and fiber in okra can cause digestive discomfort, especially for people with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome,” says Simpson. Therefore, be careful if you have a history of digestive problems.
aids in hydration
Perhaps the biggest benefit of okra water is that it helps you stay hydrated.
“Okra water is mostly water, so it helps you stay hydrated,” says Simpson. “It also provides electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, which help maintain fluid balance in the body.”
It may be beneficial for your skin
Okra is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which may help nourish and protect your skin, notes Simpson. It is unknown how much of these micronutrients are in okra water, so the effects of this drink on the skin are unknown.
“Although the antioxidants found in okra may have positive effects on the skin, there is no strong evidence that okra water is a magic elixir for skin health,” says Keatley. “Increased water intake is the most likely cause of improved skin.”
Who should try the okra water trend (and who should avoid it)?
Okra is a nutritious plant-based food that is safe for most adults to consume. There are no health risks for healthy people drinking okra water, but experts warn against being fooled by health claims you see online.
Still, some people should be careful when consuming okra or okra water. “Okra is high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation, so people with a history of kidney stones should use caution,” says Simpson. “Additionally, the carbohydrates and fiber found in okra can cause digestive discomfort, especially for people with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.”
Okra water conclusion
Okra is packed with nutrients and can be incorporated into a healthy diet. It’s unclear whether the nutritional benefits of this vegetable translate to okra water, but it’s a low-calorie drink you can enjoy on a regular basis.
