Okra water is a vegetable drink made by soaking green okra pods in water overnight. Proponents of this drink believe it has many health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, weight loss efforts, and improved digestion.
Okra known to science Abelmoshus esculentus However, it is more commonly called lady’s finger and is usually grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Historically, people have used okra as a food, an appetite stimulant, an astringent (a firming agent often used in skin care), and more. You can consume unripe okra pods as a vegetable or use the extract as a thickening agent in various recipes such as gumbo.
These days, okra water has become a popular way to consume okra and potentially reap some of its benefits. However, while there is some research supporting the health benefits of the okra plant, research on okra water in particular is lacking.
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Although research on okra water’s effects on blood sugar levels is limited, okra has been used to treat diabetes for many years.
A recent study analyzed the effect of whole okra on various laboratory values in patients with type 2 diabetes. One group of 60 participants ingested 1,000 milligrams (mg) of whole okra fruit oral capsules every six hours for eight weeks. The researchers administered a placebo to another control group. The group that took okra capsules experienced reductions in fasting blood sugar, blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1C levels.
This type of research has led many people to believe that okra water may help improve blood sugar control. Unfortunately, there is a significant lack of research supporting such claims. Before introducing okra water to your diabetic diet, it is important to develop a diabetes management plan and discuss new additions, such as okra water, with your healthcare provider.
Okra contains many compounds associated with weight loss support. For example, it contains dietary fiber and protein, which contributes to satiety, fat binding, and reducing overall calorie intake.
In an animal study, researchers administered okra extract to diabetic mice and found that they significantly lost weight over eight weeks. However, more research is still needed to understand the role of okra in weight management, especially in humans.
Okra water is often touted to help with weight loss, but research is lacking. However, drinking okra water may support hydration, speed up your body’s metabolism, and promote weight loss.
Okra water may have positive effects on digestion. Okra is rich in soluble fiber, and when mixed with water, it forms a gel-like liquid that supports smooth digestion.
Although research on okra water and the gastrointestinal tract is limited, the bioactive compounds of this vegetable have been extensively studied. The mucilage content in whole okra is alkaline (non-acidic) in nature and helps neutralize stomach acid associated with peptic ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. It also forms a protective layer in the digestive tract and helps speed up the recovery process from many gastrointestinal-related problems.
However, okra water is not a substitute for routine gastrointestinal care recommended by your doctor. We can also meet your fiber needs from a variety of sources. Many foods contain soluble fiber, including apples, beans, carrots, and citrus fruits.
The skin is the largest organ in the body and acts as a barrier between internal organs and the outside world. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is essential to maintaining optimal skin health. Because okra contains vitamin A and vitamin C, some experts believe that drinking okra water can benefit your skin.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in skin immunity and helps fight infections and inflammation. Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis and provides antioxidant protection from UV rays.
One cup of raw okra contains 36 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A and 23 mg of vitamin C, which is 4% and 25% of the daily value (DV), respectively. However, it’s important to remember that water infused with okra pods does not contain the same amount of nutrients as whole, raw okra.
Because okra water is a homemade infused beverage, there is currently no standardized nutrition facts table. However, raw okra boasts an excellent nutritional profile and provides a significant portion of your daily requirements for many vitamins and minerals. Contains vitamin C, folate, vitamin K, and many other essential nutrients.
1 cup of raw okra contains:
- calorie: 33
- fat: 0.19 grams (g)
- sodium: 7mg
- carbohydrates: 7.45g
- fiber: 3.2g
- protein: 1.93g
- Vitamin C: 23 mg or 25% of DV
- Folate: 60 mcg, or 15% of DV
- Vitamin K: 31.3 mcg, or 26% of DV
- magnesium: 57 mg, or 13% of DV
Okra water may contain minimal amounts of these nutrients because you only consume the infused beverage rather than the whole vegetable. A healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian, can provide guidance on incorporating okra water into a balanced diet.
Okra water is generally considered safe for most people. However, it can cause side effects for people who are allergic to okra.
Okra is also considered a high fructose vegetable. Although moderate consumption of fructans is usually safe and tolerable, large amounts can cause digestive problems in some people. It can be difficult to determine how much fructans are in okra water, so it’s best to start with a small amount and notify your health care provider if you experience any side effects.
Finally, okra water may not be an appropriate beverage choice for people with a history of kidney stones. Okra contains oxalates, which are known to contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
Okra water is a relatively new trend, so many people are adopting this beverage through trial and error.
Make okra water by soaking okra pods or thinly sliced okra in water overnight. Be sure to store okra water in the refrigerator while soaking. In the morning, take out the okra and strain the water before drinking.
Many people believe that drinking okra water in the morning maximizes its health benefits, but there is no research to support that claim. Discuss the health effects of okra water with your healthcare provider before incorporating it into your daily routine for potential weight loss or blood sugar control.
Okra can also be enjoyed whole in a variety of ways. Pods can be roasted, baked, boiled, pickled, or eaten raw.
Okra water is a decoction made by soaking okra pods in water overnight. This drink is thought to offer health benefits such as lowering blood sugar levels, supporting weight loss, and improving digestion. While whole okra is associated with these amazing health benefits, research on okra water and its biological mechanisms is limited.
Drinking okra water may increase your water intake, support hydration, and provide health benefits. Okra is also a good source of many vitamins and minerals, but it is unclear how many nutrients remain in okra water. If you have questions about the benefits and safety of okra water, please consult your health care provider.
