After soaking fuzzy green okra pods in water for the entire night, okra water is a vegetable-infused beverage. Supporters of the beverage assert that it has several health advantages, including as better digestion, blood sugar control, and weight loss.
Usually grown in tropical and subtropical climates, okra, also known by its scientific name, Abelmoschus esculentus, is sometimes referred to as lady’s finger. Okra has been used traditionally as a meal, to stimulate hunger, as an astringent (a tightening agent typically found in cosmetic products), and for other purposes. Immature okra pods can be eaten raw or the extract can be used to thicken a variety of dishes, including gumbo.
Okra water has grown in popularity as a means of consuming the plant and maybe reaping some of its health advantages in more recent times. Research on okra water, in particular, is sparse, despite several studies supporting the health advantages of the okra plant.
Could Aid with Blood Sugar Regulation
Okra has long been used to treat diabetes, despite the paucity of studies on the impact of okra water on blood sugar levels.
A new study examined how whole okra affected several lab results in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Throughout the course of eight weeks, a group of sixty individuals consumed 1,000 milligrams (mg) of okra whole fruit oral capsules every six hours. A control group was given a placebo dosage by the researchers. Reduced blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C, and fasting blood sugar were seen in the okra capsule group.
Many individuals are led to assume by this kind of research that okra water can aid with blood glucose management. Sadly, there isn’t nearly enough evidence to support such a claim. Before adding anything new to your diet, including okra water, make sure you and your healthcare professional have a strategy for managing your diabetes.
Potentially Aid in Loss of Weight
Okra is full of chemicals that have been associated with supporting weight loss. It has protein and dietary fiber, for instance, which help with fat binding, satiety, and calorie restriction.
In an animal experiment, when diabetic mice were given okra extract, the animals lost a considerable amount of weight over the course of eight weeks.Nevertheless, further investigation—especially including human subjects—is still required to fully comprehend the function of okra in managing weight.
Although there is little data, okra water is frequently recommended as a weight loss tool. On the other hand, consuming okra water aids in hydration, which may accelerate weight reduction and increase metabolism.
Could Facilitate Better Digestion
Okra water may be beneficial to the digestive system. Okra contains a high concentration of soluble fiber, which, when combined with water, forms a gel-like liquid that may aid in easy digestion.
Okra water and the gastrointestinal system have not been the subject of much research, but the bioactive chemicals in the vegetable have been well examined. The slimy, naturally alkaline (non-acidic) part of the entire okra, called mucilaginous, balances stomach acid that causes peptic ulcers in the small intestine and stomach. Moreover, it offers a protective layer in the digestive tract, which might hasten the healing process for a variety of gastrointestinal ailments.
On the other hand, regular gastrointestinal care prescribed by a physician should not be substituted with okra water. Additionally, there are several ways for you to get the fiber you need. Apples, beans, carrots, and citrus fruits are just a few of the foods high in soluble fiber.
Might Enhance the Look of Skin
As a barrier separating the body’s internal organs from the external environment, the skin is the biggest organ. For skin health to remain at its best, a diet high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants must be well-balanced. Okra is high in vitamins A and C, which is why some experts think drinking okra water can be good for your skin.
Fat-soluble vitamin A is essential for skin immunity because it helps combat inflammation and infections.In addition to providing antioxidant defense against UV rays, vitamin C aids in the stimulation of collagen formation.
Thirty-six milligrams (mcg) of vitamin A and twenty-three milligrams (mg) of vitamin C (4% and 25% of the Daily Value (DV), respectively) are found in one cup of raw okra. It is important to keep in mind that okra pod-infused water does not provide the same level of nutrients as raw, entire okra.
Okra Water’s Nutrient Content
Okra water is a DIY flavored beverage, hence there aren’t any official nutrition information available just yet. Raw okra, however, has an amazing nutritional profile and supplies a large amount of your daily requirements for several vitamins and minerals. Among many other vital elements, it includes vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate.
After being uncooked, one cup of okra contains:
- 33 Calories
- Grams (g) of fat: 0.19
- 7 milligrams of sodium
- 7.45 grams of carbs
- Fiber: 3.2 grams
- Protein: 1.93 grams
- 23 mg, or 25% of the DV, of vitamin C
- Folate: 15% of the Daily Value (60 mcg)
- 31.3 mcg, or 26% of the DV, of vitamin K
- 57 mg, or 13% of the DV, of magnesium
Okra water is primarily an infused beverage; the entire vegetable is not consumed, thus the amount of these nutrients will probably be rather low. Okra water can be included in a balanced diet with the help of a healthcare professional, such as a certified dietitian.
Hazards
Most people believe that okra water is safe to drink. Those who are allergic to okra, however, can experience negative side effects.
Furthermore, okra is regarded as a high-fructose vegetable. Although fructans are generally safe and well-tolerated in moderation, some people may experience stomach problems if they consume high amounts.It’s recommended to start with tiny doses and let your healthcare physician know about any negative side effects, as it may be difficult to establish how many fructans are in your okra water.
Those who have a history of kidney stones may find that okra water is not the best beverage option. Oxalates, which are present in okra, have been linked to kidney stones.
Advice on How to Drink Okra Water
Since okra water is still somewhat of a novelty, many people are experimenting with it.
Soak okra pods or thinly sliced okra in water for a whole night to prepare okra water. While the okra soaks, make sure the water is chilled. Before consuming the water, take out the okra and filter it in the morning.
There is no scientific evidence to support the widespread belief that consuming okra water first thing in the morning optimizes its health benefits. Before adding okra water to your regimen for possible weight loss or blood sugar control, talk to your healthcare practitioner about the health consequences of this drink.
Additionally, there are several ways to savor entire okra. It is possible to roast, bake, boil, pickle, or consume the pods raw.
A Synopsis
After soaking okra pods in water for a whole night, okra water is a flavored beverage. The beverage is said to provide health advantages, including lowering blood sugar, promoting weight reduction, and enhancing digestion. There is little information available on the biological processes underlying okra water, despite the fact that entire okra has been connected to these remarkable health advantages.
Okra water can help with hydration by increasing the amount of water consumed, which may have some health advantages. Aside from being an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, it’s uncertain how much of these nutrients would be present in okra water. Consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions.
Q&As
- Is it possible to lose weight using okra water?
Yes, okra water can help with weight reduction because of its high fiber content and low calorie count, both of which encourage satiety.
- Can kids drink okra water safely?
In most cases, yes. It is advisable to speak with a pediatrician first, though, before adding it to a child’s diet.
- Can I make okra water with frozen okra?
For optimal results, use fresh okra; if fresh isn’t available, freeze okra can be used instead.
- Is the flavor of okra water strong?
The taste of okra water is subtle and somewhat earthy. Its taste can be improved by adding mint or lemon.
- How much time is it appropriate to keep okra water refrigerated?
To get the most nutrients and freshness out of okra water, it is better to drink it within 24 hours.