Looking for a natural and simple way to boost your health? Okra water can be your refreshing drink that is made using soaked okra pods. Loaded with many vital vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, it is gaining popularity to support overall health. This blog will help you learn about the okra water benefits for your health. Read on!
10 Surprising Okra Water Benefits For Health
Learning about the benefits of okra water is essential to understanding how it can benefit your health and well-being. There are several benefits of drinking okra water, as it is free from harsh chemicals and helps release toxins from the body. It is beneficial for both men and women. Let's know about the several benefits of drinking it.
1. Improves the Digestive System
A study shows that okra water has a sticky liquid called "mucilage," which helps treat gastric irritation.
It also contains soluble fiber, which relieves constipation by making the stools soft and easing their passage.
2. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
The soluble fiber in okra slows down the absorption and digestion of carbs like sugar, resulting in a gradual release of glucose (sugar) in the blood, which prevents quick spikes in blood sugar levels.
In addition, okra improves insulin sensitivity, which means the body cells can more effectively use insulin to control blood sugar levels.
3. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
The soluble fiber in okra attaches to the cholesterol, which prevents it from being absorbed in the blood and helps excrete it out of the body.
Also, okra contains antioxidants such as polyphenols that lower inflammation and protect the blood vessels from damage, contributing to improved heart health.
4. Supports Weight Loss
Being rich in fiber and low in calories, it keeps you full and prevents cravings, which helps maintain a healthy weight.
In addition, it hydrates the body, which might boost metabolism and support weight loss.
5. Improves Skin Health
Okra water contains vitamin C, which fights against damaging free radicals and helps with collagen production to support skin's elasticity.
It also contains vitamin A, which relieves inflammation and infections and promotes the immunity of skin.
6. Strengthens Immunity
Packed with antioxidants such as kaempferol and quercetin, okra prevents free radicals from causing damage, which leads to inflammation and a weak immune response.
Also, it gives vitamin C boosts, which help improve the activity of the white blood cells and protect the body against infections.
7. Supports Pregnancy
Okra is packed with a good amount of folate, which, according to research, is a crucial nutrient for the development of the fetal brain and preventing the risk of birth defects.
In addition, it is believed that its slimy texture helps you prepare for labor by loosening the cervix. However, more studies are needed!
8. Helps with Detoxification
Okra water consists of water and fiber, which are vital for the detox process of the body:
Water assists in eliminating toxins and waste from the body through the kidneys, sweating, and lymph nodes.
In addition, fiber excretes toxins into the stools, making okra water the best detox drink.
9. Promotes Healthy Hair
Being a great source of vitamin A and C and many minerals, okra water can help with healthy and stronger hair and even reduce hair loss.
Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects can soothe and prevent scalp irritation, preventing dandruff and creating a favorable environment for hair growth.
10. Regulates Hormonal Balance
The phytoestrogens in okra can regulate estrogen levels, which are crucial for maintaining hormonal balance during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause.
Also, the fiber in it plays an important role in controlling blood sugar levels and improving digestion, which contributes to hormonal balance.
Check out this video for a better understanding.
Limitations of Okra water:
Not Enough Scientific Studies: Traditionally, there have been several benefits of consuming okra water in treating various illnesses. However, the particular research is still under consideration for some facts about okra water.
Less Effectiveness: Eating okra as a whole vegetable gives more health benefits than drinking okra water individually, as vegetables have more nutrients.
Is Okra Water Good for Fertility?
Though there is clear scientific evidence that claims this, okra water can indirectly help improve fertility in the following manner:
Provides folates that support healthy ovulation and help with the development of fetal neural, which reduces birth defect risks.
Offers flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol that boost reproductive health by fighting off oxidative stress, which, in turn, positively improves fertility.
However, okra water has fewer nutrients than the whole okra vegetable, making it less effective.
Nutritional Profile of Okra Water
There is scientific data on the nutritional value of okra water. However, okra itself has a beneficial nutritional profile. 100 g of raw okra contains:
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 33 |
Carbohydrates | 7.4 g |
Fiber | 3.2 g |
Protein | 1.9 g |
Potassium | 299 mg |
Vitamin A | 36 µg |
Vitamin C | 23 mg |
Vitamin K | 31 mg |
Magnesium | 57 mg |
Calcium | 82 mg |
Folate | 60 µg |
Disadvantages or Risks of Consuming Okra Water
Everything has its pros and cons, and so does the okra water. Let's know about it:
Possible Allergies: People allergic to okra can develop allergic reactions to it.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Specific ingredients, such as fructans in okra, can cause gastrointestinal distress like diarrhea, as some people might not be able to digest them.
Kidney Stones: Oxalates in okra can cause kidney stones when taken in high amounts.
May Interfere With Diabetes Medicines: Consuming an excessive amount of okra can interfere with diabetes medicines like metformin, which can lower blood sugar levels.
If you experience any negative effects that persist or worsen, see a doctor.
How to Make Okra Water?
A step-by-step guide for an easy and simple okra drink remedy:
Ingredients:
4 to 5 fresh okra pods
1 cup of water
Lemon, honey, and mint (optional)
Instructions:
Thoroughly wash the okra pods to remove pesticides and dirt.
Cut both ends of all the pods and slice them in half lengthwise, which helps infuse excessive nutrients into the water.
Place the pods in a glass of water and allow them to soak for around 8 to 12 hours or overnight for better infusion.
Remove the okra pods the next morning, stir the water, and drink it.
Squeeze lemon juice or add mint leaves and honey for added flavor.
How to Drink Okra Water?
If you dislike the taste and slimy texture of okra, you can consume it in these pleasant ways:
Use coconut water instead of regular water.
Add sliced fruit to infuse with the okra water.
Mix fruit juice like pineapple juice with okra water.
Add spices such as cayenne pepper or cinnamon.
Blend okra with water for a smooth texture.
When to drink?
Drink around 8 oz of okra water in the morning on an empty stomach. But, there is no particular timing, so you can enjoy it anytime.
For best results, pair it with a well-balanced diet such as fruits, legumes, green vegetables, and whole grains.
Who Should Avoid Okra Water?
In general, okra water is safe, but use it with caution or avoid it in these situations:
Irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease: High fructans and fiber content in okra can worsen the symptoms (e.g., gas, diarrhea, and bloating) of these conditions.
History of kidney stones: Oxalates in it can worsen kidney stones.
Allergies: May experience allergic reactions like swelling, rashes, or itching.
Blood-Thinning Medications: Vitamin K content in okra can impact the efficacy of these medicines. So, always seek medical guidance first.
Diabetes Medications: Excessive intake of okra can interfere with diabetes medicines, reducing blood sugar levels. Always consult a doctor if you have diabetes.
Sensitive Digestive Systems: A high intake of fiber from okra can result in an upset stomach, gas, or bloating.
Joint Disorders: Solanine in okra can worsen the symptoms, such as inflammation and pain associated with joint disorders.
Where Does the Okra Water Come in Trend?
The okra water comes in trend from:
Cultural Roots
Black content creators in Western and Eastern Africa & the African diaspora popularize the use of okra water, as okra in these communities is considered a staple food.
Its use helps them connect to their legacy and the traditional knowledge.
But, Dr. Kéra Nyemb-Diop, who is a nutritionist, said that she knew about the okra water when it became popular and suggests that this drink may be an "invention or innovation" rather than a historical practice.
Lucretia VanDyke, the author of "African American Herbalism," heard about the use of okra water as a bath ingredient that is believed to clear out the body.
VanDyke suggests combining okra water with marshmallow root to people who experience vaginal dryness and dry skin.
Social Media Influence
Beauty influencer Zareefa from the United States shared a video on Instagram and said that she has been consuming okra water for 6 months and noticed some changes.
She experienced a significant reduction in her bloating and got brighter, shinier, and smoother skin.
Dr Karan Rajan, a known UK surgeon, shared her video and said that okra water works as a prebiotic which nourishes gut bacteria and maintains gut microbiome.
He also said that okra's mucilage contains soluble fiber, which improves gut health.
In addition, he added that combining okra water with a balanced diet and regular exercise can help lose weight.
Summing Up
These are potent okra water benefits that you need to know. However, some lack scientific evidence. So, always consider your pre-existing health issues and current medicines before adding this refreshing drink to your diet, and take a doctor’s guidance first. If you experience any negative effects of this drink, discontinue its use and seek medical help.
أسئلة متكررة
How long does it take for okra water to work?
Okra water typically takes 2-3 days to work as a natural diuretic when consumed daily.
Does okra water help with labor?
There is no scientific evidence that okra water helps induce or ease labor.
What does okra water taste like?
Okra water has a mild, vegetable-like taste and thick, mucilaginous texture.
What is okra water good for pregnancy?
There is no strong scientific evidence that okra water provides specific health benefits during pregnancy, though it can help with general hydration.
How much okra water should i drink a day?
Since it is essentially a hydrating vegetable water, a reasonable amount would be 1-2 cups per day as tolerated.
Where can I buy okra water?
Okra water can be found at some health food stores, specialty markets, or made at home by simmering okra slices in water and then straining.
How much okra water should i drink a day
Since it is essentially a hydrating vegetable water, a reasonable amount would be 1-2 cups per day as tolerated.
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