Okra water is creating a buzz in the wellness world, with many social media influencers discussing it and sharing videos on how to make the drink.
Interest in the drink is growing quickly—Pinterest says searches for it have jumped by 470% this fall.
On TikTok and Instagram, users are promoting its potential benefits, saying it can improve digestion, manage blood sugar, boost fertility, increase vaginal lubrication, and even help make labor easier for pregnant women.
What is okra, and how do you make okra water?
Okra is rich in plant mucilage, a slimy fiber similar to what’s found in chia seeds, cacti, and some seaweeds.
According to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a dietitian from the Gulf Coast, this mucilage absorbs water. It forms a gel, mimicking its action in the digestive system.
To prepare the drink, raw okra pods are sliced and soaked in cold water overnight, then strained to remove the solids.
The final product is a thick, gooey liquid with a grassy, slightly bitter flavor reminiscent of raw okra.
Okra water has mixed reviews; some people like its taste and texture, especially if they regularly eat okra, while others find it slimy and unappealing, says GoodRx.
Several options are available for those looking to improve the flavor, such as using coconut water instead of regular water, adding chopped fruit, mixing in juices like pineapple, or spicing it up with cinnamon or cayenne pepper.
Blending it or using a frother can also help create a smoother texture. While there’s no set amount to drink, many people consume around 8 ounces daily.
Kaytee Hadley, a gut health dietitian in Richmond, Virginia, notes that okra water can be enjoyed anytime and should be part of a balanced diet.
What nutrients can you get from drinking okra water?
“Okra is packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, magnesium and folate,” Bourgeois told The Guardian.
Moreover, it contains compounds that can reduce intestinal inflammation and support digestive health. Its soluble fiber slows digestion, which may help stabilize blood sugar levels.
While some studies indicate that okra can benefit prediabetics, others suggest it might interfere with certain diabetes medications.
Some soluble fiber seeps into the liquid when preparing okra water, creating a thick, gel-like texture that may aid digestion, similar to whole okra.
However, the nutrient levels in the water are lower than those found in the whole vegetable.
Bourgeois cautions that if you don’t eat the okra slices from your water, you might miss important nutrients, including insoluble fiber and protein from the seeds.
Nutritional Information of Okra
The nutritional content of okra water is still not well understood. This drink is made by steeping okra in water, which raises questions about whether the nutrients transfer into the beverage.
Here’s the nutrients found in one cup of raw okra:
Macronutrients:
- Protein: 2 g
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Total Sugars: 1.5 g
Micronutrients:
- Magnesium: 57 mg (14% of Daily Value)
- Manganese: 0.8 mg (35% of Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 23 mg (26% of Daily Value)
- Thiamin (B1): 0.2 mg (17% of Daily Value)
- Vitamin B6: 0.2 mg (12% of Daily Value)
- Folate: 60 mcg (15% of Daily Value)
- Vitamin K: 31 mcg (26% of Daily Value)
The Daily Value (DV) helps you understand the amount of nutrients in a single food serving, following daily intake guidelines.
Okra is an excellent choice for a healthy diet. It provides a good source of fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K.
Moreover, it contains more protein than many other vegetables, making it a smart option for those wanting to enhance their nutrition.
Popular claims about okra water
Here’s a look at some popular claims about the health benefits of okra water and what the science says about each one.
This examination aims to clarify the facts behind these assertions.
1. Okra water promotes heart health.
Okra is a good source of soluble fiber, which may help lower cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol and aiding its removal from the body. Lower cholesterol can reduce the risk of plaque buildup in blood vessels, potentially preventing heart attacks and strokes.
However, it is still uncertain how much of this fiber is present in okra water.
2. It helps you lose weight.
Okra water may assist with weight management in a few ways. It is high in fiber, which can help you feel full after meals, and replacing sugary drinks with water can support weight loss. However, no studies have directly examined the effects of okra water on weight loss. Hence, the benefits are mostly theoretical at this point.
Hadley cautions, “I wouldn’t recommend that anyone expect to lose weight by simply adding okra water to their diet.”
3. It promotes sexual health.
Social media is filled with claims that drinking okra water can improve vaginal lubrication, with some users suggesting that its slimy texture helps boost moisture. However, experts caution that there is no scientific evidence to back up these assertions.
While the drink may offer some health benefits, Hadley said more research is necessary to verify these effects.
It’s crucial to remain skeptical of these claims and focus on evidence-supported information.
4. It helps in blood sugar regulation.
Experts suggest fiber, an important part of okra, can help regulate blood sugar levels. Early research also indicates that compounds in okra’s slimy texture, such as polysaccharides and antioxidants, may contribute to blood sugar control.
However, since most studies have been done on animals or in test tubes, it is uncertain how these results would apply to humans.
5. It detoxifies our body
The drink may help with hydration and provide some fiber, but it’s not a miracle solution, says Hadley.
The body naturally detoxifies itself with adequate water and fiber intake. For overall health, experts recommend drinking plenty of plain water and incorporating fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, into your diet.
6. It supports gut health
Okra is beneficial for digestive health due to its rich soluble and insoluble fiber content. It helps maintain a healthy gut, promotes regular bowel movements, and prevents constipation. Furthermore, fiber can soften stools, which lowers the risk of hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.
However, Hadley emphasized that while the vegetable itself provides these benefits, it is still uncertain whether drinking okra water offers the same advantages.
Here’s a video from a YouTuber called ‘NosagirlTV‘ where she shares her experience after drinking okra water for six days:
Disclaimer: This article is for informational or entertainment purposes only. This is not a diagnosis or recommendation. Readers should consult professionals for personalized advice, and the author/publisher is not liable for actions taken based on the content.
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