Okra Water Benefits: How & Why You Should Be Drinking It
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Last Updated on June 13, 2024
Okra water is one of the weird health trends you might be wondering about. What is okra water and why should you be drinking it?
I’ll answer that question and tell you about all the okra water benefits for your body. Read on to learn more!
Okra Water
Much like the idea of boiling pineapple peel or drinking banana peel tea, soaking okra in water overnight and drinking the water that’s strained out can be super beneficial for your body in several ways.
If you are scratching your head because it sounds strange, you are not alone!
But there are some definite benefits of okra water.
Intrigued? Read on to learn about okra water benefits and why you might consider adding it your daily routine.
What Is Okra Water?
Simply put, okra water is a drink made from soaking okra pods in water overnight.
What Does Okra Water Taste Like?
Okra water is slightly sweet with a hint of grassiness, similar to celery water. You’ve probaly never had celery water either, right? Well you can imagine what that tastes like, I am sure.
Some people find it quite pleasant, while others prefer to enhance it with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of spices. I’ve included some ideas below!
Okra Nutrition Facts
Okra is a good source of vitamins and has a lot of fiber. Take a look!
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, C, K, and Folic acid.
- Minerals: Good source of important minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
- Fiber: One of the standout features of okra is its high fiber content.
- Antioxidants: Okra contains several antioxidants, including beta-carotene and lutein.
- Protein: Yes, you read that right! Okra provides a decent amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body.
It’s difficult to find specific nutrition information on okra water, but it’s safe to assume that soaking the pods will result in much of the same nutrient profile as eating okra itself.
Okra Water Benefits
Drinking okra water could have a positive effect on your overall health. Here are some potential benefits:
Balances Blood Sugar Levels
Drinking okra water can help balance blood sugar levels. The high fiber content in okra slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, aiding in blood sugar management and potentially improving insulin sensitivity.
Rich in Vitamin C
Okra water is a great source of Vitamin C, an essential nutrient that boosts your immune system and helps combat free radicals, which can damage body cells.
Assists in Weight Loss
The dietary fiber in okra water aids weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness. This reduces calorie intake and supports weight management.
Promotes Gut Health
Soluble fiber in okra water aids digestive health by supporting good bacteria in your gut. Regular consumption can lead to regular bowel movements, reducing digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome.
Boosts Skin Health
The essential nutrients and antioxidants in okra water contribute to skin health. It helps keep your skin fresh and moisturized, reducing premature aging signs.
Enhances Overall Health
Okra water contains essential vitamins and minerals that improve overall health. These include Vitamin K, folic acid, and several other nutrients.
Fights Free Radicals
Okra water is rich in phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. They fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals, protecting your body from various diseases.
Supports Heart Health
The soluble fiber found in okra water helps lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting heart health.
Improves Digestive Tract Health
The gel-like substance formed when soaking okra pods in water helps lubricate the digestive tract, leading to healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
Controls Hunger Pangs
Drinking okra water first thing on an empty stomach can control hunger pangs due to its high fiber content, helping you manage your diet better.
Promotes Healthy Pregnancy
Folic acid in okra water can be beneficial for pregnant people, as it helps prevent neural tube defects in the unborn baby.
Aids Diabetes Management
The type of carbohydrate found in okra can lower blood sugar levels, making it a beneficial addition to diabetes management plans.
Improves Joint Health
Okra water has been linked with reduced joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Boosts Hydration
As a low-calorie drink, okra water is an excellent alternative to sugary drinks, helping you stay hydrated without adding extra calories to your diet.
Best Time to Drink Okra Water
For best results, try drinking okra water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Drinking it first thing on an empty stomach is believed to enhance absorption of sugar and aid in blood sugar regulation.
Ways to Use Okra Water
Besides drinking it straight, you can also add okra water to increase the health benefits of smoothies or use it as a base for soups and stews.
- Sweeten with Natural Ingredients: Okra water, on its own, may not be the most pleasing to your taste buds. To enhance its flavor, consider adding a natural sweetener like raw honey.
- Add Some Citrus: A splash of fresh lemon or lime juice can work wonders in improving the taste of okra water.
- Spice it up: Spices such as cinnamon or ginger can be added to your okra water for an extra kick.
- Mix with Other Healthy Drinks: If you’re not a fan of the taste of okra water by itself, try mixing it with other healthy drinks like various types of tea or kale juice. This not only improves the taste but also compounds the health benefits.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding some fresh mint leaves to your okra water can provide a refreshing twist.
How to Make Okra Water
To prepare okra water, you only need two ingredients: fresh okra and water.
- Begin by cleaning the okra pods thoroughly and removing their stems.
- Next, either slice the okra pods into halves or roughly chop them.
- After that, put the okra in a jar or a large bowl and pour filtered water over it until it’s fully submerged.
- Chill it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or even better, overnight.
- You’ll notice that the water becomes slightly thick and slimy, that’s what you want to see!
- When the water has transformed into a gel-like consistency, filter the liquid using a fine-mesh sieve or strainer.
- For added taste, feel free to mix in lemon juice or wildflower honey into the water.
How to Store Okra Water
Store okra water in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep it fresh. I like to use a large Mason jar with lid.
How Long Okra Water Lasts
Freshly made okra water can last up to 3 days in the fridge. After that, it’s best to discard any leftovers and prepare a fresh batch.
Who Should Avoid Okra Water
While okra water is generally safe for most people, those on blood thinners should avoid it due to its high Vitamin K content.
Additionally, if you have a history of kidney stones, consult your healthcare provider before adding okra water to your diet due to its oxalate content.
As always, it’s best to consult with a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider before starting any new health regimen.
