4 Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Okra Water

Okra water is a vegetable-infused drink made by soaking fuzzy green okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pods in water overnight. Proponents of the beverage believe it offers many benefits for blood sugar management, weight loss, and digestion.

Okra, commonly called Lady’s finger, is typically grown in tropical and subtropical regions. People have historically used okra as a food, appetite booster, astringent (a tightening agent used in skincare), and more. Okra water has become a popular way to consume the plant and potentially gain some of its benefits. Some evidence supports the benefits of okra, but research on okra water is lacking.

Research on okra water’s effects on blood sugar levels is limited, but people have used okra to treat diabetes for years. One study analyzed the effects of whole okra on various lab values in people with type 2 diabetes. Sixty participants took 1,000 milligrams of okra whole fruit oral capsules every six hours for eight weeks. The authors gave a control group a placebo dose. The okra capsule group had decreased fasting blood sugar, blood sugar, and hemoglobin A1C levels.

This type of research leads some people to believe okra water may improve blood sugar control. There’s a significant lack of research to back this claim. Talk to a healthcare provider about a treatment plan if you have diabetes. Discuss any new additions, such as okra water, before implementing it in your diet.

Okra contains many compounds that may support weight loss. It contains fiber and protein, both of which help you feel full, bind fat, and reduce overall calorie intake. In an animal study, researchers gave okra extract to mice with diabetes. The mice lost significant amounts of weight over eight weeks. Further research is needed to understand okra’s role in weight management, especially in humans.

Okra water is often touted as an aid for weight loss, but there’s not enough research. Drinking okra water supports hydration, which may support metabolism and encourage weight loss.

Okra water may support digestive health. Okra is rich in soluble fiber, which creates a gel-like liquid when it mixes with water. This liquid aids in smooth digestion. Mucilaginous, the slimy component of whole okra, is naturally alkaline (non-acidic). It helps neutralize stomach acid associated with peptic ulcers and provides a protective coating in the digestive tract. This coating can speed the recovery process from many gastrointestinal-related concerns.

Research on okra water is lacking, and okra water should not replace any treatment that a healthcare provider recommends. You can also meet your soluble fiber needs from sources like apples, beans, carrots, and citrus fruits.

A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for optimal skin health. Okra contains vitamins A and C, which leads some to believe drinking okra water may benefit the skin. Vitamin A is fat-soluble and supports skin immunity. It helps fight infections and inflammation. Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and provides antioxidant protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

One cup of raw okra contains 36 micrograms of vitamin A and 23 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 4% and 25% of the Daily Value (DV). It’s important to remember that water infused with okra pods will not offer the same amount of nutrients as whole raw okra.

There are no standardized nutrition facts for okra water, as it’s a homemade infused beverage. Raw okra boasts a strong nutrition profile, with one cup providing the following nutrients:

• Calories: 33
• Fat: 0.19 grams (g), or 0.24% of the DV
• Sodium: 7 milligrams (mg), or 0.3% of the DV
• Carbohydrates: 7.45 g, or 2.71% of the DV
• Fiber: 3.2 g, or 11.43% of the DV
• Added sugars: 0 g, or 0% of the DV
• Protein: 1.93 g, or 3.86% of the DV

Okra also contains vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K, among many other essential nutrients. Okra water will likely contain minimal amounts of these nutrients as you only consume an infused beverage and not the whole vegetable. A healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist, can offer guidance on incorporating okra water into a balanced diet.

Okra water is generally safe for most people. It may cause adverse reactions in people who are allergic to okra. Okra is also a high-fructose vegetable. Consuming large amounts of fructans may cause digestive problems in some people. Determining how many fructans are in your okra water may be hard, so it’s best to start with small amounts. Notify a healthcare provider of any side effects.

Okra water may not be an appropriate beverage for those with a history of kidney stones. Okra contains oxalates, which may contribute to kidney stone formation.

You can make okra water by soaking okra pods or thinly sliced okra in water overnight. Make sure to refrigerate the okra water while it soaks. Remove the okra and strain the water in the morning before drinking it. You can also enjoy whole okra in many ways. You can roast, bake, boil, or pickle the pods or eat them fresh.

Many people believe that drinking okra water in the morning maximizes its benefits, but no research supports this claim. Discuss okra water’s health implications with a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your blood sugar control or weight loss routine.

Okra water is an infused beverage made by soaking okra pods in water overnight. It’s thought to offer benefits for blood sugar management, weight loss, and digestion. Whole okra has been linked to these benefits, but research on okra water is limited.

Drinking okra water can support hydration, and okra is a source of various vitamins and minerals. It’s unclear how many nutrients remain in okra water. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about its benefits and safety.