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Health Benefits of Okra Water: What's Real and What's Hype?

Date: 23 Oct 2024

Many influencers and content creators have created a buzz around Okra Water on social media claiming to offer many health benefits. They propose it improves everything including sexual function, digestion, and even treat diabetes.

But are these stories indeed true or just myths propagated by influencers?

Okra is a vegetable and has many health benefits. However, there is little scientific research to back up the idea that okra water can do many of the things purported on social media. Let us demystify these claims and identify the key potential benefits of using Okra Water.

Photo by Neha Deshmukh on Unsplash

How is Okra Water Made?

Okra water is made from Okra Pods obtained from the Okra plant, popularly known as Lady’s Finger. The plant is grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Many households add Okra to food to boost appetite. You can make Okra water using the following procedure:

  1. Slice Okra pods and put them inside a jar.
  2. Add water to the pods.
  3. Let the solution stay in the fridge overnight.
  4. Strain the liquid to get Okra Water.

Okra Water has a thick slimy texture because of the fiber, nutrients, and mucilage (gooey liquid available in Okra green seeds).

 

Nutrient Value per Cup of Raw Okra

According to Fooddata Central, 1 cup of raw Okra has the following nutrient value

  • Total sugars: 1.5 g
  • Manganese: 0.8 mg (35% of the DV)
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Vitamin K: 31 mcg (26% of the DV)
  • Total fat: 0 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Thiamin (B1): 0.2 mg (17% of the DV)
  • Folate: 0 micrograms (mcg) (15% of the DV)
  • Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Magnesium: 57 mg (14% of the DV)
  • Vitamin C: 23 mg (26% of the DV)
  • Vitamin B6: 0.2 mg (12% of the DV)

From the data, you can see that Okra is an excellent source of fiber, manganese, and Vitamins.

 

Potential Benefits of Okra Water

Many health and nutrition experts claim various benefits of okra water. But is there any truth to these claims? Let's demystify them by exploring the myths, truths, and facts about okra water.

Okra Water helps in balancing blood sugar.

Many content creators claim that Okra Water helps balance blood sugar. On Twitter, one of the health influencers on Twitter @safonyameherbal claimed

“Okra water drastically reduces your blood sugars within 24 hours, I can guarantee that it is also every woman’s aphrodisiac” The tweet gained over 1000 retweets with different people giving their opinions and views. Another Twitter user Demi Farms claims that Okra water is a natural remedy for diabetes. But are these statements true?

The truth

According to research by Ali Saatchi and other scholars on the Anti-hyperglycemic effects of Okra on patients with type 2 diabetes, okra decreases fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin AIC levels. Recent research also suggests that antioxidants and polysaccharides available in Okra mucilage may help reduce blood sugar.

All these researches suggest that okra helps reduce blood sugar levels but there is no conclusive evidence that Okra water decreases blood sugar levels.

Supports Sexual health and hormonal balance

Influences also claim that Okra water can increase vaginal lubrication and moisture thus making sex more pleasurable. On TikTok, an influencer Nurse Akosua suggests that women should drink okra water during their period to bring back natural wetness and feelings and boost their ovulation.

The truth

There is no research conducted to back this claim and thus has never been proven. You may feel that Okra water enhances your sexual life but this is likely because of the placebo effect and not its inherent medicinal properties.

 

Okra water Improves Digestive Health.

Another popular claim among content creators and social media influencers is that Okra water improves digestion making you have a healthy gut and reducing hemorrhoids.

The truth

Okra, the vegetable has numerous benefits. The slimy component of vegetable okra (mucilaginous) is alkaline and thus can neutralize stomach acid caused by ulcers. It also offers a protective coating alongside the digestive tract therefore helping solve many gastrointestinal problems. All these prove that Okra water helps in the digestive process.

Okra water makes your skin glow.

Many social media users claim that the trick female musicians use to maintain glowing skin and a healthy sex life is using Okra Water. They go to the extent of claiming that these musicians keep this information a secret.

The truth

To have healthy skin your body needs vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Okra contains vitamins A and C, which make many people believe that drinking okra water will make your skin glow. This point is valid since a cup of raw okra contains vitamin A (36 micrograms) and vitamin C (23 mg). Drinking water also helps nurture your skin. However, you should ensure that you also take food and supplements rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to have healthy skin.

Okra water supports weight loss.

Health and gym instructors claim that drinking okra water during your journey will help support weight loss.

The truth

Indeed, okra water may play a role in weight management because of two components. Okra contains fiber that makes you feel full after eating. Water in Okra may also help you reduce weight especially if you are supplementing beverages with sugar with water.

How to drink Okra Water

Okra water is unpleasant to many because of its slimy nature and texture. If you do not like the test you can dress it up with the following.

  1. Add fruit smoothies with the okra water.
  2. Blend Okra with other frothers to smooth out the texture.
  3. Instead of regular water use coconut water.
  4. Add spices e.g. Cinnamon.

Who should not drink Okra water?

Okra water is safe. Avoid drinking Okra water if you are allergic. Also, drink okra water in moderation because the fiber contained may cause stomach upset and bloating. If you do not like the taste of it, dress the okra water using fruits, smoothies spices, or any other food to avoid puking.

Final Thoughts

Many influencers and content creators have created quite a buzz around okra water, claiming it offers a wide range of health benefits, from improving sexual function and digestion to managing diabetes. But are these claims true or simply myths propagated by social media?

While okra vegetable is a nutritious vegetable with numerous health benefits, there is limited scientific evidence to support the idea that okra water can provide the miraculous results often advertised online. Research does suggest that okra may contribute to balancing blood sugar and promoting digestive health. But, many of the other claims, such as its effects on sexual health or skin glow, lack substantial scientific backing.

As with any health trend, it's important to approach okra water with a balanced perspective. While it can be a healthy addition to your diet, particularly because of its fiber and vitamin content, it’s not a miracle cure. To explore the benefits of okra water, moderation, and proper dietary balance should be key considerations.

In the end, while okra water can offer some health benefits, it's essential to stay informed and rely on scientific facts rather than trends when making decisions about your health.