Okra water can be helpful for those who want to know about the advantages of okra’s health but aren’t a fan of its slimy texture. It’s easy to prepare and is packed with essential nutrients.
The Health benefits of Okra water are due to its nutritional profile, which includes calcium, magnesium, and vitamins B and C. It helps control blood sugar levels, boosts immunity, and improves heart health.
It’s also a great source of antioxidants and antibacterial substances that are naturally occurring. This article will share the health benefits of okra water and help you make okra water and use it.
Okra water nutrition value
The actual nutritional value of okra water has yet to be discovered. However, Okra is an excellent source of various essential minerals and vitamins.
According to the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Eight raw okra pods contain:
Fat: 0.2 grams
Carbs: 7 grams
Fiber: 3grams
Calories: 31 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Folate: 14% of the DV
Magnesium:13% of the DV
Vitamin B6: 12% of the DV
Copper: 12% of the DV
Manganese: 33% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 24% of the DV
Thiamin: 16% of the DV
Okra is an excellent source of manganese, a mineral in blood sugar metabolism and regulation. It’s also a good source of vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant and plays a vital role in the immune system.
What Is Okra Water?
Okra (Abelmoschus Esulentus) is a popular healthy vegetable. It is known by various names, including Lady’s Finger and Guibeiro. It’s a low-cost and delicious calcium, fiber, protein, and iron source. Fresh dried, fried, or boiled okra is used in soups and other dishes. Okra water is the hottest trend now.
Moreover, it is an excellent alternative for people who aren’t a fan of Okra’s slippery texture or wish to reap the benefits of its nutrients without spending much time preparing this.
It has several variants. While some prefer to mix the pods to make smoothies, others choose the easy route and soak them overnight or for up to 24 hours. Some people even slice or cut them in half and soak them in water for 24 hours.
Okra pods are waxy due to the Mucilage which surrounds them. Mucilage is a source of healthy sugars like galactose, rhamnose, and galacturonic acid. It is commonly used in Asian medical practices as a food ingredient to prevent gastric inflammation and irritations. Okra water contains this extremely water-soluble Mucilage.
Okra water is just the same amount of nutritious Okra pods. This is because many antioxidants and compounds, like phenolic compounds found in Okra, are water-soluble.
This means that the water is rich in the nutrients of the okra pods. Specific vitamins and minerals are also quickly and easily soluble.
Due to this nutrient-rich profile, Okra water is marketed as a health drink.
Read More: Is okra good for fibroid? How to avoid Fibroid?
Health Benefits of Drinking Okra Water
Okra water includes a high amount of soluble fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which makes it a nourishing drink for your body. Here are some of the health benefits of okra water you should definitely see:
Okra Rich in antioxidants
Research in test tubes has shown that Okra is a good source of numerous antioxidants, including quercetin, and kaempferol which are also present in the water of Okra.
These antioxidants can reduce inflammation and neutralize harmful substances known as free radicals.
Furthermore, antioxidants could be able to protect against a range of chronic health problems, including cancer, diabetes as well as heart diseases.
May Help Manage Diabetes
Okra water is rich in polyphenols as well as flavonoids like quercetin. These compounds can reduce blood sugar levels.
In numerous studies that have been conducted, Aqueous (water) extracts from Okra have reduced blood sugar levels and elevated insulin production among diabetic rats.
Improves menstrual health
Okra water has an impact on the health of menstrual cycles. The fiber content of the okra help to regulate bowel movements and ease constipation, an issue common during menstrual cycles. In addition, the vitamin C found in Okra can help reduce bleeding during menstrual periods.
Enhances skin health
Okra water is an excellent source of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, which can improve the skin’s condition and appearance. These antioxidants help protect your skin from damage from free radicals and encourage healthy cell growth.
It may support weight loss
Several okra compounds may promote weight loss. In a study of mice fed a high-fat diet, the carbs extracted from Okra reduced body weight, blood sugar, and total cholesterol levels.
In another study, mice suffering from diabetes-fed Okra extract showed significant reductions in body fat after eight months.
The same thing Human research on okra water needs to be more comprehensive. Drinking more water can help increase weight loss, cut down on calories, and increase metabolic rate.
May Boost Immunity
Okra sugars are soluble in water. Polysaccharides from Okra that are amorphous (sugars) could enhance the immune system, fight microbes, boost the function of the spleen, and regulate the production of immune signals.
Improves Bone Health
Women are more at risk of osteoporosis. It is a condition where bones weaken and are fragile. Okra waters are a fantastic source of magnesium and calcium and magnesium, both of which are vital minerals essential for bone health.
May Fight Infection
Okra water is an excellent source of phenolic and antibacterial compounds. Okra extracts can hinder the development of harmful bacteria like Mycobacterium Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium spp., and Staphylococcus aureus.
Helps to promote blood sugar management
Certain studies suggest that water from Okra could help maintain the blood sugar level.
According to one study, Okra is a source of several compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, that can help lower blood sugar levels.
In addition, an eight-week study of 60 patients with Sourcepe 2 diabetes revealed that consuming okra powder increased insulin resistance. This could aid in better blood sugar management.
A test-tube study discovered that the okra extract could modify the expression of specific proteins and enzymes to prevent diabetes-related nephropathy, an underlying kidney disease linked to diabetes.
Yet, these research studies should have looked at the resources of the water okra specifically, as long-term human studies are required.
May Promote Heart Health
Okra water contains bioactive components that reduce the amount of elevated cholesterol (fats) in the blood. In a handful of studies, the crude okra water extract reduced a variety of fat fractions (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL) and the atherogenic index (a measure of the risk of developing cardiovascular disease).
Thus, okra water extract alters cholesterol levels in the blood. This lowers the risk of heart disease, such as atherosclerosis (the accumulation of cholesterol, fats, and other substances on the walls of your arteries). Additionally, okra is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation throughout our bodies.
How to make okra water
If you want to try okra water juice, then follow these steps to go ahead:
For making okra water, all you require is water and fresh Okra.
- Begin by cleaning the pods of Okra and taking off their stems.
- After that, slice the okra pods into half or cut them into small pieces.
- Place the Okra into an okra jar or bowl and fill it with water.
- Cool and allow to rest for a night or for a minimum of 10 hours.
- It will become slimy, a little thick, and will have an earthy or neutral flavor.
- After the water has been infused with Okra and transformed into the form of a gel, then strain the liquid with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Add honey or lemon juice to the water to give it flavor.
- The okra water can be kept inside the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Tips for using okra water
You can drink Okra water to drink a refreshing drink with ice cubes, mint wedges, lemon wedges, herbs, or any of your preferred sweeteners.
However, you can also make 2 parts of water to one aspect of Okra water. Add mint, lemon, and ice.
Okra water may also be utilized as a base for blended juices, smoothies, and tea infusions. Use okra water in recipes that require liquids, like stews, soups, and sauces.
Suppose you use okra water when preparing; remember that it is neutral in taste and may make liquids thicker due to its natural mucus. To avoid a slimy appearance, mix okra water in moderate quantities with other beverages.
Does okra water have any side effects?
Okra drinking water is generally thought to be safe. However, it could cause reactions in those allergic to okra.
Okra is also rich in fructans, a carb that can trigger digestive problems for some people if consumed in large quantities.
It needs to be clarified if the water from okra is a source of large quantities of fructans; you must stop drinking it and consult a medical expert if you notice any negative side consequences.
Conclusion
Okra water is healthy and simple to make. It is best consumed early in the morning, right after waking. It’s a rich source of calcium, magnesium, vitamins B and C, and bioactive substances. Okra’s numerous benefits in water can be attributed to its high nutritional content. It could help improve blood sugar levels, immune and heart health, and increase your body’s hydration level. Suppose you may be allergic to okra If that happens, talk with your physician first.
