Water with mint and lemon? Sure. Cucumber in your water in the airport lounge? For sure. But okrawater?
Welcome to the latest water trend.
Okra water, a drink made by soaking okra pods in water, has recently become very popular on TikTok. Dietician Naria Le Mire says it garners this attention due to its touted health benefits. “Reducing appetite, improving cholesterol levels, regulating blood sugar levels and self-supporting liver health,” she explains.
Keep reading to discover the truth about okra water.
What is okra water?
It’s exactly what it sounds like.
It’s okra-infused water. You make it by soaking cut okra pods in clean water overnight and then sifting it.
To be clear, you cannot make okra water without cutting open the okra. Cutting your okra pods in half is essential to making this drink. “It exposes the fibers, which naturally thicken with water. Just like chia seeds,” says Le Mire
Are there benefits to drinking okra water?
For humans, there isn’t much research yet that shows that chugging this drink actually works. Yes, there is a 2019 study showing that drinking okra water daily can lower blood sugar levels, but this study was conducted on diabetic rats. And yes, there is one more study from 2019 that appears to show that okra water has a similar effect on the human body (plus a decrease in cholesterol), but there is otherwise very little hard evidence to support the okra water claims.
Does drinking okra water have any risks?
A glass of okra water won’t get you a trip to the emergency room, but it’s still not for everyone. People with irritable bowel syndrome (PBS), or chronically inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should be careful with drinks like these, says Le Mire. “Although generally safe, too much okra water does not mix well with certain medications due to the high levels of vitamin K,” she adds. As always, we recommend that you consult your doctor or dietitian before taking on any new health trend. add to your diet.
Should I drink okra water?
It is better to eat regular okra.
Whole okra pods contain many more nutrients. Only some of these substances leak into the water. If you want to benefit from the good properties of okra, it is better to simply eat the okra itself — and other fiber-rich foods such as beans, vegetables and grains — so that you get the nutrients from the whole plant itself.
Plus, it’s much tastier.
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Note: The commentary is crafted with playful irony wrapped in sharp observations, drawing on the distinct comedic styles inspired by Jimmy Carr, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Lee Evans—all while addressing the increasingly bizarre trend of drinking okra water!
Has noted that okra water may have health benefits such as reducing appetite, improving cholesterol levels, regulating blood sugar levels, and supporting liver health. But is there substantial research to back these claims?
The scientific evidence for the effects of okra water on humans is still quite limited. There was a 2019 study indicating that daily consumption of okra water could lower blood sugar levels—but it was conducted on diabetic rats, not humans. Another study from the same year suggested potential benefits on humans, including decreased cholesterol levels, but credible research is scant.
So, are we getting swept away by the latest health craze, or is there real merit to okra water? While it sounds trendy, some nutrition experts suggest that consuming whole okra is a better option. Whole pods are packed with nutrients that likely don’t fully transfer into the water—meaning you’re missing out if you just stick to the liquid. Plus, let’s be honest, whole okra dishes are probably tastier than a glass of okra water!
In terms of safety, drinking okra water isn’t likely to land you in the hospital, although individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should exercise caution. Moreover, the high levels of vitamin K in okra may interfere with certain medications, so consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable before trying out this trend.
while okra water might sound appealing and embodies the craze for health-boosting beverages, the reality may be more about hype than hefty health benefits. Opting for whole, fiber-rich foods, in addition to well-rounded dietary habits, is generally the way to go.
Okra Water: The Latest Health Trend or Just a Gimmick?
So, apparently, adding okra to your water is the next big thing in health trends! I mean, we’ve gone from cucumbers and mint to hosing down our thirst with the very pods that people only ever thought to toss into gumbo. Who comes up with these trends? “Oh my gosh, do you know what I need in my hydration game? A squishy vegetable that has the same texture as a wet sponge!” We’re really scraping the bottom of the vegetable bin here!
What is Okra Water?
Would you look at that? It’s exactly what it sounds like! That’s right, folks, okra-infused water. It seems like we’ve traded in the refreshing taste of lemon water for a vegetable bath. “But I love soaking my vegetables!” said no one, ever. You prepare this delightful concoction by cutting up those green pods and letting them soak overnight. What’s next? Beetroot smoothie? Oh wait… that one’s already happening.
Health Benefits or Hype?
Now let’s tackle the claims. Naria Le Mire, a dietitian, says it can help with appetite control, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar regulation. Sounds fantastic, right? But hold your horses! There’s some research, mainly on rats, that shows benefits, but studies on humans? Crickets. So, right now, it’s as reliable as a weather forecast in England!
Potential Risks?
We’ve got to be cautious though! Seems like what’s good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander. Those with conditions like IBS should probably skip the okra plunge, as the high vitamin K levels can interfere with medications. Basically, if you’ve got a sensitive stomach, it might be best to stick with plain old H2O—or even a cheeky gin and tonic!
Should You Drink Okra Water?
The verdict is in: just eat the okra! Yes, whole okra pods contain far more nutrients than their watery counterparts. So, instead of soaking your greens, just throw them in a stew and enjoy the taste of a deliciously prepared meal. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
In conclusion, unless you’re running a vegetable soaking club or a TikTok channel dedicated to the latest trends in bland hydration, maybe skip the okra water and stick to good old fruit-infused water. Remember, health is important, but so is enjoying what you eat—and drink!
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