Is drinking okra water good?

(Dan Tri) - Recently, drinking okra water has become a trend on social networks. We all know that eating okra brings many health benefits. So what are the health benefits of drinking okra water?

While eating okra has many known benefits, there is not much scientific evidence for the benefits of okra juice. However, some people claim that it can improve immunity, women's sexual health, etc.

However, there is little research to evaluate these claims, and the nutritional content of okra juice remains unclear. Eating okra may be more beneficial.

What is okra water?

Okra water is the water in which okra, a vegetable, has been soaked. People slice okra and soak it in water overnight, before straining the okra and drinking the water. The soluble fiber in okra can thicken the water and give it a delicate flavor.

There is currently not much research on the health benefits of okra water (Photo: Shutterstock).

Nutritional value of okra water

According to Medical News Today , no scientists have evaluated the nutritional content of okra water. Therefore, it is unclear how much of the okra's nutrients are released into the water after soaking.

However, okra itself is a good source of fiber and several important vitamins and minerals. A 100g serving of uncooked okra contains 33 calories; 7.4g carbohydrates; 3.2g fiber; 1.9g protein. It also provides vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and folate.

Okra also contains several antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is no guarantee that okra water will contain all of these nutrients.

Claims about the benefits of okra water

Advocates of drinking okra water may make various claims about it, including:

- Hypoglycemia.

- Lower cholesterol.

- Support weight loss.

- Improve digestion.

- Strengthen the immune system.

- Improve sexual health.

- Hormone regulation.

However, very few of these claims have scientific evidence.

Benefits of okra water

Reduce blood sugar levels

The main health claim that scientists have made about okra water is that it can help control blood sugar levels.

A 2019 animal study found that okra water improved blood sugar levels in hyperglycemic rats. A small 2021 Indonesian study of 30 people with type 2 diabetes also found that okra water reduced blood sugar levels.

However, more studies with larger numbers of participants are needed to confirm the benefits.

Support digestion

Okra is a source of fiber, which can help maintain regular bowel movements. Staying hydrated is also important for digestive health, so okra water can aid digestion.

Lower cholesterol

There is some evidence that okra powder may improve blood lipid levels, such as cholesterol. However, it is unclear whether this also applies to okra juice.

A 2023 study of people with type 2 diabetes found that 1,000 mg of okra powder per day was associated with lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Side effects of okra water

Because there is so little research on okra water, little is known about its side effects. However, like any food or drink, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Some potential side effects include:

- Allergic reactions: People who are allergic to okra may find okra juice triggers their allergic symptoms.

- Digestive symptoms: Okra contains fructans, which are a type of fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol (FODMAP). For people who have difficulty digesting FODMAPs, it may cause digestive symptoms.

- Oxalate: Okra contains oxalate, which in high amounts can contribute to kidney stones.

How to make okra water

Those who want to try okra water can make it at home by following these steps:

- Wash the whole okra pods.

- Slice the okra to expose the inside, then put it in a jar or bottle of filtered water.

- Refrigerate overnight.

- When ready, strain the okra pieces out of the water.

It is not known how long fresh okra juice lasts, so it is best to drink it within the day.

Okra water is a current health trend, with some claiming that the drink has many benefits for the body, from providing nutrients to helping treat chronic diseases.

However, there has been very little research on okra soaking water to date, so it's hard to say whether many of these claims are true.

There is some evidence that okra juice may reduce high blood sugar levels in people with hyperglycemia and may aid digestion. However, overall, more research is needed.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/uong-nuoc-dau-bap-co-tot-khong-20250705095118241.htm