WATER WITH MINT and lemon? Sure. Cucumber water at the airport lounge? Absolutely. But okra water?
Welcome to the latest water-infusion health craze.
Okra water, a drink made from soaking okra pods in water, has been gaining popularity on TikTok. Naria Le Mire, M.P.H., R.D., says its gaining attention for its touted health benefits, like "reducing appetite, improving cholesterol levels, regulating blood glucose, and even supporting liver health,” she says.
Keep reading to learn the truth about okra water.
What is okra water?
Exactly what it sounds like.
It's okra-infused water, made by soaking sliced okra pods in clean water overnight, and then strained using a colander.
FYI: You can’t make okra water without cutting your okra open as cutting your okra pods in half is essential to making this beverage. “This helps expose the fibers, which will naturally thicken the water, similar to how chia seeds do due to their fiber content,” says Le Mire.
Are there benefits to drinking okra water?
For humans, there isn’t exactly a wide body of research that indicates chugging the stuff will work.
Yes, there's a 2019 study in diabetic rats, which found that drinking okra water daily helped to lower their blood sugar levels and inflammation markers. And, yes, there's a separate study from 2019 that showed a similar effect in humans (plus a reduction in levels of cholesterol), but there's very little additional science to support okra water's claims.
Are there risks to drinking okra water?
While a glass of okra water likely won’t land you in the ER, it’s not for everybody.
Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should proceed with caution for these reasons, Le Mire says. “While it’s generally safe, consuming too much okra water might interfere with blood-thinning medications due to its vitamin K content,” she adds.
As always, talk to your doc or dietitian before incorporating any new food or beverage trend into your daily routine if you have concerns.
Should you drink okra water?
Better to eat actual okra.
Whole okra pods contain way more nutrition because only some of its nutrients will leach into the water. You might as well eat the okra—and other fiber-rich foods like beans, vegetables, and whole grains—and get more nutrients from the whole plant.
Plus, it's way more delicious.
