Okra water: A trending health drink with surprisingly meaningful benefits for public health
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
"When you slice okra and you put it in water, it creates a mucus ... that actually mixes with water and creates a gel-like substance that helps you poop and it keeps you regular and it even helps with cholesterol levels." — Amy Shah, MD, double board-certified medical doctor and nutritionist
Okra water, a beverage made by soaking okra pods in water overnight, has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok for its purported health benefits.
While scientific evidence is limited, some studies suggest that okra water may offer certain health advantages.
Health benefits of okra water
Blood sugar management
Preliminary research indicates that compounds in okra may help lower blood glucose levels. Research involving individuals with type 2 diabetes found that consuming okra water daily led to a reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. []
Digestive health
Okra is rich in soluble fiber, which forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water. This mucilage may aid in digestion by softening stools and promoting regular bowel movements. []
Weight management
The fiber content in okra can contribute to feelings of fullness, potentially reducing overall calorie intake. It also keeps your hydrated, which supports metabolic processes. []
Skin health
Okra contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, which can protect the skin from oxidative stress and support collagen production. While okra water may not provide the same nutrient levels as whole okra, it could still offer some skin benefits. []
Related: 5 surprising foods to help your heart, backed by researchA solution to the microplastic problem?
Beyond its potential health benefits, okra has shown promise in environmental applications, particularly in removing microplastics from water.
Researchers have discovered that polysaccharides extracted from okra can attract and bind to microplastic particles, facilitating their removal from water sources. In laboratory experiments, okra extracts removed up to 80% of microplastics from ocean water. []
This natural method offers a biodegradable and non-toxic alternative to synthetic polymers currently used in water treatment processes. The use of okra extracts could reduce the introduction of harmful substances into treated water, aligning with sustainable environmental practices. []
Considerations and recommendations
While okra water may offer certain health benefits, it is essential to approach these claims with caution due to the limited scientific evidence.
In terms of environmental applications, the use of okra extracts for microplastic removal is an exciting development. However, further research and field studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and practicality of this method on a larger scale. []
Related: Microplastics: What to tell your patients about this increasing threat