Okra water: Should you be drinking it?

Never tried okra water before? You’re not alone. But some social media influencers swear that drinking this slimy concoction can actually benefit your health.

So, what is okra water? Does it actually have any health benefits? Should you be drinking it, too?

Read on to learn more about okra water. 

What is okra water and how is it prepared?

Okra water is made by taking between 4 and 12 large okra pods, rinsing them off, slicing them and then soaking them in 4 to 12 cups of water for 8 to 24 hours. The pods can be sliced either lengthwise or crosswise, and soaked at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

The result is a liquid with a gel-like consistency that is strained and then drunk for its alleged health benefits. Some people add lemon juice or mint leaves to make it more enjoyable to drink. 

How is drinking okra water supposed to benefit you?

Proponents of drinking okra water claim it can: 

• Assist with weight loss 
• Boost the immune system
• Enhance skin health 
• Improve digestion 
• Increase bone health 
• Regulate blood sugar 
• Support tissue repair 

Is there any truth to these claims?

At this point, the evidence is still 100% anecdotal, because there’s very limited research to support any of it. Still, okra itself does contain vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants that are known to be helpful to the body.

For instance, okra contains calcium and magnesium, which both play a role in bone health. It’s also rich in fiber, which can help with weight loss efforts by making people feel full. Okra contains vitamins A and C, too, and those are known to contribute to both immune function and skin health. 

In general, plant foods also contain phenols and flavonoids, which can reduce inflammation and improve the body’s responsiveness to insulin. 

Are there any risks to drinking okra water?

Yes, but they’re pretty small. You’d probably have to drink quite a bit of it to start seeing any problems.

Okra contains a type of carbohydrate called fructan, which can cause gas and bloating. If you have certain food sensitivities or a condition like irritable bowel syndrome, drinking okra water might make you pretty uncomfortable. 

Okra also contains a lot of vitamin K, which can affect blood clotting. So, if you’re taking a blood thinner like warfarin or coumadin, check with your doctor before drinking any okra water. The same goes for people who are prone to developing kidney stones. Okra is relatively high in oxalates, which can contribute to their formation. Diabetics may also need to watch their blood sugar levels carefully and discuss altering their medication dosage with their physician if okra water affects them too much.

The biggest problem with okra water, though, is that you’re getting the soluble fiber from the interior of the plant, but not the insoluble fiber from the pod walls and seeds. And, those types of fiber work together for optimum gut health. It’s a symbiotic relationship. So, if you drink your okra rather than eating it, you could be missing out on an important health benefit.  

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