October 22, 2024
In the world of infused water trends, okra water is having a moment, and here’s what you need to know about it, reports The Guardian.
In the wellness world, it seems there’s always a new infused water promising to make us better. Lemon water is a familiar example—perhaps not transformative, but at least refreshing. Artichoke water, essentially the leftover liquid from boiling artichokes, is touted by “French girls” as an antioxidant-packed debloating potion. Asparagus water—infamously sold for $6 at Whole Foods—was more likely an employee error than an elixir.
Across TikTok and Instagram, users claim okra water can improve digestion, regulate blood sugar, boost female fertility, increase vaginal lubrication, and even ease labor for those expecting.
What is okra water?
Okra is a vegetable high in plant mucilage, which is a specific, slimy form of soluble fiber that’s also present in chia seeds, cacti, and many seaweeds. When steeped in water, mucilage “absorbs the liquid and forms a gel-like substance, just like it would in your digestive tract,”, explains Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian and nutritionist.
Okra water is made by cold-steeping raw, sliced okra pods overnight and then straining out the solids. I t’s a gooey liquid that tastes of grassy, slightly bitter raw okra. I found it tolerable; but not enjoyable, like cooked okra. The idea of using okra just for the slime feels like eating celery just for the string. Is there any real reason to do this?
Does okra water contain nutrients?
Some studies have found evidence that okra helps control blood sugar in prediabetics; however, one animal study also found that okra reduces the effectiveness of metformin, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes.
However, while some nutrients from okra probably do transfer into the water, the concentration is lower than when consuming the whole vegetable. “If you’re not actually eating the okra slices from your water, you’re missing out on a chunk of those nutrients,” says Bourgeois, including insoluble fiber from the pod and protein from the seeds.
Is okra water good for childbirth and fertility?
Okra contains folate, an essential vitamin for pregnant people. However, you would need to eat about two pounds of whole okra to get the 600 micrograms of folate daily that doctors recommend during pregnancy. Again, only a fraction of that folate is likely to transfer into okra water. Prenatal vitamins or higher-folate foods like spinach and lentils are better bets.
Some animal studies suggest flavonoids benefit female fertility. Okra does contain these compounds, but is not as rich in them as other vegetables, such as kale and red.
“There really is no scientific data to prove that drinking okra water or other mucilaginous foods will affect your labor … [or] cause better lubrication in the vagina for a smoother birth,” says Lauran Saunders, a Utah-based registered dietician specializing in prenatal health. “But it won’t hurt if someone feels inclined to drink okra water,” she adds. It’s still hydrating.
Research contact: @guardian
