Okra water is one of the superfood drinks gaining popularity these days due to its health benefits. In this context, okra water contains very high levels of fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and more, making it a simple organic solution that can improve one’s overall health.
Do you want your digestive system to be healthy, blood glucose levels in check or your immunity enhanced? This health drink offers numerous benefits that support overall health. Okra water is quite easy to add to anyone’s nutrition and it is a healthier choice of water.
What is Okra Water?
Okra water is essentially the water that is prepared by soaking small pieces of okra fruit in water mainly for some hours and this water is properly known as okra water. This is because the water used for soaking is packed with nutrients which include fibres, antioxidants, vitamins and other minerals.
Such nutrients are essential for maintenance of balance in the body particularly in digestion and also in the body’s systems such as the circulatory system. Many people avoid eating okra due to its slimy texture, especially during food therapy.
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How to Prepare Okra Water
To make okra water, fresh okra is soaked in plain water. This process makes it easier for such nutrients as fibres, antioxidants, vitamins, and others to leach into the water. After being ingested, they assist the body in moving digestive contents with minimal resistance, and support the maintenance of the circulatory system.
In the case of the okra plant, it is often associated with slimy or thread-like structures that some people may find repelling. But rather than chewing on the vegetable, one can simply consume okra water.
Okra Water Preparation
Preparations of okra water do not require much within a short period of time. This is how you can prepare it at home:
- Get about 2 – 3 pieces of fresh okra.
- Wash them properly until no single dirt is left.
- Cut the pods along its length for easy extraction of the nutrients.
- Put the cut okra in a clean jar or glass filled with water (filtered or distilled preferably).
- Soak ‘the okra’ into the water for 8-12 hours overnight so that all the nutrients are soaked out.
- In the morning, strain the water to dispose of the okra pods and take the beverage while on an empty stomach.
Pro Tip: Okra water can become more flavorful by adding a slice of lemon or a dash of salt, without affecting its health benefits
Top Health Benefits of Okra Water
1. Blood Sugar Control
Okra water is particularly rich in fibre, which minimizes the rate of sugar absorption into the blood vessels and subsequently blood sugar levels which is why it is largely recommended to those who are predisposed to diabetes or those already diagnosed. Additionally, studies suggest that okra water reduces the occurrence and severity of blood sugar spikes and increases insulin sensitivity.
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2. Supports Digestive Health
The fibre in okra promotes healthy digestion by softening stools and preventing constipation.
This is irrespective of who drinks this healthy beverage. Everyday intake of okra soup is effective in enhancing bowel movements and reducing gas together with other digestive upset symptoms so as to maintain healthy functions of the digestive system, and most importantly its equilibrium.
3. Antioxidant Properties
Okra is also one of the vegetables packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C, polyphenols, that help the body counter attack free radical overload. These antioxidants work to remove free radicals in the body that may cause degenerative diseases and promote ageing. Adding this vegetable in your diet will go a long way in curbing the effects of oxidative stress and other conditions which affects psychological and physical health.
4. Improves Heart Health
Another key function of okra water is the presence of important elements like magnesium and potassium, which are crucial in controlling levels of blood pressure. For example, potassium controls the levels of sodium in the body and thus prevents high blood pressure while magnesium widens the blood passageways enhancing better blood flow. Therefore, considering the preparation and drinking of okra water regularly may also prove helpful in the combative measures of diseases like heart disease and stroke.
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When and How to Drink Okra Water for Best Results
To maximize the potential effects of okra water, it is to be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach. This helps in the better absorption of the nutrients. Following this, beginners can start by drinking a glass of okra water once in a day while advanced takers can manage to drink two glasses within a day in which one is taken in the morning and the other before going to bed. To realize all the desirable effects of drinking okra water, it has to be done regularly without fail.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Okra water may be taken by most people but there is a small section that needs some caution:
Issues Related to Kidneys: Drinkers with renal issues must refrain or consult with the physician then take okra water since okra has oxalates which promote the formation of renal calculi.
Low blood sugar: Okra can lower blood sugar levels, so individuals prone to hypoglycemia should limit consumption and consult a healthcare provider before adding okra water to their diet.
Common FAQs on Okra Water
Q: Is it good to drink okra water for weight loss?
A: Of course, because it contains a lot of fibres, okra water fills the stomach hence chances of eating excessively are minimized hence helping in weight management.
Q: Is it safe for pregnant women to drink okra water?
A: Most healthcare experts suggest that it is not unsafe for a woman to consume okra water during pregnancy since it consists of various nutrients. Still, it is advisable to get professional help first before any consumption of okra water in pregnancy.
Q: How long should I soak the okra?
A: In order to get satisfactory results the hollow okra pods have to be placed in water for at least 8 to 12 hours to ensure maximum scouring of the said pods.
Conclusion: Should You Include Okra Water in Your Diet?
Due to its properties, okra water is useful as a beverage on daily basis since it promotes heart and digestive health, improves the skin, and increases immunity. Easy to make and packed with good nutrients, the most interesting part about it is that it is chemical free and still works wonders. Have you never used okra water? The time to test this wonder food has come and you should see what it can do for you!
Have you tried okra water? Leave your feedback in the comment section. For more natural health tips and wellness advice, sign up to our newsletter today.
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