Okra water: Potential side effects of drinking this trending detox drink regularly
From lemon water to chlorophyll shots, wellness trends rarely slow down. The latest to join the list? Okra water, a slimy, green drink made by soaking okra pods overnight. It's being hailed online as a detox booster, but behind the buzz lies the question: is it actually worth the hype or just another fleeting fad?
What Is Okra Water?
Okra is a flowering plant in the mallow family, like hibiscus.
It's popular in cuisines from Ethiopia, India, to the American South. To make okra water, you slice whole okra pods and steep them in water overnight. The water gets thick and slimy, called mucilage, with a grassy taste.
It's rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Uncooked okra (100 g) contains about 33 calories, 7 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 23 mg vitamin C, 31 µg vitamin K, 299 mg potassium, 57 mg magnesium, and 60 µg folate.
Claimed benefits (with thin research)
Some say okra water supports digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, aids weight loss, boosts skin, and may lower cholesterol. It's also rich in antioxidants like polyphenols.
Test-tube tests and tiny studies show possible blood sugar benefits. One small human study found improvements in type 2 diabetes. Animal studies suggest digestive help, weight control, and cholesterol binding, but human evidence is still scarce.
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It may help digestion thanks to mucilage, which coats the gut and eases stool passage. That could soften digestion and support hydration
Side effects you should know about
While okra water is trending as a home remedy, there's little research on its risks. Still, certain health concerns are worth noting.
Okra contains fructans, a type of carbohydrate classified as a FODMAP. For some people, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this can trigger digestive discomfort such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
The vegetable is also high in oxalates, which in excess can contribute to kidney stone formation. If you're prone to kidney stones, caution against consuming large amounts of okra water.
Although rare, allergies to okra are possible. Symptoms can include itching, hives, or even breathing difficulties. An expert advises seeking medical attention if you notice these signs after drinking okra water.
Another consideration is medication interference.
Okra is rich in vitamin K, which can reduce the effectiveness of blood-thinning drugs like warfarin.
Additionally, it may lower blood sugar levels, which could be risky for people taking medication for diabetes. Finally, okra water likely retains fewer nutrients than eating the vegetable whole. This means you may be missing out on beneficial fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Finally, okra water likely retains fewer nutrients than eating the vegetable whole. This means you may be missing out on beneficial fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
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