TikTok says okra water has tons of health benefits. Here's what nutrition experts say.
TikTok says okra water has tons of health benefits. Here's what nutrition experts say.
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Omega-3 supplements: Do they really work?
You can find Omega-3s in fatty fish and plant-based sources like walnuts.
You likely know okra as the vegetable that's found in gumbo, or eaten as a side dish. But using okra as the basis for a health drink?
That's the premise of okra water, a trend that's racking up hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok. Users claim that chopping up okra, soaking it in water and refrigerating overnight before drinking it every morning boasts all sorts of benefits, from helping with pregnancy and diabetes to increasing vaginal lubrication and boosting gut health.
"Fans are drawn to it for its alleged health benefits like blood sugar control or gut health, and because it's natural, easy and affordable," says Washington, D.C.-based dietitian Caroline Thomason. But are those alleged health benefits actually true?
TikTok Shop is full of supplements. Nutrition experts warn to 'tread carefully.'
What is okra good for?
Okra on its own offers nutrients including fiber, antioxidants, minerals, amino acids and carbohydrates, according to WebMD. Some small studies have shown okra consumption to be beneficial for cholesterol and diabetics, though researchers stress that more studies are needed to be sure how effective it can be for blood sugar management.
Even then, experts aren't sure how many of okra's benefits transfer when you soak it in water, because there hasn't been very much research to confirm that okra water offers specific advantages to humans that differ from straight-up okra. What we do know: Just as no-pulp orange juice doesn't contain the fiber that OJ with pulp has, drinking okra-soaked water likely won't give you the fiber that you'd get from actually eating okra.
The National Academy of Medicine suggests healthy adults drink between nine and 13 cups of water daily, so this can be one avenue to boosting your daily water intake. If you like the taste and texture of okra water, nutrition experts say have at it. Just don't expect it to give you all the health boosts TikTokers claim it will.
"I would say most of the claims are personal testimonies rather than science-backed results," Thomason says. "Remember that what's trending doesn't always have an effective or proven track record. Okra water won't be able to replace your medications or a balanced diet, but if it helps you eat more veggies and drink more water, that's a win."
A TikTok-backed boost to your sex life? Here's what to do instead.
Who should not drink okra water?
Diet experts say okra doesn't have a ton of cons, but those who are prone to getting kidney stones should know that the vegetable contains oxalate, which is a compound that can cause stones to form.
Remember, too, that there are easier – and more research-backed – ways to reap nutritional benefits of okra water. Namely, eating okra and drinking water on their own.
"It's certainly not harmful, but it's also not a magic cure for your health issues either," Thomason says. "If you're looking for the supposed health benefits, eating whole okra or adding more fiber-rich vegetables to your diet is a more reliable way to support your gut health and improve blood sugar levels."
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As with many social media trends perpetuated by algorithms catering to the interests of young, vulnerable minds, some #GRWM hacks may do more harm than good. In a first-of-its-kind study, Northwestern Medicine researchers examined the potential risks associated with skin care routines shared on TikTok by teenage girls. To do this, researchers created two undercover TikTok profiles, each claiming to be 13 years old. After analyzing 100 unique videos generated in their 'For You' tab based on their reported interests, the researchers determined that young girls ages 7 to 18 use an average of six different skin care products on their faces. Some girls, they found, use more than a dozen products in their routines. According to the researchers, the skin care products included in the analysis were marketed toward younger audiences. The products are also expensive, averaging around $168 per monthly regimen and as high as $500 or more. Using the Pediatric Baseline Series patch test, the researchers also found that the most-viewed videos had an average of 11 active ingredients known to raise the risk of skin allergy and irritation. The videos also emphasized 'lighter and brighter skin,' and only 26% mentioned sunscreen use. TikTok's platform is intended for users ages 13 and older, but the study suggests some content creators may have been as young as 7. The researchers told Healthline that some influencers disclosed their age in their videos. For those who didn't, ages were determined based on content shared in the video that may pertain to their age, such as a birthday or another event (i.e., 'GRWM for the first day of 6th grade!') and any relevant hashtag (#highschool or #freshman). The researchers did not examine skin care routines on other social media platforms, which warrants further study. The authors also acknowledge the limited sample size, and the mental health implications were not evaluated, only inferred. 'This type of content is common across all media, and the authors admit they did not assess its impact on teen well-being. However, they did find actual benefits to teen self-expression, parent-teen bonding, and building a supportive community on TikTok,' a TikTok spokesperson told Healthline by email. Still, experts say the findings, published on June 9 in the journal Pediatrics, are concerning and outweigh any positive benefits. 'As a dermatologist and a mom of four, I was concerned about the kinds of messages that young teens are getting about skin and skin care on social media,' said corresponding author Molly Hales, MD, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow and board certified dermatologist in the department of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. 'The only product I regularly recommend for kids without specific skin problems is sunscreen. Worse, it seemed like teens were starting to think that they needed to use tons of products for their skin to be healthy,' Hales told Healthline. Skin care content linked to allergies, sensitivities The researchers collected TikTok skin care videos between April 1 and May 15, 2024. They found that the high risk of skin irritation and allergy was linked to content creators using multiple active ingredients simultaneously. Active ingredients like hydroxy acids may be especially harmful to young, developing skin and may cause allergic contact dermatitis, a reaction which could lead to long-term skin sensitivities. ' The skin care products and regimens being used in the videos have dermatologic risks (irritation, allergy, and sun sensitivity), and set an unrealistic standard of beauty that is promoted as 'health,'' Hales said. Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, board certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, cited several reasons for young people to avoid using products with certain active ingredients (Ganjian wasn't involved in the study): Delicate skin barrier: Young skin is more delicate and has a less developed barrier compared to adult skin, making it more susceptible to irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. Harsh ingredients can disrupt this barrier, leading to increased sensitivity. Higher risk of sensitization: Repeated exposure to irritating ingredients at a young age can lead to sensitization. This means the immune system becomes 'trained' to react to these substances, leading to chronic skin allergies (allergic contact dermatitis) that can persist into adulthood. Long-term skin issues: Early exposure to harsh chemicals can lead to long-term skin problems beyond immediate allergies, such as chronic inflammation, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier, making skin more prone to other issues like acne or eczema. Signs of allergic reaction Ganjian told Healthline that chronic skin allergies caused by skin care products may range in severity, but in some cases, can be serious. Common symptoms of a reaction may include: Itching: Often intense and persistent. Redness (Erythema): The affected skin becomes noticeably red. Rash: Can appear as flat, raised, bumpy, or scaly patches. Swelling: Especially common on the face, lips, and eyelids. Dry, flaky, or scaly skin: The skin may become dry, cracked, or peel. Hives: Raised, itchy, red welts. Blisters: Small, fluid-filled bumps that may break open and ooze. Burning or stinging sensation: Discomfort in the affected area. Thickened skin (lichenification): In chronic cases, repeated scratching can lead to thickened, leathery skin. 'In severe cases, allergic reactions can impact a person's quality of life significantly, leading to discomfort, sleep disturbances, and self-consciousness,' Ganjian said. 'While rare for topical products, extremely severe reactions like anaphylaxis (a life threatening whole-body allergic reaction) are possible with some allergens, though this is more commonly associated with food or insect stings.' Beauty content emphasizes 'lighter, brighter skin' Many of the TikTok videos analyzed by the researchers emphasized 'lighter, brighter skin' as a picture of health. In one video, an influencer applied 10 products to her face in just six minutes to achieve this effect. 'As she's applying the products, she begins to express discomfort and burning, and in the final few minutes, she develops a visible skin reaction,' said senior author Tara Lagu, MD, MPH, adjunct lecturer of medicine and medical social sciences at Feinberg and a former Northwestern Medicine hospitalist, in a news release. 'We saw that there was preferential, encoded racial language in some cases that really emphasized lighter, brighter skin. I think there also were real associations between use of these regimens and consumerism,' Lagu continued. Lagu and Hales concluded that the content they examined offered little to no benefit for the young demographics they're targeting, and that the potential harms extend beyond the risk of skin damage. 'It's problematic to show girls devoting this much time and attention to their skin,' Hales said in a news release. 'We're setting a very high standard for these girls.' Mental health harms of high beauty standards The researchers' estimates for the high monthly costs of skin care regimens touted by young content creators are likely out of reach for the average young person. It's unknown how the young influencers paid for the products. 'We were disturbed at the high cost of some of the most common products used in the videos, most of which offer little to no benefit to the young teens and pre-teens who were shown using them,' Hales said. 'It makes me wonder about the many girls whose families can't afford to spend $68 on a moisturizer, and whether they think that their skin is somehow less healthy as a result.' What's more, skin care content promoting unrealistic beauty standards may cause mental health harm during adolescence, when young people are developing their sense of self. 'Constant external validation sought through appearance can hinder the development of a healthy, authentic identity based on internal qualities and values,' Ganjian noted. These impacts may include: body image dissatisfaction and low self-esteem anxiety and depression eating disorders and unhealthy behaviors social isolation perfectionism and obsessive tendencies distorted perception of reality impact on identity development 'True beauty encompasses overall health, confidence, and internal qualities,' Ganjian continued. 'Chasing unrealistic beauty ideals perpetuated online can be detrimental to mental well-being. Be highly skeptical of skin care content on social media platforms like TikTok. Understand that much of it is marketing-driven, often promotes unrealistic beauty standards, and may feature digitally altered images,' he said. Hales echoed this sentiment. 'I'm concerned about problematic and unrealistic beauty standards being passed off as skin 'health' or 'care,' and potentially exposing young people to skin irritation, allergy, and sun sensitivity,' Hales said. 'For parents whose kids are already expressing an interest in skin care or starting to purchase and use these products, I would encourage them to help their child select products with a minimum of active ingredients, such as hydroxy acids, which can be irritating and can make you more sensitive to the sun,' she added. Skin care tips for teens Dermatologists and health professionals recommend keeping skin care routines simple, consistent, and gentle. 'Less is more with skin care,' Ganjian said. Many popular products promoted online contain ingredients that are too harsh for young skin and can lead to chronic allergies or other skin issues.' Ganjian shared some basic tips: Keep it simple: Avoid overly complicated routines with many steps or strong active ingredients. Cleanse gently twice daily: Wash your face twice daily (morning and night) and after sweating, using a mild, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic cleanser that won't clog pores. Use fingertips, not harsh washcloths or scrubs. Moisturize (even if skin is oily): After cleansing, apply a lightweight, noncomedogenic, and fragrance-free moisturizer. Even oily skin needs moisture to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Use SPF: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning, regardless of the weather. Look for oil-free or non-greasy formulas. Don't pick or pop pimples: This can lead to increased inflammation, infection, and permanent scarring. Be mindful of makeup: If wearing makeup, choose noncomedogenic products. Clean brushes and sponges regularly, and never share makeup. Always remove makeup before bed. Prioritize sleep: Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night, as adequate rest is crucial for skin repair and overall well-being. Manage stress: Stress can worsen skin conditions like acne. Encourage relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or hobbies. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: Drinking plenty of water supports skin hydration from within. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contributes to overall skin health. Avoid harsh ingredients: Avoid products with high concentrations of retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide (unless specifically recommended by a dermatologist for acne), alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), strong fragrances, and alcohol, which can be too harsh for young, sensitive skin. Consult a dermatologist: If persistent or severe acne, eczema, or other skin conditions arise, seek professional advice from a dermatologist. 'Young skin is naturally healthy and doesn't require complex or expensive routines. A simple routine of gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection is usually sufficient,' Ganjian said. 'If there are genuine skin concerns like persistent acne, a dermatologist is the best resource for personalized, safe, and effective advice, rather than relying on social media trends.'
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Don't touch that plant. 6 vines, bushes, shrubs to avoid this summer in Michigan
If you're heading outdoors this summer, it pays to know the difference between poison ivy, poison oak and other rash-producing plants that will leave you itching and scratching — or worse. Most Michiganders are familiar with poison ivy in its various forms, but plants such as poison sumac grow in swampy areas, and invasive giant hogweed and wild parsnip can cause more significant, long-lasting health problems, according to state's Invasive Species Program. "It can be difficult to determine whether you're looking at hogweed, hemlock or parsnip, but all of these plants have several things in common: contact may cause unpleasant, potentially deadly, reactions," the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said. Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak can cause a red, bumpy rash from its transferred oils called urushiol. Ingesting other native Michigan plants, the nightshade plant for example, can be deadly in small doses, according to Michigan State University's Extension. As residents explore the outdoors, here are six poisonous or toxic plants to identify and avoid: The plants may be identifiable by their large size — they can grow up to 14 feet tall. Hogweed is native to Asia and typically grows in open areas, but can be spotted in various habitats, according to Michigan's Invasive Species Program, a joint effort of the departments of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Natural Resources; and Agriculture and Rural Development. Hodgweed is an invasive species in Michigan, but has become established in the state, the website notes. The plants contain toxins called furanocoumarins. These are mostly found in the sap as well as throughout the plant's tissues, according to WebMD. If you come in contact with the plant's sap, it can cause an allergic reaction called photo dermatitis or photo sensitivity: Your skin becomes sensitive to sunlight and may blister when exposed to light. WebMD says you can develop symptoms in as little as 15 minutes. Severe cases can cause scarring for up to six years. Getting the sap in your eyes can cause permanent blindness. "The toxin is most problematic if it gets into your eyes. Immediately wash your eyes for 15 minutes straight if you think that they've been exposed," WebMD says. Here's how to identify: White flowers in an umbrella-shaped cluster up to 2.5 feet across. Plant is 7 to 14 feet tall. Stems are green with purple splotches and visible, coarse, white hairs. Leaves are up to 5 feet wide, lobed and deeply incised. In Michigan, there are two types of poison ivy growing throughout yards and forests: eastern poison ivy, which grows throughout the Lower Peninsula, and western poison ivy, which grows mostly in northern areas, including the Upper Peninsula, according to Michigan State University's Extension. All poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol in the leaves, stems and roots of the plant, the Mayo Clinic said. When touched, the oil creates an allergic reactions in the form of a red rash. All poison ivy (western and eastern species) has certain qualities, MSU Extension and the American Museum of Natural History say, including: The stalk of the middle leaflet is much longer than the stalks of the two side leaflets. Surface of the leaves can be glossy or dull. There are three leaflets, and the edges can be smooth or coarsely toothed. Some have a prominent "thumb-like" lobe. The leaf arrangement alternates. In the fall, leaves turn turn red with some yellow. Greenish flowers appear with five petals about 3 millimeters in diameter. Flowers appear in loose branching clusters and arise from where the branch or leaf attaches to the stem. Berries/fruits appear in loose drooping clusters and contain a single seed, and are hard and whitish. Western poison ivy grows upright and does not have aerial roots. The plants grow in patches on the ground. Eastern poison ivy grows as either a plant on the ground or as a vine on trees or buildings with aerial roots to secure itself around trees or other objects. Poison oak is a relative to poison ivy that contains the same oils and is extremely common in California. There are two types of poison oak plants, Pacific poison oak and Atlantic poison oak. Pacific poison oak grows in the western U.S. in a wide range of habitats ranging from grasslands to forests. Atlantic poison oak grows in southeastern U.S. and is usually found in open woodlands and sandy thickets. Neither type typically grows in Michigan. Poison oak's leaves resemble an oak leaf, but at times have jagged edges, according to the Santa Lucia Conservancy, based in Carmel, California. Like poison ivy, its leaves have a alternate leaf pattern. It can grow as a shrub, bush or vine. In the spring, poison oak's leaves appear shiny with reddish or green colors that can curl inward. As the plant grows, the leaves increase in size and are bright to dark green. In late spring they bloom small, star-shaped, yellow flowers in clusters on its stem. Like giant hogwood, wild parsnip is an invasive species in Michigan and has been detected in the state, according to Michigan's Invasive Species Program. The plant is a flowering herb that grows up to 5 feet tall with yellow-to-green flowers shaped like umbrellas that grow in clusters. It has toothed leaves with leaflets that grow across from each other from the smooth, green stem. The flowers bloom in June and July. When touched the plant's harmful chemicals can cause a rash and blisters, and can cause the infected area to become sensitive to sunlight. "Wild parsnip spreads aggressively through seeds carried by wind, water and equipment. Stem, leaves, and flowers contain chemicals that can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and cause severe rash or blistering. Plant chemicals are known to reduce weight gain and fertility in livestock that eat wild parsnip," according to the invasive species website. If you find wild parsnip growing in Michigan, state officials urge you to report the sighting through the Invasive Species Information Network online reporting tool. A relative to poison ivy, poison sumac is a flowering shrub or woody plant that contains the same oil. However, it is considered more allergenic, causing a very inflamed, painful and itchy rash. Poison sumac has alternate compound leaves with pointed, shiny leaflets and a red stem. The woody plant grows to 15 feet tall and has bark that is a dull gray. Sumac has a red stem sprouting from a grey bark stem. In June, clusters of small, green flowers bloom, based on MSU's Department of Entomology. Poison sumac is typically found in fens and indicates wet soil, MSU said. It can be found in swampy areas throughout most of the Lower Peninsula. Poison hemlock can be extremely poisonous to animals and humans if ingested. All parts of the plant are poisonous and made up of toxic compounds called "conine, g-coniceine and related piperidine alkaloids," according to the U.S. Agricultural Research Service. This plant is also referred to as deadly hemlock, poison parsley, spotted hemlock, European hemlock, and California or Nebraska fern. It blooms in the spring (when they are particularly toxic) throughout the U.S. Here are some ways to identify the plant: White flowers that grow in small erect clusters — each flower develops into a green fruit with seeds. Grows along fence lines, in irrigation ditches, and in other moist waste places. Leaves are delicate, like parsley, and have a white taproot — the main root of the plant. Can grow to be 6.5 to almost 10 feet tall. Hollow stem usually marked with small purple spots. Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@ This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Poisonous plants in Michigan: Hogweed, poison ivy, sumac, more
