Latest news with #CarolineThomason
USA Today
05-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
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. Show Caption Hide Caption 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."
USA Today
08-04-2025
- Health
- USA Today
TikTok Shop is full of supplements for sale. Nutrition experts warn to 'tread carefully.'
TikTok Shop is full of supplements for sale. Nutrition experts warn to 'tread carefully.' Show Caption Hide Caption Hair loss: Can vitamins really regrow your hair? Experts weigh In Uncover the truth about hair loss. Can vitamins help? Experts reveal the facts, myths, and when supplements might be the right solution. If you scroll long enough on TikTok, you might come across a creator delivering a compelling case for why you need to buy the latest dietary supplement they're selling. The problem? Most of the people doing this have no background in nutrition or anything else related to the medical industry — yet they're trying to convince you to buy supplements from them anyway. "Social media has significantly influenced people's interest in taking various vitamins, with influencers frequently promoting the new 'it' vitamins and making strong health claims that they attribute to their alleged supplement regimen," Washington, D.C.-based dietitian Caroline Thomason, previously told USA TODAY. She added: "This constant promotion creates trendy awareness but can also lead to misinformation, unnecessary supplementation and even harmful health consequences. Influencers' endorsements often prioritize trends, social engagement and popularity over scientific evidence ... and blanket statements that may not be suitable for everyone." From wellness influencers to TikTok shop peddlers hoping to make a quick buck, there's plenty of misinformation about dietary supplements to be found online. If you're thinking about adding a dietary supplement to your daily routine, here's what nutrition experts want you to know first. Hmm: Hair loss is extremely common. Are vitamins the solution? What are dietary supplements? Dietary supplements and vitamins are often grouped together. The difference? Vitamins are one of several categories that fall under the umbrella of dietary supplements, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Aside from vitamins, which include things like multivitamins and vitamin D, the supplement category also includes minerals (including calcium and iron), botanicals or herbs (such as ginger), botanical compounds (like caffeine or ginseng), amino acids (including tryptophan and glutamine) and live microbials (you probably know these as probiotics). The purpose of dietary supplements is to help users reach their daily requirement of essential nutrients. You can often meet those dietary requirements through nutrient-dense food, but a medical professional may suggest adding supplements to your diet if you're particularly deficient in a specific nutrient. "Most people don't need the vast majority of supplements that are available on the market, but there are lots of useful ones as well," dietitian Jamie Nadeau tells USA TODAY. "Choosing supplements should always be individual and run by a healthcare professional that knows your personal history." What vitamins should you take? Why experts say some answers to this are a 'big red flag.' Do dietary supplements really work? The FDA estimates that there are more than 100,000 supplements currently being sold online and in stores throughout the U.S. It's important to note that the FDA regulates but does not approve dietary supplements, which is why it's critical to consult a medical professional prior to taking any supplements. It's the responsibility of the supplement companies themselves to make sure the products meet safety standards, but the FDA doesn't have any authority to approve those products for safety, effectiveness or truth in labeling before the supplements are put on the market. "One of the most important things to look for is third-party testing," Nadeau says. "You want to make sure that it's been tested for quality and ingredients." You should be wary of brands, influencers or anyone else who tells you taking a supplement can "treat, prevent, cure or alleviate the symptoms of a disease" — that kind of language is reserved for drugs, which are approved by the FDA and are subject to more strict scrutiny ahead of being put on the market. "Be aware of potential marketing gimmicks," Nadeau says. "If a supplement sounds too good to be true and claims to cure all of your health woes, tread carefully."
