6 Important Health Benefits Of Okra Water Backed By Science

Boost your immune system and keep your sugar levels in check with this nutritious drink.

Medically reviewed by Tracy Tredoux, DipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP
Written by Payal Karnik, MSc (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach
Edited by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health
Fact-checked by Sindhu Koganti, BTech (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach  • 

Okra water comes in handy for people interested in the health benefits of okra but dislike its slimy texture. The water is easy to prepare and is replete with nutrients. The benefits of okra water stem from its rich nutritional profile that includes magnesium, calcium, and vitamins C and B complex. It is helpful for controlling blood sugar, boosting immunity, and promoting heart health. It is also a good source of antioxidants and natural antibacterial compounds. This article explains all the benefits of drinking okra water and how to maximize its effectiveness. Keep reading.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Okra Water

What Is It?
It is the water obtained from okra pods soaked overnight or for a few hours.

What Are Its Benefits?
The benefits of okra water include hydration, improved digestion, regulation of blood sugar levels, improved skin health, and weight loss.

Who Can Use It?
It can be consumed by anyone, but it may be especially beneficial for those with digestive issues, diabetes, and skin problems.

How Often?
It is recommended to drink a glass of okra water every day.

Caution
Individuals who are allergic to okra should avoid consuming it. Excessive consumption of okra water may lead to diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

What Is Okra Water?

Glasses of okra water for good health
Image: Shutterstock

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a widely used nutritious vegetable. It goes by many names such as lady’s finger, gumbo, bhindi, and guibeiro. It is an inexpensive and tasty source of protein, fiber, calcium, and iron. Fresh or dried, fried or boiled, okra pods are used in soups, stews, and various other preparations (1). The latest trend is okra water.

Chef Rowena Murakami says, “Okra water is a drink made out of okra (ladyfinger). It’s a relatively new trend in Japan and the rest of Asia.”

Okra water is the ideal solution for those who don’t like okra’s slimy texture or who want to reap its nutrient benefits without spending a lot of time preparing it. Okra water has a few variations. While some like to blend the pods like a smoothie, others take an easy way out and soak them in water overnight or for 24 hours. Some even dice them or halve them and soak them.

She adds, “It’s made by blending a few pieces of vegetable with water. The water turns green and has a slimy texture similar to aloe vera juice. It’s said to be very refreshing and it’s often consumed by athletes.”

Okra pods appear waxy due to the mucilage that surrounds them. This mucilage contains healthy sugars, including rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid. It is used in Asian medicine as a protective food additive against gastric irritations and inflammations. Okra water contains this highly water-soluble mucilage (2).

Okra water is about as nutritious as raw okra pods. This is because many compounds and antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, present in okra are water-soluble. Thus, the water is infused with the nourishing goodness of okra pods. Certain vitamins and most minerals are also readily soluble (2).

Dr. Debanjan Banerjee says, “Okra is a great source of manganese, a mineral highly involved in blood sugar metabolism and regulation. Some proponents of this also claim that it might support weight loss as well.”

It is because of this rich nutrient profile that okra water is touted as a healthy beverage.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional values of okra water have not been scientifically determined but are estimated to be similar to that of raw okra pods. Following is the nutritional profile of 100 grams of raw okra pods (3):

Calories33 kcal
Proteins1.93 g
Carbohydrates7.45 g
Total lipids (Fat)0.19 g
Dietary fiber3.2 g
Calcium82 mg
Potassium299 mg
Phosphorus61 mg
Magnesium57 mg
Vitamin C23 mg

Okra water contains the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and folate) important for growth and development (3), (4).

Dr. Banerjee adds, “It also boasts of high vitamin C content, which acts as an antioxidant, helps fight free radicals, combats the signs of aging, and improves our immune system.”

Because most of the nutrients in okra are transferred to the water, it is assumed to have similar benefits to okra. He continues, “Okra water holds many potential health benefits such as weight loss and improvement of blood sugar management.”

Okra water is made by soaking okra pods in water overnight. It is also a good source of potassium, vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds can help protect the body against oxidative stress. In addition, it is believed to provide various health benefits, including weight loss, blood sugar control, and improved heart health.

Learn more about the benefits of okra water in the next section.

Potential Benefits Of Drinking Okra Water

A healthy woman drinking okra water
Image: Shutterstock

1. May Help Manage Diabetes

Okra water is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids such as quercetin. These compounds have the ability to reduce high blood sugar levels.

In several studies, aqueous (water) extracts of okra have decreased blood sugar levels and increased insulin secretion in diabetic rats (5), (6), (7), (8).

Several communities have traditionally used okra water for treating high blood sugar levels. These studies provide scientific evidence for its effectiveness.

2. Is A Good Source Of Antioxidants

Okra water has potent natural antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and vitamin C. These antioxidants prevent oxidative stress and damage by scavenging harmful free radicals. This is beneficial in reducing early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and skin damage. It also helps protect against sun damage (9), (10), (11), (12).

3. May Boost Immunity

Sugars from okra are soluble in water. Crude okra polysaccharides (sugars) may enhance immune response, help fight microbes, increase spleen function, and control immune signal production (13), (14).

4. May Fight Infection

Okra water is a good source of antibacterial and phenolic compounds. Okra extracts can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Mycobacterium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus (10), (15).

5. May Promote Heart Health

Okra water has bioactive compounds that can reduce the levels of heightened lipids (fats) in the blood. In a few studies, crude okra water extract reduced different lipid fractions (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL) and atherogenic index (a measure of cardiovascular risk). Hence, okra water extract modulates cholesterol levels in the blood. This reduces the risk of heart diseases such as atherosclerosis (the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on your artery walls) (16), (17). In addition, okra is said to possess anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body (18).

6. May Boost Eye Health

Okra water may aid in improving your eye health. The vitamin A and other antioxidants present in okra may protect against eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. The beta-carotenes, which are precursors to vitamin A, along with lutein and xanthine, may promote better vision (19). Additionally, its high vitamin C content may protect the lens from oxidation (3), (20).

Include this nutritious and flavorful vegetable in your diet not only for its taste but also to promote good vision. While okra can be consumed daily, you can try okra water to reap its various medical benefits.

Dr. Banerjee says, “To reap the benefits that this vegetable holds, you can opt for an alternative by drinking okra water early in the morning on an empty stomach. Basically, this is done by soaking okra pods in hot water for over 24 hours.”

Maxloh, a blogger, shares in one of his blog posts a natural remedy for managing sugar levels in case of diabetes using okra. The remedy involves cutting okra pieces, soaking them in water overnight, and drinking the water in the morning. He shares how his sister stopped taking insulin after using this remedy. He writes, “Keep doing it on a daily basis. Within two weeks, you will see remarkable results in the reduction of your sugar (i).”

How To Make Okra Water

What You Need

  • 4 to 5 okra pods
  • Water

How To Prepare

Slice okra pods in half to prepare okra drink
Image: Shutterstock
  1. Rinse the okra pods thoroughly.
  2. Remove the ends of the pods. Slice the okra pods in half.
  3. Put the pods in a tumbler with three cups of water. Soak the pods overnight.
  4. Squeeze the pods into the water and take them out. Your okra water is ready.

protip_icon Quick Tip
If you find okra water too bland and prefer not to use artificial sweeteners, you can add a little honey or agave syrup to make it sweeter.

Other options include soaking the pods for a day or blending them with water. You can dilute the smoothie with water to suit your taste buds. Here are some tips to make drinking okra water more enjoyable.

Tips To Drink Okra Water

Tips To Drink Okra Water
Image: Shutterstock
  • Drink it early in the morning on an empty stomach: Banerjee says, “Okra is best consumed on an empty stomach early in the morning. For optimal results, it’s best to combine this with a healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense foods.”
  • To improve the taste: Season the okra water with salt and pepper or squeeze in the juice from oranges and lemons if you find it bland.
  • Add it to your smoothie: Make it part of your daily healthy smoothie routine for added benefits.
  • To save time: Instead of soaking the okra pods overnight, boil them.
  • Mix it in other dishes: Okra water can be added to soups, stews, and other dishes. Since it does not have a distinctive taste, it will not interfere with the taste of the main dish.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Blend okra with sweetened condensed milk (or coconut milk) and a splash of brandy for a sweet and creamy beverage. This Caribbean punch is also perfect for big gatherings.

Okra water provides a number of health benefits, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Below are some reasons it may not be the best choice for you.

Possible Downsides

Woman experiencing allergic reaction due to okra water
Image: Shutterstock

Dr. Banerjee says, “Generally, drinking okra water is considered safe. However, for people allergic to this plant, it might pose significant adverse reactions.”

While okra water has many benefits, overindulgence may prove to be harmful.

He concludes, “This plant is quite high in fructans, a carbohydrate which can cause digestion issues for some people when consumed in large amounts. It’s better to consult your doctor first before deciding on taking this, especially if you’re allergic to this plant.”

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that okra water may cause nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions in some people. Moreover, it may interact with some medications. However, there is limited data available to prove these claims.

Infographic: Caribbean Okra Punch Recipe

Okra water is loaded with powerful nutrients that help improve your overall health. You can also prepare many refreshing drinks with this water – and one such drink is the Caribbean okra punch. Check out the infographic below to learn how to prepare this easily at home.

carebbiean okra punch (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Final words

Okra water is nourishing and easy to prepare. Ideally, it should be consumed in the morning right after waking up. It is a good source of magnesium, calcium, vitamins B and C, as well as bioactive compounds. The many benefits of okra water are attributed to its rich nutrition content. It may promote healthy blood sugar control, immunity, and heart health and improve hydration levels in the body. If you want, you can add it to smoothies and soups or just drink it as is. You can also season it with salt and pepper. There is a possibility that you may be allergic to okra and, therefore, to okra water. If this is the case, speak to your health care provider first.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start drinking okra water?

Okra water can be had any time during the day. However, one should start drinking this water on an empty stomach to reap the maximum benefits. Blanca Garcia, RDN, adds, “Okra can be consumed at night. If you miss some nutrients during the day, you can replenish them with okra water without adding extra calories.”

What does okra water do to a woman’s body?

Okra water is loaded with many nutrients like vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate, fiber, and antioxidants that are crucial for women’s health. It also benefits pregnant women. Garcia says, “There isn’t research to indicate that okra can make you fertile, but by adding foods that increase vitamins and minerals, you can improve your chances of becoming pregnant.”

Does okra clean out your system?

Yes, okra helps in the cleansing of the system. The mucilage in it helps flush out the toxins. Garcia adds, “The stomach does not need to be “cleaned”; it self-cleans through cell regeneration. To achieve the regeneration of cells, a good steady influx of vitamins and minerals are important in the processes the body needs to replenish cells in the stomach to keep it healthy.”

Is okra water good for kidneys?

Yes, okra water is good for kidneys. It reduces kidney damage effectively. Garcia says, “The body does not need to be detoxed by any foods; the body has the liver that helps detox the body from toxins and medications consumed. The kidneys help clean the blood and remove waste from the body. But what okra can do is help provide the nutrients necessary for the liver and kidneys to stay healthy and function well.”

How many days can I take okra water?

Okra water can be had every day.

What does okra water do to a man?

Okra may help in improving blood sugar control and aids in weight loss in men.

Key Takeaways

  • Okra water is a nutritious drink full of vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin C, made by soaking okra overnight in water.
  • The slimy texture of the drink is due to a substance called mucilage, containing good sugars like rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid.
  • Okra water is believed to aid in reducing inflammation, enhancing cardiovascular health, and controlling blood sugar.
  • Okra water is best consumed in the morning, on an empty stomach.
  • Excess consumption of okra water may lead to stomach problems like bloating and constipation.


Learn more about the amazing health benefits of okra water. Watch this video to discover how drinking okra water can help improve your overall health and well-being.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Proximate, mineral, and antinutrient compositions of indigenous Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) pod accessions: implications for mineral bioavailability
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4779480/
  2. Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus): A Review
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  3. FoodData Central
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  4. Biochemistry, Water Soluble Vitamins
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  5. Total polyphenols and antihyperglycemic activity of aqueous fruits extract of Abelmoschus esculentus: Modeling and optimization of extraction conditions
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  6. Hypoglycemic effect of okra aqueous extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
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  7. ANTIDIABETIC, POTENTIAL OF ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS LINN. IN ALLOXAN- INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
    https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/antidiabetic-potential-of-abelmoschus-esculentus-linn-in-alloxan-induced-diabetic-rats/
  8. PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS (LADY’S FINGER) EXTRACTS FOR ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY
    https://www.saap.org.in/journals/index.php/jiaps/article/view/192
  9. Antioxidant Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Potential of Abelmoschus esculentus
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  11. Determination Of phytochemical Screening And Antioxidant Activity Of Phenolic Compounds Extracting From Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus) Cultivated In North Darfur State.
    https://www.nveo.org/index.php/journal/article/view/2010
  12. Antioxidant and Antidiabetic properties of Abelmoschus esculentus extract – an in vitro assay
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  13. Crude Polysaccharides from Okra Pods (Abelmoschus esculentus) Grown in Indonesia Enhance the Immune Response due to Bacterial Infection
    https://www.hindawi.com/journals/aps/2018/8505383/
  14. In Vitro and In Vivo Immunomodulatory Activity of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Polysaccharides
    https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2015.3513 https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2015.3513?cookieSet=1
  15. Antibacterial properties of the extract of Abelmoschus esculentus
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  16. Cardio protective activity of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra)
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  17. Antihyperlidemic Efficiency of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) Fruits Varieties on Rats Fed High-Fat Diet
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  18. Investigating the in vitro mode of action of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) as hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant food
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  19. Okra and its various applications in Drug Delivery, Food Technology , Health Care and Pharmacological Aspects – A Review
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  20. Vitamin C and Eye Health
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319742880_Vitamin_C_and_Eye_Health
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