Drinks with purported wellness advantages are nothing new. There was celery juice for clearer pores and skin, bone broth for intestine well being, and, most just lately, the #Oatzempic shake for weight reduction. And now, you possibly can add okra water to the listing.
It’s one of many newest well being tendencies making the rounds on TikTok, with many followers claiming it might probably enhance digestion, scale back bloating, clear up your pores and skin, and even improve vaginal lubrication. However is it too good to be true? We requested registered dietitian Katherine Basbaum, RD, for her tackle the okra water craze, and whether or not or not it’s really good for you.
Well being advantages of okra
A 1-cup serving of okra (the vegetable, not the drink) incorporates a bunch of nutritional vitamins and minerals with antioxidant properties and well being advantages backed by analysis, together with:
Vitamin A: Improves immune system, imaginative and prescient, and coronary heart well being
Vitamin C: Reduces danger of heart problems and most cancers and boosts manufacturing of collagen
Manganese: Promotes bone well being, stronger immune system, and wound therapeutic
Fiber: Improves digestion and reduces ldl cholesterol
Does okra water really work?
Whereas there isn’t any scientific proof supporting okra water, there’s analysis supporting okra itself. “Okra incorporates varied vitamins and phytochemicals which have proven to enhance pores and skin well being (carotene and niacin) and promote wholesome digestion (fiber),” Basbaum summarizes.
Nonetheless, the okra water development most likely isn’t the miracle treatment that influencers declare it to be. “Sure, for those who drink water that was used to soak some form of recent produce, some vitamins might probably leach into the water,” Basbaum says. “However is it higher than getting 100% of the vitamins from consuming the vegetable itself? Nope.”
Learn how to incorporate okra into your food plan
As talked about, Basbaum strongly recommends consuming your okra as a substitute of placing it in water and consuming it. “This fashion, you’re getting the total good thing about okra’s wealthy nutrient profile, versus the a lot smaller quantity you may get from consuming the slimy, okra-soaked water,” she explains. Put together it any method you’d like, whether or not that’s roasting, baking, or mixing it right into a stew. “Simply go simple on deep fried okra as a result of added fats and energy,” she cautions.
And for those who’re after clearer pores and skin and fewer bloating? There are higher methods to perform that than by consuming okra. Katherine recommends staying hydrated, consuming a wide range of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies (the extra shade, the higher!), and including in wholesome fat like nuts, olive oil, and avocado. And naturally, watch your sodium consumption. Professional tip: You possibly can monitor the entire above, even your water consumption, within the MyFitnessPal app.
