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5 proven benefits of drinking okra water
Okra has somewhat become a superstar among health-conscious individuals. And okra water, the magic potion. Okra water, made by soaking okra pods in water, has surged in popularity as a health drink. But does it really work? Let's take a look.
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Packed with nutrients
Okra is a great source of fiber, and also has several vitamins and minerals in it. 100 g of uncooked okracontains:
calories: 33
carbohydrates: 7.4 g
fiber: 3.2 g
protein 1.9 g
potassium: 299 milligrams (mg)
vitamin C: 23 mg
vitamin K: 31 mg
magnesium: 57 mg
folate: 60 micrograms
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Reduce blood sugar
Okra water may help regulate blood sugar levels, thanks to okra’s soluble fiber and compounds like polysaccharides. A 2019 animalstudyfound that okra-infused water improved blood glucose levels in rats with hyperglycemia. Anotherstudyin 2021 found that okra water lowered blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
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Boosts digestion
Okra is a source of fiber. This soluble fiber adds bulk to stool, easing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. The mucilage in okra, a gel-like substance, may support digestion. Staying hydrated is also important for digestive health, so okra water may aid digestion. Okra’s fiber may also nourish beneficial gut bacteria, creating a healthy microbiome. Okra water could offer a gentle way to support digestive health, particularly for those with sluggish systems.
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Lower heart disease risk
High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease. However, when okra is consumed, its thick gel-like substance, mucilage, binds to cholesterol during digestion. This results in it being excreted with stools rather than absorbed. A 2014studyin which mice fed with high-fat diet containing 1% or 2% okra powder eliminated more cholesterol in their stools and had lower total blood cholesterol levels than the control group.
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Anticancer properties
Okra contains a type of protein called lectin, which may inhibit the growth of human cancer cells. A 2014studyin breast cancer cells found that the lectin in okra prevented the growth of cancerous cells by up to 63%. Anotherstudyshowed that okra extract caused cancer cell death. While these findings are promising, they are based on lab studies, not okra water specifically. More research is needed to confirm whether drinking okra water delivers similar anticancer effects in humans.
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How to make okra water
Okra water is a simple, low-cost drink with potential benefits. All you need to make okra water are two ingredients - okra and water. Start with 4-5 fresh, medium-sized okra pods and 2-3 cups of water. Wash the okra thoroughly to remove dirt or pesticides. Slice the pods into thin rounds or cut them lengthwise, exposing the inner mucilage. Place the sliced okra in a glass or jar with water and let it soak for 8-24 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator. After soaking, strain the liquid to remove the okra pieces. The okra-infused water is now ready to drink.
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