Perhaps you thought swapping your coffee for warm water with a slice of lemon was reason enough to feel smug about your morning routine? Think again. The wellness set (or a section of it, at least) has moved on to “okra water,” which is made by steeping sliced okra pods in water overnight. According to those touting its benefits online, drinking it can help to “hydrate skin from the inside.”
But the question, as always, is whether there’s any substance to the suggestion. Should we be drinking okra water, or is it simply a fad? Vogue asked Artah’s head of nutrition, April Morgan, and Reborne nutritional therapist Esra Soylucicek to assess.
What is okra water?
“Okra is a flowering plant in the mallow family—the same family as hibiscus—and has been a staple ingredient in world cuisines for centuries,” Morgan explains. “Originating in Ethiopia, okra quickly became popular in India, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the American South.”
Making okra water is simple. “Okra water is a drink made by steeping sliced okra pods in water overnight,” says Morgan. “The result is a mucilaginous, grassy-flavored drink.”
Nutritional okra water benefits
“The mucilage (a gel-like substance) in okra acts as a prebiotic and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria,” says Morgan. This can result in improved digestion and regular bowel movements.
“Okra also contains soluble fiber, which supports your gut microbiome; plus, it can potentially help your body to control its blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract—while insoluble fiber can also bind to cholesterol and aid its removal from the body,” she adds.
Additionally, okra is rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin and kaempferol, which can help to reduce inflammation and neutralize damage caused by free radicals. However, Morgan points out that in-depth research into the benefits of okra water is limited—though the results of what research there is are promising.
Why has drinking okra water become a wellness ritual for some?
“Habit stacking is popular,” Morgan points out. The idea is to upgrade your preexisting routine. For example, if you struggle to drink 2.5 liters of water each day, try adding electrolytes to your routine for a boost of hydration and healthy minerals. “Okra water fits perfectly into this method,” Morgan adds. “It’s an easy hack to supercharge your water intake with minimal effort, plus it has our gut and metabolic health in mind.”
Can anyone drink okra water?
“Most people can safely drink okra water; however, those who have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) may want to avoid it, because the mucilage present in okra is rich in soluble fiber, which slows digestion and can ferment in the gut,” cautions Morgan. “While this might be helpful in general, when it comes to digestion, there is a risk that SIBO symptoms can be exacerbated.”
How often should you drink okra water?
“If you’re focusing on blood sugar control, try drinking okra water consistently for two to four weeks and then assess how your body responds. But for general wellness purposes, it can be taken daily,” notes Morgan. “Conversely, if you aim to support your gut, it should be incorporated two to three times a day for a period of time and then cycled off.”
Is okra water more hydrating than plain water?
In the simplest sense, drinking okra water does count toward your daily fluid intake, but it doesn’t hydrate you more than a glass of water would. “Keep okra water refrigerated and drink within 24 hours,” says Soylucicek. “Discard if it smells sour, looks cloudy, or tastes off.”
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