Okra water is a good dietary fiber, helps to lower cholesterol, prevents anaemia, treats diarrhea, relief from constipation, improves skin health, strengthens bones, anti-stress effects, anti-fatigue benefits, promotes digestion and prevents cancer.
Lady’s fingers or okra has long been considered as a nutritious and health beneficial food. It is low in calories and rich in potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium and most importantly, dietary fiber. The seedpods of the plant are what we basically refer to as ‘okra’. As per the studies, okra has shown to manage the blood sugar in type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes cases. Apart from this, okra plant has a number of other health benefits as well. In this article, we will discuss about the health benefits and risks of okra water.
11 Must Know Amazing Health Benefits of Okra Water
Dietary fiber
Being high in fiber, okra water serves to provide a number of nutritional benefits. It helps with digestion and hunger cravings. Okra water and other foods that are rich in fiber has shown to promote better glycemic control and also improves insulin sensitivity. In addition to this, they also form an important part of dietary treatment options for diabetes.
Helps to lower cholesterol
Diabetic patients are recommended food with high fiber content and antioxidant qualities that help to lower the cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, diabetic patients have higher chances to have unhealthy cholesterol levels as compared to others. As per a study, it has been found that okra water helps to lower cholesterol levels in lab mice suffering from diabetes. Therefore, it is vital for the diabetic patients to make sure that their diet has healthy cholesterol levels.
Prevents anaemia
This blood disease reduces the haemoglobin count in the body, thereby okra water proves to be of major help in this aspect. It helps in the production of red blood cells in the body and thus, maintains the blood levels for a healthy body.
Treats diarrhea
Diarrhea can be life threatening when left untreated for a long period of time. It causes dehydration as it leads to huge loses of water from the body. However, this lost water and other minerals can be replenished with the help of okra water. This is also the reason why people suffering with diarrhea are recommended a glass of okra water on a regular basis till their recovery.
Relief from constipation
Being a rich source of dietary fiber, that enables okra water to regulate cholesterol levels is also helpful in providing relief from constipation. This natural laxative also helps to ease the bowel movements. Felt a bit of relief already?
Improves skin health
A healthy skin is not only important for attaining that glowing look but also for staying away from skin related infections. Okra consists of the antioxidants that helps to purify the blood and improves the blood circulation. Also, it reduces acne and other skin related issues. Regular consumption of okra water thus ensures a healthy skin.
Strengthens bones
The folate found in okra is a lot beneficial for pregnant women as well as for the baby. it reduces the risk of any bone-related diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis and also increases the bone density.
Anti-stress effects
High stress levels can have a negative impact on the blood sugar levels. The seed extracts of okra have shown an antioxidant and anti-stress effect in the bloodstream of mice. Okra seeds can thus be used to treat such mental health issues. Remember, mental health issues shouldn’t be left untreated and it is also an important part of managing diabetes.
Anti-fatigue benefits
Inclusion of okra in the diet contributes to a healthy exercise routine. Not only it helps with the recovery after the exercise but it will also enable you to work for a longer time and the same has also been proven by a study. Thus, it is safe to say that okra plant contributes to a healthy and an active lifestyle.
Prevents cancer
Okra consists of a type of protein, lectin that as been shown to fight against human breast cancer cells. In fact, the study also showed that okra reduces the growth of cancer cells by almost 63%. Apart from this, a number of studies state the increased risk of cancer of breast, pancreas, cervix and lungs due to deficiency in folate. Thus, folate is another essential that helps to prevent the risk of cancer.
Promotes digestion
We have already discussed above how dietary fiber helps to prevent constipation. And it is the fiber again. It has been proven that higher the fiber intake, lesser are the chances of developing colorectal cancer. In addition to this, it also helps with weight loss.
Side effects of okra
It is recommended that people who are taking metformin should not consume okra because it can interfere with the drug’s action. The drug helps to control the sugar levels whereas taking okra can nullify its effects.
In addition to this, okra is also rich in oxalates that can bind with gall and kidney stones and thus, deteriorate the condition. Therefore, it is advisable that okra should only be consumed in optimum amounts. Over consumption of anything is not considered to be good for health.
Okra Water Recipe
- Take 4-5 medium sized okra pods and wash them.
- Clip both ends off the pods and then pierce it into half using a knife.
- Place them in a jar and cover the same with water.
- Let them soak overnight for at least eight hours.
- In order to release the leftover sap, squeeze the pods into water the next morning.
- Drink the water and throw away the pods.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from diabetes and is already on a treatment plan, make sure that you let your doctor know before you decide to take okra water. Although it is considered to be safe but you should be sure that it does not interact with any of your ongoing drugs. Although there is more medical research needed to prove if okra water is a natural cure for diabetes.
References
Eating okra to beat diabetes, cancers, ulcer
http://jnutbio.com/article/S0955-2863(14)00051-5/abstract
