Okra is a vegetable plant that has a lot of plant mucilage, a particular type of soluble fiber that is slimy and found in cactus, chia seeds, and many seaweeds. When dipped in water, mucilage absorbs the liquid and forms a gel-like substance, just like it would in your digestive tract. Below are the major health benefits of okra water to your body.
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Health benefits of Okra water
1. Contains antioxidants
Okra contains antioxidant substances such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which enhance digestive health and lessen intestinal inflammation.
2. Keeps the heart health
Okra’s soluble fiber has the ability to lower cholesterol. Cholesterol is bound by fiber and expelled from the body through the feces. Additionally, lowering cholesterol can help avoid plaque accumulation in the blood vessels, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. However, the amount of okra fiber that enters okra water is unknown.
3. Helps in detoxification
According to Hadley, okra water has two advantages: It has fiber and water in it. The body uses both fiber and water in its detoxification processes:
Water consumption aids in the body’s elimination of waste and toxins via the lymphatic system, perspiration, and kidneys.
Additionally, fiber transports pollutants into your feces. However, according to Hadley, you can obtain water and fiber without drinking okra water.
4. Regulates blood sugars
Soluble fiber can also help in controlling high blood sugar levels since it slows down digestion. Okra has been shown in some trials to assist prediabetics maintain their blood sugar levels, but an animal research also indicated that okra decreases the efficiency of the medication metformin, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
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5. Improves lubrication in women
Okra water has the potential to improve vaginal lubrication. The mucus-like texture of okra water is said to increase vaginal moisture production. However, there isn’t any evidence of this yet.
Hadley concludes that the assertions regarding okra water on social media are exaggerated. Its possible health advantages require further investigation.
6. Good for pregnant women
Apart from improving lubrication in women, it is also advisable that pregnant women consume okra water to facilitate vaginal birth rather than to stimulate labor.
7. Good for weight management
Okra water may help with weight management in a few different ways. First, the fiber in okra makes you feel fuller after eating. Second, drinking water can aid in weight loss, particularly if you’re substituting it for sugary drinks.
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However, there are currently no studies that examine the relationship between okra water and weight loss, so the advantages are purely hypothetical.
How to make Okra water
Raw, sliced okra pods are cold-steeped in water for an entire night, and the sediments are strained out to create okra water.
The above are the major health benefits of okra water. Include the plant in your daily drinks and enjoy its benefits to the fullest.
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