8 Okra Water Health Benefits For Ladies

If you do not really enjoy the okra’s unique taste and flavor, you can consider a convenient alternative, the okra water.

This funny little green vegetable with a mild taste that gets a gooey texture when cooked in water has many health benefits thanks to its nutritional spectrum. Probably the most interesting is its anti-diabetic and fertility potential. We offer you a few reasons why you ladies should not hesitate to try this healthy drink – the okra water.

Although there is not much scientific research about okra’s water benefits, it is believed to be beneficial for many health conditions thanks to its nutrients and is rich in many minerals and vitamins.  It is very rich in vitamin C and especially rich in manganese, one mineral involved in regulating blood sugar and metabolism. (1)

Just 8 okra seed pods contain:

• Carbs: 7 gr
• Calories: 31
• Fat: 0.2 gr
• Fiber: 3 gr
• Protein: 2 gr
• Manganese: 33% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 24% of the DV
• Thiamin: 16% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 12% of the DV
• Folate: 14% of the DV
• Magnesium: 13% of the DV
• Copper: 12% of the DV

What Is Okra?

Okra is a fruit, although it is known to be a vegetable. It is very often called a lady’s finger due to its slender, tubelike, and slim shape.

It was brought to the United States by enslaved people when they arrived centuries ago from Africa. It is native to Ethiopia and grows best in humid and hot climates.

In some parts of Africa, okra water is very much in practice by African women to boost ovulation. And having anti-diabetic properties, it is believed that it can help diabetic women to conceive more easily.

Okra Water Health Benefits For Ladies

Okra has a mild and unique taste, and it is mostly used in soups and in stews. It is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae family, it is high in fiber and low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals and it is very beneficial for your health. However, if you are not a fan of its unpleasant and slimy texture, okra water is a great option to reap its benefits.  So, let’s see how you can prepare okra water:

The recipe is very simple, and you need only two ingredients:

• Four -Six 6 Okra pods
• 1 cup of water

Instructions:

• Clean and slice the pods and place them in a jar or any container you have at home, such as a jug, bottle, etc.…
• Pour the water inside and let it sit overnight.
• Strain all the seeds in the morning and enjoy this healthy drink!
• You can even season it with salt and pepper if you think it is bland.

Let’s see some of its benefits, especially for ladies' health, because it is rich in folate, which is very important in preventing neural tube abnormalities during pregnancy.

1. Okra Water Is Rich In Antioxidants

Some important antioxidants such as kaempferol and quercetin are present in okra water and they can reduce inflammation and prevent the formation of harmful compounds known as free radicals.  In addition, they can boost your immunity and prevent you from getting some serious health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. (2)

2. Okra Water Has Anti-Diabetic Properties

Some studies have found that okra water may lower sugar blood levels and stabilize them. Moreover, one 8-week study in 60 people with diabetes found that it can stabilize insulin resistance and may change the expression of certain proteins and enzymes, which helps in preventing diabetic neuropathy. (3) (4)

3. Okra Water Is Safe And Beneficial For Pregnant Women

Folate (vitamin B9) is very important during pregnancy, and it is proven to lower the risk of neural tube defects, which can damage the brain and the spine of the developing fetus. (5)

400 mcg of folate every day is recommended for all childbearing women, so drinking okra water is very beneficial as it is rich in this vitamin.

4. Okra Water Treats Constipation

Okra water is a natural laxative and is rich in fiber that regulates cholesterol and can be a relief from this health condition.

5. Okra Water For Fertility

There is no scientific evidence that okra water can stimulate ovulation, but having in mind that it is rich in vitamins that support ovulation such as vitamin C and folic acid, it is very much used for boosting ovulation, especially by African women.

They drink it together with stockfish and with different foods to encourage ovulation and increase the chances of having multiple births.

Moreover, the rate of twin births is 4 times higher in Africa than in other parts of the world.

6. Okra Water For Menstrual Cramps

Okra is rich in iron and folic acid in particular and can be used by women during their menstrual cycle to prevent excessive menstrual bleeding and replenish the blood deficiency that is caused by malnutrition or heavy bleeding, and prevent anemia in women during their reproductive years.

7. Okra Water Is Great For Skin And Hair

Being rich in vitamin C, it aids in rejuvenating your skin cells and provokes collagen production, which keeps your skin younger and healthier. In addition, okra, used as a natural hair conditioner and moisturizer, will bring back the shine of your damaged hair and make your hair looks shiny and beautiful.

If you want to make an okra moisturizer for your hair to look shiny and beautiful, all you need is:

• five okras;
• two tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
• 200 ml water;
• 2 tbsp of your preferred moisturizing mask.

Instructions:

• Wash the sliced okras and cook them in the water for around 20 minutes.
• Mash them with a fork and mix the texture with olive oil.
• Blend it until creamy.
• Wait to cool and add the moisturizing mask, and you are done.
• Apply the mask to wash and clean hair, cover it with a cap, and wait to work for about 40 minutes.
• Wash your hair and apply the conditioner you use, and you are done.

8. Okra Helps In Weight Loss

Okra water is very low in calories and contains no cholesterol and unsaturated fats, and be very easily used as a substitute for food with many calories if you are on a diet. Being rich in fiber helps the digestive system to work properly, and this way, it fights obesity.

Okra Water Side Effects

Okra water is considered very safe, but some people who are allergic to okra should not consume it.

Okra can provoke digestive problems in some people when consumed in high doses because it is rich in fructans. (6)

If you notice any side effects while drinking, you should stop drinking it and consult a health provider before continuing with consummation.

If you have any kidney issues, you should not consume okra water. Okra is high in oxalates, and foods rich in oxalates may increase the risk of kidney stone formation or worsen their state.

When To Drink Okra Water?

The most common consummation of okra water is early in the morning, on an empty stomach. But, this is not scientifically proven, so you may enjoy okra water at every time of the day or as you like, although proponents say that it is most beneficial early in the morning.

It is advisable to combine with other foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, and whole grains to get even better results.

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Okra Every Day?

Okra water is very low in calories and packed with many minerals and vitamins, and drinking it every day may be very beneficial for you. Vitamin C will help you with healthy immune function, and antioxidants will help your organism to fight free radicals that damage cells. It is very beneficial to drink for women, especially during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle.

Conclusion:

• Okra water is believed to be beneficial for many health conditions thanks to its nutrients and is rich in many minerals and vitamins. 
• It is very beneficial for ladies' health, especially during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle.
• Okra water is considered very safe, but some people who are allergic to okra should not consume it.