If you’re a gardener in a hot climate (like me), you may have grown okra and wondered what to do with the excess harvest. How about using the abundance to make okra water? In this blog post, I’ll share the health benefits of okra water and show you how to make and use it.
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How to make okra water
To make okra water, all you need is fresh okra and water.
- Start by washing the okra pods and cutting off the stems.
- Then, slice the okra pods in half or coarsely chop them.
- Place the okra in a jar or a large bowl and cover it with water.
- Refrigerate and let it sit overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- The water will turn slimy, slightly thick, and have a neutral or somewhat earthy taste.
- Once the water has infused with okra and turned into a gel-like substance, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Add lemon juice or honey to the water to add flavor.
- Store the okra water in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Health benefits of okra water
This tender vegetable is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants and has many health benefits.1 Okra water can help boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and improve your heart health.2
Okra water contains a high amount of soluble fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which makes it a nourishing drink for your body. Here are some of the health benefits of okra water:
- Boosts immune system: Okra water contains vitamin C and other nutrients that can help strengthen your immune system and protect your body against infections, viruses, and diseases.
- Prevents constipation: The soluble fiber found in okra water can help regulate bowel movements and reduce symptoms of constipation, as it acts as a natural laxative.
- Regulates blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, drinking okra water may help stabilize your blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. The fiber in okra water slows down the absorption of sugar from your intestines and into your bloodstream, which can prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Lowers cholesterol: The soluble fiber in okra water can also help reduce harmful cholesterol levels in your blood. By binding to bile acids in your gut, the fiber prevents them from being absorbed, forcing your liver to produce more bile from existing cholesterol, lowering your cholesterol levels.
How to use okra water
You can drink okra water as a refreshing beverage by adding ice cubes, lemon wedges, mint, herbs, or your favorite sweeteners. I like to use 2 parts water to 1 part okra water, and add lemon, mint, and ice.
Okra water can also be used as a base for smoothies, juice blends, or tea infusions. Use okra water in recipes that call for liquid, such as soups, stews, and sauces.
When using okra water in cooking, remember that it has a neutral taste and can thicken liquids due to its natural mucilage. To avoid slimy textures, use okra water in moderation or mix it with other liquids.
Tips for growing and harvesting okra
Okra water is a simple and affordable way to boost your health and enjoy the benefits of this nutritious vegetable. Whether you grow your own okra plant or buy fresh okra from your local farmers’ market, you can enjoy the many flavors and nutrients that okra has to offer. So try okra water and see how it can benefit your body and taste buds!
Sources that offer more information on the health benefits of okra:
- “Okra Nutrition Facts.” Healthline, 22 May 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/okra-nutrition.
- “Okra: Health Benefits and Nutritional Information.” Medical News Today, 22 June 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318595.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post about the potential health benefits of okra water is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before changing your diet or lifestyle. The author and publisher of this blog post are not responsible for any adverse effects that may arise from using the information provided herein.
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Angela Judd
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