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Okra, also known as lady finger or bhindi, is a divisive vegetable. While some people love it, others struggle to cook it properly. Recently, a trend has emerged of drinking okra water, claiming it has remarkable health benefits. Proponents say it can improve skin, promote weight loss, and aid digestion. To make the drink, people slice okra, soak it in water overnight, and then strain and consume the resulting slimy liquid. Many admit the taste is unpleasant. However, health experts caution that while okra is nutritious, downing the unpalatable drink may not be the best way to get its benefits. Okra is a good source of vitamins C and K, folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6.
Okra is a nutritious vegetable that helps lower cholesterol and maintain a healthy gut. It contains antioxidants like quercetin, catechin, and Vitamin A, which help combat free radicals and promote overall health. Okra's low-calorie and high-fibre content make it a valuable addition to our diet, supporting digestion and enhancing immunity. While okra water is considered a healthy drink, it is not a magical cure-all. Okra's fibre content can help regulate blood sugar by slowing down sugar absorption. However, excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues like gas, bloating, or diarrhoea. Okra cannot directly cause weight loss, but its fibre can promote a feeling of fullness, potentially contributing to better weight management.
Influencers also praise okra juice as a skin-improving drink. Ladys Finger (Okra) helps control blood sugar levels and insulin resistance and has been traditionally used to treat diabetes for years. When blood sugar levels rise, the excess sugar binds to proteins in the body through a process called glycation, affecting collagen, an important protein. This leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can lead to collagen breakdown. Okra juice helps regulate blood sugar levels, suppresses AGE production, prevents collagen breakdown and has anti-aging effects. Antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin C in okra also help keep skin healthy and hair moisturized, but okra juice isn't the only miracle solution. Ladyfingers are also rich in vitamin A, which is essentially retinol, which is good for the skin. A nutritious and balanced diet as well as proper skin and hair care are essential. Most of the benefits of okra juice come from its ability to control blood sugar levels. But if you cut back on all types of sugar, including brown sugar, white sugar, processed or unprocessed sugar, and even soda, you will no longer have to resort to this unpleasant drink. Instead, follow a simple dermatologist-recommended skin care routine.
The effects of drinking okra juice may not be the same as eating okra whole. Many people throw away the okra parts and just drink the water, potentially missing out on okra's rich nutrients. If you only drink lukewarm water, you will lose the remaining fiber in the okra parts. Experts believe that eating whole vegetables is more beneficial than drinking water. Contrary to suggestions from online influencers, medical experts advise against drinking okra juice every day, even though the health benefits are small. Limit it to twice a week. On other days, choose safe and standard alternatives like aloe vera, apple cider vinegar or amla juice. It is recommended to incorporate something simple and effective into your breakfast routine, like lemon and honey. Some people are allergic to okra. It can also cause bloating and bloating. Interactions with medications such as blood thinners may occur. Excessive consumption can also lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Lady finger is also rich in oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Experts also recommend monitoring your blood sugar and cholesterol levels to determine if okra juice is right for you.
