Posted on 12/03/2024 9:29:59 AM PST by Red Badger
Okra water is an infused beverage made by soaking okra pods in water overnight and has become the latest health fad. Even though the drink is thought to offer health benefits like reducing blood sugar levels, supporting weight loss, and improving digestion, there are many side effects you can also have. From allergic reactions to gut issues and even kidney stones, read on to know about the hidden dangers of okra water.
Okra water can cause allergic reactions in some, who are not able to digest the high fructose levels in the vegetable
Okra or lady’s finger, popularly known as bhindi, is one of the most popular and healthiest vegetables consumed across India. Of late, a new trend of okra water—a vegetable-infused drink made by soaking fuzzy green okra pods in water overnight—went viral. Proponents of the beverage believe it offers many benefits, including improved blood sugar management, weight loss efforts, and digestion.
Okra water has been propagated for improving digestion as it neutralizes stomach acid associated with peptic ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. However, there are many risk factors associated with it. Hidden risks of okra water
While it is beneficial for most people, okra water can cause allergic reactions in s who are not able to digest the high fructose levels in the vegetable, which is typically grown in tropical and subtropical regions.
According to experts, okra can lead to severe gut problems in those with sensitivities and since it also contains oxalates – there is a high chance of developing kidney stones as well. Consuming too much okra water can interfere with blood-thinning medications due to its high vitamin K content.
Doctors suggest if you are not sure if the infused water will suit you, always try a smaller quantity first.
Benefits of okra
Doctors say okra pods have always been used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes since times immemorial and many studies have proved their benefits in lowering fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels.
Since okra is packed with fibre and protein, it helps improve satiety and fat binding and reduces calorie intake, thereby enhancing your metabolism and weight loss. Okra water offers similar benefits and is said to aid weight loss, but research is yet to support this claim.
How to consume okra water?
Since okra water is a new trend, many people have been embracing the beverage on a trial-and-error basis. It is easy to make it at home by simply soaking okra pods or thinly sliced okra in water overnight. However, you must make sure to refrigerate the Okra water while it soaks.
In the morning, remove the okra and strain the water before drinking it.
For many, drinking okra water in the morning maximises its health benefits, but doctors always advise consulting with them before starting it in your daily routine to know about any implications. However, you can also enjoy whole okra in many different ways. The pods can be roasted, baked, boiled, pickled, or eaten fresh.
“I’m happy to use it in gumbo or cornmealed and fried”
I’m happy to use it in gumbo, cornmealed and fried first.
Okra water has very high concentrations of oxalate, which, as you know can be very poisonous in high concentrations. This is a fad that has no basis, and in my opinion will promote kidney stones in those people who are prone to them.
Read up on oxalate poisoning, which is fairly common in vegetarians, especially those that love to eat spinach by the handfuls along with munching on almonds and other nuts throughout the day
Hushpuppies and Cole slaw and potato salad.
Why is eating fried okra safe, but soaking it in water and drinking the water potentially dangerous?
I love eating okra. But I’ve never heard of this.
AI generated?.................
Seems water does all that same stuff as well….hmmm.
I was wondering the same thing.
:format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46888608/CLfzfGDUYAEpZtj.0.0.jpg)
“Deep fried okra for me.”
Love it.
Water, now with okra slime.
Hard pass on Okra. I grow it once in a great while because the plant itself is very pretty - but I give the pods away.
I think it was an SNL skit, but I can’t find it.
Yes it was................
What’s next? Beet Water?
I have been trying to find breaded okra since I have been here.
I actually found “lightly” battered okra at Safeway, but it is too expensive and too far away. :^/
(Walmart doesn’t have it.. and I’ve learned that okra isn’t popular (obviously) in Hawaii.)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.