Soaking okra pods in water for up to a day results in the
beverage known as "okra water." Among other health benefits, its
proponents assert that it enhances blood sugar regulation and accelerates
weight loss. It's also considered a practical substitute, particularly for
people who don't like its distinct flavour and texture. The advantages of
consuming okra water related to weight loss are discussed in this article.
Understand What Okra Is?
Okra is an African blooming plant often called lady's finger or gumbo. It is widely utilized in many international cuisines, such as Middle Eastern, Indian, and Southern American. Okra pods are long and lean, with little edible seeds within. They are usually green in color. Okra has an abundance of nutrients, which makes it a healthy food.
It is rich in fiber, low in calories, and an excellent source of minerals, including magnesium and potassium, in addition to vitamins A and C. Additionally, it has antioxidants that may be good for your health, including phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Please continue reading for some advantages of eating Okra and adOkra on including it in your diet.
How Much Nutrition Is In Okra Water?
Okra is a good source of several essential vitamins and
minerals, although it needs to be clarified what exactly the water it contains
nutritionally.
Eight raw okra pods comprise:
- Calories: 31
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Carbs: 7 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Manganese: 33% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 24% of the DV
- Thiamin: 16% of the DV
- Folate: 14% of the DV
- Magnesium: 13% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 12% of the DV
- Copper: 12% of the DV
Manganese, a mineral involved in metabolism and blood sugar management, is particularly abundant in Okra. It contains a lot of vitamin C,
essential for the immune system and is an antioxidant. Remember that neither
the specific types of micronutrients present in okra water nor their precise
concentrations are known.
Various Okra's Benefits For Losing Weight
Okra provides several health advantages that enhance overall
well-being, such as:
Boost The Defenses Of Your Body
Vitamin C, an antioxidant, is abundant in Okra. This Okramin
oversees eliminating free radicals from the body, which are molecules that
interact with other chemicals in your body to cause harm. The body uses vitamin
C to produce more white blood cells, aiding the body's defence against illness
and infection.
Benefit to the Eyes
Okra is also rich in other antioxidants, such as vitamin C
and vitamin A. Okra's content helps shield our eyes from the damaging effects
of free radicals, which halts the progression of glaucoma, cataracts, and other
eye conditions.
Handling Diabetes
Okra is well recognized for having a high soluble fibre
content that aids in blood sugar regulation. This is particularly beneficial if
you manage diabetes mellitus because stable blood sugar levels prevent insulin
from becoming resistant to rising blood glucose levels and help maintain
insulin levels under control.
Glowing Skin
Okra's high soluble dietary fibre content keeps digestive
problems at bay and gives you radiant, healthy skin. Okra's vitamin C content
also aids in skin and body tissue restoration, giving you a more youthful and
energetic appearance.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Okra contains potassium, which balances sodium. Increased
blood and body fluids due to an excess of sodium in the body from eating more
salt means that your heart has to beat harder. Okra eases blood vessel and
artery tension, which lowers the strain on your heart and circulatory system
and helps your body maintain the proper fluid balance.
Prevention And Management Of Obesity
Okra is low in calories and free of cholesterol and
unsaturated fats, making it a good option as a weight loss diet replacement for
foods rich in calories. In addition to being high in nutrients, Okra has
diOkray fibre that supports the health of your digestive system.
This nutrient-dense meal helps combat obesity because it
makes you feel full and keeps you from overindulging in junk food.
Additional Health Benefits Of Okra
Reduces Constipation: Okra has a favourable laxative impact
on the digestive tract since it is high in soluble and insoluble fibre.
Research indicates that consuming Okra on a dOkra basis can help prevent cramps,
constipation, and bloating.
Anticancer Effect
It is well known that Okra has high levels of pectin and
lectin, which prevent cancer cells from proliferating at any stage of the
disease.
Pregnancy
Folates help prevent neural tube abnormalities in developing
newborns and prevent miscarriages. For this reason, babies born to pregnant
women who regularly eat Okra will benefit from vitamins A, B (B1, B2, B6), C,
and folic acid.
Anti-Fatigue Effects
Okra has anti-fatigue qualities due to the presence of polyphenols
such as quercetin, flavonoids, and catechin. These substances also support the
healing of wounds.
Liver Detoxification
Okra has a bioactive substance called glutathione that aids
in the liver's removal of toxic substances.
Treatment of Urinary Problems
Okra is effective in treating dysentery, gonorrhoea, and
urinary difficulties.
Treatment for Gastric Ulcers
It is well known that the slimy okra component has an
alkaline pH, which aids in balancing the stomach hyperacidity of those who
suffer from ulcers. Additionally, this slimy, mucilaginous substance
contributes to forming a protective layer for the stomach lining, preventing
and hastening the healing process for those with peptic ulcers.
When To Sip Okra Water?
Usually, to make okra water, thin slices of okra or okra
pods are soaked in water for up to 24 hours or overnight. Squeeze any remaining
pod sap and add it to the infused water after the Okra has finished washing.
Okra water is typically consumed first thing in the morning,
empty stomach style. This, according to supporters, optimizes its possible
health benefits. The idea that okra water is better in the morning than at
other times of the day is unsupported by studies. As a result, you can indulge
in okra water whenever it suits you most. Combine okra water with a diet full
of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables
for optimal benefits.
In Summary
Soak okra pods in water for eight to twenty-four hours to
make okra water. Although not much research has been done on this beverage,
Okra is an Okraemely nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich vegetable. Among other
health advantages, okra water may also help regulate blood sugar and help
people lose weight. To get the most out of okra water, eat it as part of a
healthy, well-balanced meal.
Please book an appointment with the best Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through Instacare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.