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.

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.

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.

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.

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