My mom says drinking okra water can help you with weight loss, here’s how!

I have been following different diets and working out regularly, but nothing worked for me. I am not alone in this, many people find it challenging to lose weight. If you’ve been struggling with shedding the extra kilos, why not try some okra water for weight loss? Yes, you have heard that right! My mom believes that drinking okra water can aid in weight loss and ever since she recommended it to me, I have incorporated it into my diet and it has helped me lose weight. However, I needed to check with an expert to make sure it was safe for everyone. This is what an expert says about the benefits of drinking okra water for weight loss.

What is Okra Water?

Many of us are familiar with ladyfinger, a popular dish in Indian households. Okra water is easy to make and can be prepared by soaking it in water for 24 hours or overnight. This process involves slicing okra pods and allowing the nutrients to seep into the water.

The nutritional value of okra water can be assessed by examining the nutrients present in okra pods. For instance, eight pods of raw okra provide various nutrients such as:

• Calories: 31 kcal
• 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 Daily Value

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Notably, okra is particularly rich in manganese, a mineral crucial for metabolism and blood sugar regulation. Additionally, its high in vitamin C which serves as an antioxidant and supports immune function.

How does okra water help in weight loss?

A study published in Research Gate Journal suggests that okra water may contribute to weight loss due to its abundant fibre content. Fibre plays a crucial role in inducing feelings of fullness, thereby reducing overall calorie intake. Moreover, okra contains compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids, which have been associated with regulating metabolism and facilitating fat breakdown.

Plus, the consumption of okra water by individuals with diabetes helped in managing blood sugar levels by improving insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a major factor contributing to weight gain in individuals and can be caused by various factors such as hormonal imbalances, PCOS, menopause, hypothyroidism, or existing diabetes.

When food is digested, it is broken down into glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. Glucose, derived mainly from carbohydrates, raises blood sugar levels, which are usually countered by insulin produced by the pancreas. However, when the body develops insulin resistance, excess sugar remains in the bloodstream and is eventually stored as fat in adipose tissue, leading to weight gain. Therefore, by reducing insulin resistance, okra water not only helps in controlling blood sugar levels but also has a positive impact on weight management, says Nutritionist Eti Jain.

Additionally, okra water is rich in antioxidants, further aiding in weight loss and blood sugar regulation.

How to make okra water?

Ingredients:

• Okra pods
• Water

Method:

1. Simply slice fresh okra pods, soak them in water overnight, and strain the liquid.
2. The next morning, squeeze these soaked pods and mix the slime in water.
3. Drink the water!

The resulting elixir can be stored in the refrigerator for freshness or used immediately to reap its health benefits. Leftover okra pods can be repurposed in various culinary delights.

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Are there any side effects of okra water?

Although okra water is considered safe for most people, some may encounter digestive issues such as gas or bloating, primarily due to its high fibre content. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from consuming okra water if you have pre-existing digestive conditions like gastritis or diverticular diseases, or if you are taking medications that could exacerbate gas and bloating.

Additionally, those who are susceptible to oxalate-containing kidney stones should also avoid okra water consumption. Oxalates are present in the seeds of various fruits and vegetables, including guava, tomato, cucumber, pomegranate, and okra, which could potentially contribute to kidney stone formation, advises the expert.

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The best time to drink okra water reduce weight

One must choose to enjoy okra water in the morning or before meals to optimise its weight loss benefits and support digestion. Yet one can consume okra water anytime. Ultimately, the timing of consumption depends on individual preferences and lifestyle choices.