You may recognize okra as a key ingredient in various dishes, but did you know it can be transformed into a beneficial health drink? Consuming okra water offers numerous advantages like aiding in weight reduction, enhancing digestion, and combating inflammation.
In this piece, discover how sipping on okra water before sleep can assist in shedding those extra pounds, ensuring better sleep, and much more. Plus, we’ll share a simple recipe so you can prepare this potent drink in the comfort of your own home.
Okra: What You Need to Know
Okra, also known as lady’s fingers or gumbo, is a plant native to Africa whose scientific name is Abelmoschus esculentus.
It’s a source of many nutrients, including vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains dietary fibre and phytochemicals.
Phytochemicals are plant compounds that have health benefits. Some of the phytochemicals in okra include saponins, flavonoids, and tannins.
The health benefits of okra are thought to come from the combination of nutrients and phytochemicals it contains.
Okra is a low-calorie food. For example, a one-cup serving of cooked okra contains only 33 calories.
Can You Drink Okra Water Before Bed?
There are a few things to consider before drinking okra water before bed. First, it’s essential to make sure that the okra is fresh. If it’s not, the water will have a bitter taste.
Second, add some honey or lemon to the water to help with the taste. And finally, you should drink it within an hour of making it so that the nutrients don’t have a chance to degrade.
Third, ensure to strain the water after sitting for a while so that you don’t drink any of the sediment.
Finally, some people like to add ginger or turmeric to their okra water for extra health benefits. Ginger may actually help you sleep, so is a great addition in the evening.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Okra Water Before Bed?
Drinking okra water before bed has many benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, and reduced inflammation.
1. Weight Loss
Okra water can help with weight loss in a few different ways. First, it’s a low-calorie drink, so you can replace higher-calorie beverages like soda or juice with okra water and save calories.
Second, okra is high in fibre, which can help you feel full and eat less overall. And finally, the antioxidants in okra water can help to boost your metabolism and burn more calories.
2. Improved Digestion
Okra water can also help with digestion. The high fibre of okra helps keep things moving smoothly in your digestive system.
And the antioxidants can also help reduce inflammation in the gut, leading to better overall gut health.
3. Reduced Inflammation
Okra water is also high in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can lead to several benefits, such as reduced pain, improved joint health, and a lower risk of diseases like cancer.
4. Better Sleep
Drinking okra water before bed can also help you sleep better. In addition, the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
And the high fibre content can help to regulate blood sugar levels, which can also lead to improved sleep.
5. Lower Blood Sugar Levels
The fibre in okra can also help to regulate blood sugar levels. This is important for people with diabetes and those at risk of developing the condition.
One study found that drinking okra water helped to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
6. Improved Heart Health
Okra water can also help to improve heart health. The antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, risk factors for heart disease.
And fibre can help to lower cholesterol levels, which is another risk factor for heart disease.
7. Boosted Immune System
Drinking okra water at night can also help to boost your immune system. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can help to fight off infection and reduce inflammation.
Its high fibre content can also help promote gut health, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
8. Better Skin Health
It is also said that okra water can also help to improve your skin health. This is because antioxidants can help to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
And the high vitamin C content can help to boost collagen production, which can lead to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Its antioxidants help give your skin a more youthful appearance by reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
9. Healthier Hair
Talking about hair health, okra water can make your hair grow thicker and healthier.
Okra is rich in vitamins A, C, and E essential for hair health. These vitamins can help to make your hair follicles more robust so that your hair can grow thicker and healthier.
To use okra water for your hair, massage it into your scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing it off with shampoo.
Try applying this concoction to your scalp and see the results for yourself!
10. Improved Vision
Okra water can also help to improve your vision. The antioxidants in okra can help to protect your eyes from damage and reduce inflammation.
The thing that makes okra water special for vision is its richness in vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision, and it can help to prevent age-related vision problems like macular degeneration.
Drinking okra water regularly can help to improve your vision and keep your eyes healthy.
11. Cancer Prevention
Many studies have been done on the potential cancer-preventing benefits of okra water.
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of okra can help to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. This can lead to a lower risk of cancer.
In addition, the fibre in okra can also help to remove harmful toxins from the body. This can further reduce the risk of cancer.
12. Alzheimer’s Prevention
There is also some evidence to suggest that okra water can help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of okra can help to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. This can lead to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
With its high levels of vitamin C, okra water can also help to improve cognitive function and memory.
SIDE EFFECTS OF OKRA WATER BEFORE BED
Although okra water has many health benefits, there are also some potential side effects.
1. It May Cause Allergic Reactions
Some people may be allergic to okra. If you experience allergic reactions after drinking okra water, stop drinking it immediately and see a doctor if necessary.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and rash.
2. It May Cause Digestive Issues
Okra water is high in fibre. However, drinking too much can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking okra water, stop drinking it and see a doctor if necessary.
3. It May Cause Low Blood Pressure
Okra water can also cause low blood pressure. So if you have low blood pressure, drink okra water in moderation.
4. It May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
If you have diabetes, okra water can lower your blood sugar levels. Therefore, monitoring your blood sugar levels closely is essential if you drink okra water and have diabetes.
How to Make Okra Water
Now that you know all the fantastic health benefits of drinking okra water, you’re probably wondering how to make it.
Fortunately, it’s easy to make at home and only takes a few minutes.
Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
-1 cup of chopped okra
-4 cups of water
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped okra to a pot of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and let it steep for another 10 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture and drink it up.
You can drink okra water once or twice a day. Just drink it fresh, as the nutrients will gradually degrade.
Faqs
What is the best time to drink okra water?
The best time to drink okra water is on an empty stomach in the morning. This will give your body the most time to absorb all the nutrients.
Is it reasonable to drink okra water every day?
Yes, it is lovely to drink okra water every day. Many people find that their health improves when they drink okra water daily.
How much okra water should you drink?
There is no set amount of okra water that you should drink. Just make sure to drink it in moderation and listen to your body. If you start to experience any side effects, stop drinking it and see a doctor if necessary.
Conclusion
Okra water is a healthy beverage that has many potential health benefits. However, there are also some potential side effects to be aware of. If you experience any side effects after drinking okra water, stop drinking it and see a doctor if necessary.
Overall, okra water is a healthy drink that everyone can enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!