Okra, also known as “gumbo” or “lady’s finger,” is a staple in many African cuisines and is full of essential nutrients that can benefit one’s health. It is a versatile ingredient that can be consumed in various ways, such as eating it fresh and raw, cooking, frying, grilling, roasting, or adding it to soups, stews, and other dishes.
Okra is an edible seed pod. While commonly used as a vegetable, like the tomato, it is botanically a fruit.
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Okra water is one of the many ways to utilize okra and can have vast benefits for one’s overall health. You may start to see changes in your body after drinking okra water, even after a few days.
How to Make Okra Water?
The only ingredients needed for okra water are fresh okra and water. To get started, get the ingredients, a jar or container with a lid, and a knife to cut the okra. Before chopping the okra, washing it and cutting off the stem are important. Once the okra is cut, place it into the desired container, fill it with water, and then cover it. Let the okra water sit a minimum of eight hours; during this time, the okra water will turn into a gel-like liquid via the infusion process. After separating the okra from the liquid, the okra water is ready to use. For additional flavor, you can add pineapple juice, lemon juice, or honey to it. You can store the remaining okra water in the container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Why Okra Water?
Okra is loaded with antioxidants to reduce inflammation in the body as well as essential minerals and vitamins. These include calcium, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, protein, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin K. The nutrition that okra provides helps lower high cholesterol levels, improve heart and bone health, and boost weight loss and the immune system.
On the Surface and Within the Body
Okra water can help with maintaining the body’s hydration and wellness. Being hydrated helps the body externally and internally. For instance, being intentional about drinking okra water as a daily routine can promote hair and nail growth as well as healthy and radiating skin. Additionally, the gel-like nature of okra water can assist the digestive system by feeding the good gut bacteria in the stomach, helping with consistent and normal bowel movements, supporting weight loss, and decreasing bloating, constipation, and inflammation in the abdomen.
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