Okra water, the internet's latest drinkable trend, is having a moment. But is it all hype, or are there real benefits to this concoction?
Ain't gonna lie; okra is not one of our favorite vegetables. It's goopy inside when cooked (think viscous veggie snot), bitter, and the overall consistency is a little icky. On the other hand, when we cook it till it's liquified (like in gumbo) or fried till crispy, we're ok with it. That all said, there is a new trend where folks are making a drink out of the vegetable and we are a little scared to try it. There seem to be some health benefits to the potion but we're still a lil' queasy about what people are calling "okra water."
Hydration Hero or Belly Buster?
Okra water is made by soaking okra pods in H2O and has benefits like better hydration and digestion thanks to the okra's fiber. Many say it's worth a try, but like any other "miracle" trend, don't expect magic. Okra water might be a fun way to up your water intake, but keep in mind it's not a cure-all. Additionally, okra is high in oxalates and that can cause issues for folks who are apt to get kidney stones. Beyond that, it also contains fructans which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort for people with sensitivity to the substance.
So, like we always say, if it's safe for you, give it a try. A little extra hydration is good for the skin and the fibre in okra is always a good plus. We, on the other hand, are still going to pass. We just can't get over the fact that it's still freaking okra, and personally, we'd have an easier time eating liver and onions...and we hate liver and onions.
