Most people are aware of the health benefits of drinking water, but what if I told you that you can enjoy it with a special ingredient? That ingredient is okra!
Okra has become one of the most popular vegetables in America due to its unique taste and nutritional value. It contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene which all contribute towards improving your eye’s health.
Lutein and zeaxanthin help protect eyes from oxidative damage, while beta carotene acts as an antioxidant itself. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between oxidizing agents such as free radicals and antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, or vitamin C.
This can occur due to excessive exposure to oxygen or unhealthy eating habits. Studies show that lower levels of these nutrients increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma. Therefore, eating foods rich in these antioxidants may prevent eye disease.
There have been some studies showing that consuming 1–2 ounces of cooked okra every day may reduce symptoms of dry eye syndrome. This condition affects how well your eyes lubricate themselves so they do not get irritated or painful.
While this seems very tangy, only 2 oz. of okra is needed per person daily.
Why should we drink okra water?
Recent studies show that drinking one glass of this fresh vegetable juice every morning can help improve your skin’s texture and function. In fact, some people even say it is more effective than expensive moisturizers and cosmetics due to its natural nature.
Okra contains an antioxidant called lutein which helps keep your skin healthy by acting as a protective layer against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many free radicals floating around your body.
Free radicals come from external sources such as chemicals, radiation, or poor diet, but also originate within your body in response to inflammation or abnormal cell activity.
Inflammation is a normal process for your body to deal with irritants or threats like bacteria, viruses, allergens, or other substances. But sometimes, your immune system gets overwhelmed and creates too many free radicals.
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This can have negative effects on you, especially if you are very sensitive or have underlying health conditions. Some examples of problematic skin include dry, thick hair, oily hair, wrinkled or leathery skin, red and swollen skin, or slow wound healing.
Drinking okra juice may help prevent these issues and promote healthier skin.
How can I drink okra water?
Now that you have purged your system of all solid food, it is time to move onto something more liquid-y. You are already starting to feel much better so next it’s time to give your body some extra love by drinking various liquids.
One of these liquids is okra water!
Okra (also known as gumbo or gandhi) is a vine vegetable that grows in pods. It can be eaten either raw or cooked. When consumed raw, it has been shown to improve digestion and increase fecal matter weight.
When cooking okra, remember to wash it first and then dry thoroughly before eating it. This will help remove any harmful chemicals such as arsenic which may seep out during processing.
Arsenic is a toxic element found in nature. However, too much of it can be detrimental to our health. Consuming enough okra to achieve this goal takes about one cup per person per week.
Tracy does not recommend drinking okra every day but once per week because too many carbs can sometimes cause problems for people who struggle with diabetes or other digestive issues.
She also recommends mixing it up. Some ideas include adding it to beverages or baking it into recipes. Many people add it to soups or salads as a garnish.
Drinking okra tea is one of the most common ways to consume it.
Okra water can help you lose weight
This is not your average morning drink! While many people enjoy drinking their glass of plain old H2O, this particular oonj-water contains some special ingredients that work to bring about weight loss.
Okra (also known as lady’s finger or snake gourd) is an edible vegetable grown for its thick juicy seeds. The seeds are similar in shape to a cucumber, but thinner and more slender.
Just like any other fruit, okra contains vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
But did you know that when consumed raw, it also includes vitamin C? That is why some refer to it as a fruit with a “bulb” attached!
This article will discuss how adding okra into your daily routine may be just what you need to look and feel your best during the summer season.
Okra water can help you lose belly fat
Recent studies suggest that drinking one glass of okra water every morning may be an effective way to reduce abdominal obesity.
Abdominal or stomach obesity can cause health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, most people gain weight around the waist by eating foods with lots of sugar and fats.
Certain vegetables can make these types of food less appealing, so some experts recommend replacing those carbs with more fruits and veggies.
A small amount of okra per drink is a great source of vitamins A and C as well as iron. It also contains lutein which has antioxidant properties and may play a role in reducing oxidative stress in the body.
Oxidative stress happens when your body produces too many free radicals, harmful molecules that can damage healthy cells and even lead to cancer.
Okra water can help you get rid of water retention
When we are young, our bodies tend to retain more fluid than normal. This is due to hormones causing us to retain extra water!
This is why teens often experience swollen feet and ankles after activity or when their body temperature rises- they can’t lose this water because it has become attached to some of the hormonal proteins that aid in keeping them soft and flexible.
However, as we age, these fluids begin to be released, which is what causes those uncomfortable thinning legs and bloating around the belly area.
But there is a way to drink your way out of this water storage! Mix one cup of okra (the green vegetable) with two cups of plain oatmeal and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Within hours of drinking this powerful liquid, your skin will start to tighten and pull up into your jawline. Then it will slowly relax away from that tight state. Both men and women enjoy this side effect.
Okra water can help you reduce sugar
Although some people may consider it gross, drinking okra water is a fun way to enjoy vegetables. Plus, this odd vegetable has many uses!
Okra contains glucose and fructose, which are both categorized as a carbohydrate. Certain carbs work with your body to provide energy, so eating enough carbs is important to keep weight loss goals and workout routines going.
By consuming adequate amounts of carbohydrates, your muscles will be able to use the nutrients for fuel. This helps promote muscle growth and recovery from workouts.
Drinking your morning cup of okra water can help with that by lowering your blood glucose or “carb” levels. Because glucose is a major source of energy for most cells in your body, limiting its intake can lower overall calorie consumption and aid in weight loss.
However, don’t drink too much okra water in one sitting- that could make you sick. Make sure to slowly consume it over time to reap all of its benefits.
Okra water can help you reduce sodium
As mentioned earlier, consuming enough salt is very harmful. Consuming too much can put stress on your body’s systems, including those that regulate blood pressure.
Too much salt also raises your blood pressure which could cause health problems such as stroke or heart attack. Health experts recommend people limit their daily intake to 2,000 mg of sodium per day. (A serving size of okra is one ounce- about 30 grams.
Okra water can improve your skin
Okras are known for their delicious taste and culinary uses, but did you know that you can make an ooky liquid and drink it to help boost your health?
Many people have touted okra as having healthy benefits, such as improving blood circulation and reducing cholesterol levels. These claims seem plausible because aside from its flavor, there are several compounds in fresh okra that promote heart and bone wellness.
There are even some theories about how it may reduce weight due to its high fiber content. While none of these studies prove that it does indeed work, eating enough okra to see results could be fun way to give yourself a nutritional boost!
Drinking this okra water every morning on an ongoing basis is one of the best ways to consume okra. Let’s look at the reasons why it might do you some good…
Healthy Skin Benefits of Okra Water
Improved skin quality – One of the most noticeable effects of drinking okra juice is improved overall appearance and texture of your skin. It removes dead cells, boosts moisture levels, and helps restore elasticity. All of this happens much more quickly than if we use our normal routine of bathing with products that contain alcohol or glycerin.