3: The Future of Processed Foods
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Okra doesnt have the best reputation.
Butokra is a nutrition powerhousethat can be quite delicious when prepared properly (read:air fryer okra).
But are these benefits legit?
Here, we asked registered dietitians about the possible benefits and risks of drinking okra water.
Is okra water good for you?
registered dietitian and nutritionist
And staying well-hydrated has also beenlinked to a healthier weight.
Beyond that, whether okra water is good for you may come down to how you drink it.
(More on that in the next section.)
Whats more, okra is a source of potassium, which can helpreduce blood pressureand protect against stroke.
Its also a great source of soluble fiber, which plays a role inlowering blood glucose and cholesterol.
The combination of fiber and nutrients in okra may enhancegut healthalong with promoting healthy skin, Routhenstein says.
You cant tell how many nutrients youre consuming by soaking okra pods in water.
To maximize the benefits of okra, her advice is to eat the whole vegetable.
The mucilage in okra water also can have a laxative effect, leading to bloating and diarrhea.
registered dietitian and nutritionist
The taste and consistency of okra water may not appeal to everyone.
Aside from that, Feller recommends avoiding okra water if you cant tolerate it or have a food allergy.
She recommends speaking with a qualified health care professional if you plan to add okra water to your routine.
Tell them the medications and supplements youre taking to avoid any negative interactions.
So, its wise to limit your consumption of oxalate-rich foods if you have a history of kidney disease.
How to make okra water
Start by washing the okra pods thoroughly.
You have the option of using whole pods or cutting them into slices.
Whichever you choose, add them to a jar or pitcher of cool water to steep overnight.
Feller suggests soaking okra pods for 8 to 24 hours.
The result is a beverage thats rich in mucilage.
If you dont enjoy the earthy flavor of okra, another tip is to add lemon or honey.
Avoid adding sugary beverages like juice or soda which can make youfeel more dehydratedthan refreshed.
Becaise okra water tends to be slimy, you could skip the water and eat the pods whole.
Both Feller and Routhenstein agree that okra is best consumed whole.
(Check out theseokra recipesfor inspiration.)
Routhenstein suggests sauteing okra in an herb-infused tomato sauce.
The acidity of tomato can reduce okras gummy texture.
you’re free to also pickle okra or eat it fresh.
How much okra water should you drink a day?
Currently, there is no research on the benefits of drinking a specific quantity of okra water.
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