You either like it or don’t know how to cook it – this is what fans of the simple green vegetable, bhindi (or bhindi) say okraor okra), say all the time. Debatable? Maybe, but that’s a topic for another day. Currently, Bhindi is trending all over the internet as a smoothie drink due to its potentially miraculous health benefits.

Want glowing skin? Do you want to lose those extra kilos? Or want a better digestive system? Okra water can help with all this – at least that’s what the wellness influencer is claiming in her viral video. They chop some ladyfingers, soak them in water overnight, seal the glass/jar, strain it the next day and drink the diluted beverage. “It tastes great,” many of them also admit.

But should you really disappoint your taste buds with ladyfinger water first thing in the morning to get the claimed health benefits? Health experts say okra is a nutrient-rich vegetable that has many benefits, but downing the trending tasteless drink may not be the best way to enjoy it.

Okra is good for your health

“Okra is rich in vitamins C and K, folate, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B6. It is also a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber which reduces cholesterol and keeps the intestine healthy. It contains antioxidants like quercetin, catechins and vitamin A,” says Charu Sadana, senior dietitian, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

“These nutrients help fight free radicals and contribute to the overall health of individuals. Its low calories and high fiber content make this vegetable a valuable addition to our diet. It supports digestion and also boosts immunity,” says Payal Sharma, senior dietitian, Dharamshila Narayan Hospital, New Delhi.

What about ladyfinger water?

Since okra is so nutritious, health experts say that okra water can be considered a healthy drink. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is a magic cure-all that will fix everything from your skin to your gut to your weight.

“It can aid in blood sugar regulation, as the fiber present in okra is known to slow down the absorption of sugar, helping to stabilize blood-sugar levels,” says Payal Sharma. Fiber is also good for the digestive system and can prevent constipation. However, excessive consumption may cause digestive problems.

“Okra is high in fructans, a type of carbohydrate that can cause digestive problems. “For some individuals, excessive consumption may cause gas, bloating or diarrhea due to the fiber content,” says dietitian Charu Sadana.

While okra water alone cannot reduce weight, it can aid the process as part of a balanced diet. Okra is rich in dietary fiber, which helps promote the feeling of fullness, reducing the chances of overeating. This, in turn, may contribute to better weight management, in the same way that other fiber-rich vegetables work.

Influencers are also endorsing ladyfinger water as a drink that can improve your skin.

Delhi-based dermatologist Dr Geetika Srivastava, founder of Influenza Skin & Hair Clinic, who finds most wellness trends on the internet unpleasant, admits that there is some truth in the positive effects of lady’s finger water on the skin.

“Ladyfinger (ladyfinger) has been traditionally used for many years for the management of diabetes mellitus, known to help control blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. When blood sugar rises, the extra sugar attaches to the body’s proteins through a process called glycation, which affects collagen, an important protein. This leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can cause collagen denaturation. “Since ladyfinger water helps control blood sugar, it also helps reduce AGE formation, prevent collagen degradation, and provide anti-aging benefits,” says Dr. Srivastava explains.

The antioxidants in ladyfinger and vitamins like vitamin C may also contribute to healthy skin and help hair retain moisture, but ladyfinger water alone is not a miracle solution. Okra is also rich in vitamin A, which is essentially retinol – which is good for your skin.

“A complete diet rich in nutrients and proper skin care and hair care practices are essential,” says Sharma.

“Most of the benefits of okra water come from its ability to help control blood sugar levels. But if you cut out all types of sugar – brown sugar, white sugar, processed or unprocessed and even jaggery – you won’t need to rely on this unpleasant drink. Instead, follow a simple, dermatologist-approved skin care routine,” suggests Dr. Srivastava.

drinking okra water vs eating okra

The effect of drinking okra water may not be the same as drinking whole okra. Many people discard the okra pieces and drink only water, potentially missing out on the rich nutrients that okra provides. “When you just drink sticky water, you miss out on the fiber content present in the bhindi pieces,” explains Sharma.

Experts suggest that eating whole vegetables provides more health benefits than drinking only water.

‘Don’t drink lady’s finger water every day’

Contrary to what influencers may suggest online, and despite its modest health benefits, health care experts recommend not drinking okra water every day.

“Limit it to no more than twice a week. On other days, choose safer, more standard options like aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, or amla juice. Personally, for your morning routine, I recommend consuming something simple and effective like lemon and honey,” says Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, Delhi-based dermatologist.

Consuming ladyfinger in excessive amounts may have negative effects on some individuals. “Some people are allergic to ladyfinger. This may also cause gas or bloating. It can sometimes interact with medications like blood thinners. “Excessive consumption can also lead to electrolyte imbalance,” says Simrat Kathuria, lead dietitian, The Diet Experts Clinic in Ludhiana.

“Okra is also rich in oxalate, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones,” says Dr. Bhardwaj.

Experts also suggest monitoring your blood sugar and cholesterol levels to check whether ladyfinger water is suitable for your body or not.

Ultimately…

Want to try ladyfinger water? go ahead! But remember, you don’t need this sticky drink to make drastic changes in your life. Eating ladyfinger is more nutritious than drinking ladyfinger water.

For your information, bhindi is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in countless ways. You can use the air fryer to make crunchy snacks, enjoy it as bhindi masala – a classic dish in Indian homes – or add it to sambar.