Okra Water (Bhindi Water): 10 Stellar Benefits of This Simple Morning Drink

Creator: Adeline Dorcas
Keywords: bhindi water benefits, okra water, health benefits of bhindi, reduce blood sugar, digestion, heart health, weight loss, immune booster, skin health, kidney function

Written by Adeline Dorcas, M.Sc, M.Phil (Food Service Management & Dietetics), Dr. Trupti Shirole

Article Reviewed by Dietitian Soundharya M. G, M. Sc Foods and Nutrition, Diabetes Educator on Sep 20, 2024

About

You may love bhindi (okra) in your curries or stir-fries, but have you ever tried drinking bhindi water? It might sound unusual, but bhindi water (lady finger water) is quickly gaining popularity as a morning tonic for health-conscious individuals. If you are someone who craves glowing skin, a healthy heart, or better digestion, this simple yet powerful drink might be the answer. Forget about exotic superfoods- bhindi water is affordable, accessible, and packed with benefits that can elevate your health in unexpected ways.

Bhindi Water Recipe?

Bhindi water is made by soaking okra pods in water overnight. As the pods release their nutrients into the water, the result is a vitamin-packed beverage with a variety of health benefits. The nutrient-rich composition of okra, which includes fiber, vitamins A, C, and antioxidants, contributes to its many advantages.

Okra Water Nutrition

Okra water is packed with nutrients that provide a wide range of health benefits. This simple drink is rich in(1^✔):

Vitamins: Particularly vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for skin health, immune function, and bone health.
Minerals: Such as magnesium, which plays a role in muscle and nerve function, and calcium, important for bone health.
Fiber: Okra water is high in soluble fiber, which helps regulate digestion, stabilize blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol.
Antioxidants: These compounds help protect the body from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

In addition to these, okra water contains small amounts of folate, which is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair, making it a particularly beneficial drink for pregnant women. The nutritional profile of bhindi water makes it a potent tonic for overall health, supporting everything from heart function to skin health.

Amazing Benefits of Bhindi Water

Let's dive into 10 stellar reasons why you should start your mornings with a glass of bhindi water!

Helps Reduce Blood Sugar

For those looking to manage their blood sugar levels, bhindi water can be a game-changer. The soluble fiber in okra helps slow down the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract, making it an ideal drink for diabetics or anyone seeking to stabilize glucose levels. Regular consumption of bhindi water may aid in reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes and can be a part of a natural management plan for diabetes(2^✔).

Improves Digestion

Digestive issues can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but bhindi water is a simple solution to promote a healthy gut. Thanks to its high fiber content, this drink helps maintain regular bowel movements, reduces constipation, and soothes the digestive system. The mucilage found in okra creates a protective layer in the gut, facilitating smoother digestion and relieving irritation in the digestive tract(3^✔).

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

A healthy heart requires the right nutrients, and bhindi water provides them in abundance. Rich in fiber and antioxidants, it helps reduce cholesterol levels, thus lowering the risk of heart disease(1^✔). By managing cholesterol and supporting overall cardiovascular function, this drink can be a natural ally in your quest for a healthier heart.

Boosts Immunity

With its rich vitamin C content, bhindi water is a natural immune booster. The antioxidants in this drink help fight off free radicals that can cause cellular damage, thus keeping infections and illnesses at bay. It is a simple but effective way to give your immune system a morning kick-start!

Promotes Skin Health

Want radiant, glowing skin? Bhindi water may just be your secret weapon. The antioxidants in bhindi help reduce oxidative stress on the skin, which can slow down the aging process and enhance your complexion. Regularly drinking bhindi water can also help in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you clearer and more youthful-looking skin.

Encourages Weight Loss

If you are trying to lose weight, bhindi water is a perfect addition to your diet. It is low in calories and high in fiber, helping you stay full for longer and curbing those pesky hunger cravings. Plus, the nutrients in okra can assist in speeding up your metabolism, making weight loss a more manageable goal.

Preserves Kidney Function

For those worried about kidney health, drinking bhindi water may help in preventing the formation of kidney stones. The compounds in okra support kidney function by promoting the body's natural detoxification processes. Drinking it daily can contribute to better renal health and the prevention of kidney-related issues.

Improves Eye Health

Your vision can benefit from the high levels of vitamin A and beta-carotene in bhindi water. These essential nutrients are known to support good eye health, reduce the risk of age-related eye disorders like cataracts, and help maintain sharp vision as you age. Incorporating bhindi water into your routine can act as a preventive measure for eye health.

Reduces Inflammation

If you suffer from inflammation or joint pain, bhindi water may provide some relief. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis. By calming inflammation in the body, this drink supports overall well-being and can alleviate discomfort.

Supports Healthier Pregnancy

For expecting mothers, folate is a vital nutrient that supports fetal development and prevents neural tube defects. Bhindi water is a natural source of folate, making it a beneficial drink for pregnant women looking to enhance their nutrient intake(4^✔). Regular consumption during pregnancy can support both maternal and fetal health.

References:

Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus) as a Potential Dietary Medicine with Nutraceutical Importance for Sustainable Health Applications - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7865958/)
Okra ameliorates hyperglycaemia in pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical evidence - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37077817/)
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) as a Potential Functional Food Source of Mucilage and Bioactive Compounds with Technological Applications and Health Benefits - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34451728/)
The impacts of okra consumption on the nutritional status of pregnant women, west EthiopiaThe impacts of okra consumption on the nutritional status of pregnant women, west Ethiopia - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10494605/)

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APA
Adeline Dorcas. (2024, September 20). Okra Water (Bhindi Water): 10 Stellar Benefits of This Simple Morning Drink. Medindia. Retrieved on Nov 10, 2024 from https://www.medindia.net/health/diet-and-nutrition/okra-water-bhindi-water-10-stellar-benefits-of-this-simple-morning-drink.htm.
MLA
Adeline Dorcas. "Okra Water (Bhindi Water): 10 Stellar Benefits of This Simple Morning Drink". Medindia. Nov 10, 2024. <https://www.medindia.net/health/diet-and-nutrition/okra-water-bhindi-water-10-stellar-benefits-of-this-simple-morning-drink.htm>.
Chicago
Adeline Dorcas. "Okra Water (Bhindi Water): 10 Stellar Benefits of This Simple Morning Drink". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/health/diet-and-nutrition/okra-water-bhindi-water-10-stellar-benefits-of-this-simple-morning-drink.htm. (accessed Nov 10, 2024).
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Adeline Dorcas. 2024. Okra Water (Bhindi Water): 10 Stellar Benefits of This Simple Morning Drink. Medindia, viewed Nov 10, 2024, https://www.medindia.net/health/diet-and-nutrition/okra-water-bhindi-water-10-stellar-benefits-of-this-simple-morning-drink.htm.