【Well+Good】Okra Water Is Having a Moment on TikTok—Is the Gooey Drink Worth the Hype?

Okra doesn’t have the best reputation. The green fruit (yep, it’s a fruit) is a little fuzzy, can be sort of slimy, and is sometimes referred to as lady’s fingers—how appetizing! But okra is a nutrition powerhouse that can be quite delicious when prepared properly (read: air fryer okra). And if you’ve been on social media lately, you might’ve noticed that a beverage made with okra—that is, okra water—is having a moment.

Drinking water aids in digestion by preventing or alleviating constipation and helping your body break down food so it can absorb nutrients, she adds. And staying well-hydrated has also been linked to a healthier weight. (Although keep in mind, you can hydrate with many beverages beyond okra water, including plain ol’ H2O.)

Feller explains that okra is a “functional food,” meaning it’s minimally processed and highly nutritious. The carbohydrates and chemicals “found in okra have the potential to increase antioxidant activity within the body, specifically concerning blood sugar regulation and lipid regulation,” she says. One such chemical is glutathione, which is an antioxidant that helps with repairing tissue, supporting immune health, and making proteins that help the body function properly.

Okra water is generally safe for most people, but drinking too much could have negative effects in some cases. For one, okra tends to be high in a sugar called fructans which may be a concern for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal issues. The mucilage in okra water also can have a laxative effect, leading to bloating and diarrhea.

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. If you prefer a less viscous texture, you can pour the liquid through a strainer. The result is a beverage that’s rich in mucilage.