Something interesting is brewing on Kenyan social media, and this time, it’s none other than Okra water. Well, if you know anything about the Kenyan social media space, then you understand it needs to be controversial to get the much-needed attention.
Okra isn’t a popular vegetable in Kenya. Still, it found its way onto Kenyan dinner tables thanks to Kenyan hospitality to our brothers and sisters from West Africa, Sudan, Congo, and Rwanda. A little research on the internet reveals that Okra, also known as ladies’ fingers or gumbo, is a popular warm-season vegetable.
The proponents found in Okra are believed to help improve the management of blood sugar and also boost weight loss. Interestingly, that’s not the reason it’s trending in Kenya. It’s the talk of the town because drinking Okra water allegedly helps improve women’s sexual health. Yes! You read that right.
Why is Everyone Talking about Okra Water?
According to a recent piece by Citizen Digital, Kenyan women are currently obsessed with the Okra water trend. It’s garnered so much attention over the last couple of weeks that there’s a high demand for the foreign vegetable, also known as ‘Ladies Finger.’
Several women have sworn on the benefits of Okra water on their sexual health. One particular story that caught our attention was a lady called Njeri, who confessed to having stumbled on the magical benefits of Okra water by mistake.
She started taking the drink to help digestion and, over time, realized that it did more than cure her constant bloating problem. If anything, the drink allegedly boosted her sexual health, facilitating natural vaginal lubrication.
The fuss has grown so much that prominent personalities in the country have been quoted making statements about it. MC Jessy, a renowned comedian and recently turned politician, was quoted in an interview with a media outlet saying ladies found using the concoction are ‘red flags’ and have failed in their responsibilities—it was on a light note, of course.
But seriously, what are the scientific health benefits of using Okra Water?
What are the Benefits of Eating Okra
Before getting into the benefits, it’s important to know how to make Okra water drink. It’s quite easy, and all you need to do is slice open the Okra pods and soak them in water for 24 hours. This process lets the nutrients fuse into the water.
So, what nutrients are present in Okra? Well, Okra contains calories, proteins, carbohydrates, fat (0.2 grams), fiber, vitamin C (24% of the daily value), manganese (34% of the daily value), folate, thiamin, copper, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
According to nutritional journals, the two prominent nutrients in Okra are Vitamin C and Manganese. Manganese helps regulate blood sugar and metabolism, while vitamin C is vital for human immune function and works as an antioxidant.
Fiber, which is also a rich component in Okra water, is ideal for weight loss. A recent study showed that drinking Okra water could help in weight reduction endeavors. Fiber, one of its nutrients, gives the feeling of fullness when consumed, considerably reducing calorie intake connected with increased weight in humans.
So, could Okra Water help boost women’s sexual health? Well, according to medical and nutritional studies, nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, DHEA, and Omega acids (fish oils) could assist in vaginal lubrication. It’s important to note that none of these nutrients are present in Okra water.
However, this doesn’t mean that Okra water wouldn’t help improve women’s sexual health because no conclusive studies have been done specifically on Okra water to test its function.
Could the Okra water trend be a fad? It could be. Kenyans on social media spaces are known to sensationalize stories for agenda. And who knows? Someone could be looking for a new local market for their agricultural produce.
Is Okra Good For Men?
Yes! Okra water is as beneficial to men as it is for women—but not for sexual function. As explained above, it can help boost men’s immunity, metabolism, blood sugar regulation, and weight loss, just as it would for women.
It’s also important to note that conclusive studies on Okra water have not been done, and the drink could have more benefits for men specifically.
How Do You Use Okra as Medicine?
Okra water is made by slicing the pods and soaking them in water for either overnight or 24 hours. Research shows that okra water contains two prominent ingredients: manganese and vitamin C.
Manganese helps improve metabolism and regulate blood sugar, while Vitamin C is known to help boost human immune function.
Is It Healthy to Drink Okra Water Everyday?
Considering its richness in Vitamin C and Manganese, not to mention its hydrating effects, Okra water is considered safe by most health specialists. However, it is important to note that individuals allergic to the plant or its proponents might experience adverse reactions after consuming Okra water.
Consequently, it would be wise to seek advice from a licensed nutritionist or physician before consuming Okra water for medical or sexual health reasons.