Okra water: Slimy superdrink or just another health trend?

Updated April 3, 2025, 7:08 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

Okra water is the latest viral wellness trend, but does it actually live up to the hype?

It seems like every week there’s a new “miracle drink” taking over social media. Some are exotic, others are downright bizarre.

We’ve seen lemon water (refreshing but hardly revolutionary), artichoke water (basically vegetable broth with a PR team), and even asparagus water.

Now, it’s okra water’s turn in the spotlight. Pinterest reported a 470% spike in searches for it, while TikTok and Instagram are buzzing with claims that it can improve digestion, balance blood sugar, boost fertility, and even make childbirth easier.

Is it really a game-changer though, or just another wellness trend with a fancy backstory?

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What is okra water?

If you’ve ever cooked okra, you know it’s famous for one thing: slime. That slimy texture comes from plant mucilage, a type of soluble fibre that thickens when mixed with liquid.

Okra water is made by soaking raw, sliced okra pods in water overnight and then straining out the solids. The result? A gooey, slightly grassy-tasting drink that some wellness influencers swear by.

Where did the trend come from?

Unlike many wellness trends that get “discovered” and repackaged by Western influencers, okra water has roots in African diaspora traditions.

While it hasn’t historically been used as a widespread health remedy, some herbalists say it’s been mentioned in folk practices, sometimes as a bath ingredient believed to cleanse the soul.

Does it actually have health benefits?

Okra itself is packed with various nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, folate, and antioxidants. Some studies suggest it may help regulate blood sugar, but most of the benefits come from eating the whole vegetable.

Once you strain out the okra, you’re likely missing out on a lot of its good stuff, including protein and insoluble fibre.

As for digestion? Because okra’s soluble fibre forms a gel-like substance in the gut, it could help with digestion, but drinking the water alone isn’t necessarily more effective than just eating okra in a meal.

Can it help with fertility or childbirth?

Some TikTok users claim okra water boosts fertility and makes childbirth easier, but science doesn’t exactly back that up.

While okra contains folate (essential for pregnancy), you’d have to eat almost 1kg of okra daily to hit the recommended folate intake.

Despite the idea that drinking something “slippery” will make childbirth smoother, there’s no medical evidence to support that claim.

For those experiencing vaginal dryness, OB-GYNs recommend over-the-counter lubricants or topical oestrogen, not okra water.

That said, if drinking okra water makes you feel good, go for it – it’s still hydrating!

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As for whether it works or not, that's really up to you. If you enjoy okra water, keep sipping. It’s harmless, and the fibre content might offer mild digestive benefits.

However, if you’re expecting it to be a magical fix for fertility, blood sugar, or labour pains, science says you might want to look elsewhere.