NEW YORK, Nov 7: Maybe you’ve enjoyed fresh okra in dishes like jambalaya, Cajun shrimp, and sausage stir-fry, or even grilled, as our friend Tabitha Brown loves to do. But have you ever tried drinking it?

Okra water has become one of the fastest-growing social media trends, with searches up 470% from June 2023 to June 2024, according to Pinterest data. So, what exactly is okra water, why are some people drinking it, and is it worth a try? We spoke to dietitians to get the inside scoop.

While the exact origins of the okra water trend are unclear, vegan content creator Jasmine Duke seems to have helped it gain popularity after posting about it in February 2024. “Okra is rich in folate, fiber, and vitamin C,” Duke explains, noting that okra water is an ancient remedy said to support hormonal balance. Duke demonstrates her twist on the drink by making Strawberry Lemonade Okra Water for those who may not want plain okra water, explaining that it “tastes like cucumber water to me—cucumber water is stronger tasting to me.”

Duke’s recipe for Strawberry Lemonade Okra Water includes juice from six lemons, eight chopped strawberries, and sugar to taste. She prefers okra water as it’s hydrating, and she likes to eat the soaked okra afterward to enjoy its nutritional benefits.

Dietitian Jenna A. Werner reviewed Duke’s videos and commented, “This is the first time I am seeing okra water. Okra is a nutrient-dense food with strong cultural ties, so it’s interesting to see it consumed this way.” Werner describes okra water as “a beverage made from soaking okra pods or sliced okra in water, then drinking the strained liquid, sometimes with added fruit or juice for flavor.”

Laura Ligos, another dietitian, praises okra’s high nutrient content, noting that it contains polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like folate, B6, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. Since okra is 90% water and provides about 3 grams of fiber per cup, it can aid in digestion and support stable blood sugar levels. “Stable blood sugar can benefit energy, weight management, sleep, and libido, so okra water may help with these as well,” Ligos notes, referencing social media’s health claims about okra water.

Despite its ancient roots, okra water remains under-researched, and current claims are mostly anecdotal. “There is little to no research specifically on okra water,” Ligos says.

Ligos and Werner agree that, for most people, okra water is safe as long as they’re not allergic to okra or sensitive to fructans—a type of sugar found in okra, bananas, beans, pistachios, plums, and wheat that can cause digestive issues for some.

“If a client wants to try okra water and has no health concerns, I’d support it as a hydration option,” says Ligos. “However, many nutrition basics might be more beneficial to focus on before the latest social media trend.”

Always consult your healthcare team before starting new dietary habits, and monitor how much you consume. The ideal amount of okra water depends on individual hydration and health needs.

“If you’re hoping for a nutritious, hydrating way to enjoy okra, go for it,” says Werner. “But if you’re expecting okra water to be a miracle cure for weight loss, better sleep, or endless energy, you might be setting unrealistic expectations.”

How to make okra water:

Cut the okra into ½-inch slices, place in a pitcher, and top with water.

Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Strain the okra from the water, drink the water, and reserve or compost the okra.

For extra flavor, add lemon juice, fresh fruit, or club soda. You can even make it into kiwi-watermelon okra water popsicles, inspired by Duke.