At Natural Health, we know managing diabetes starts with simple, informed choices, such as okra water. Okra water, made by soaking okra pods overnight, is gaining attention for its potential to support blood sugar control. In this article, we explore its benefits and how to prepare okra water for diabetes in a safe, practical way.
What Is Okra Water?
Okra water is a simple drink made by cutting raw okra into pieces and soaking them in water for several hours or overnight. After that, the okra pieces are taken out, and only the water is drunk.
As okra is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this drink may offer several benefits, like aiding digestion, weight loss, and blood sugar control.[1] Learning how to prepare okra for diabetes, such as through okra water, is one simple way to incorporate it into a supportive diet.
Read more: Is okra good for diabetes? 5+ Benefits & The side effects

Nutritional profile of okra water
Since okra water is made at home by soaking the pods, its exact nutritional content can be hard to measure. It’s uncertain how many of the nutrients from the okra are actually transferred to the water during the soaking process. Still, learning how to prepare okra for diabetes, including making okra water, can be a helpful step in exploring its potential benefits.
That said, fresh okra is known to contain fiber and several key vitamins and minerals. For example, 100 grams of raw okra provides:[2]
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 33 |
Protein | 1.93 g |
Fat | 0.19 g |
Carbohydrates | 7.45 g |
Fiber | 3.2 g |
Sugar | 1.48 g |
Magnesium | 57 mg |
Vitamin C | 23 mg |
Potassium | 299 mg |
Phosphorus | 61 mg |
Okra is particularly high in manganese, a mineral that supports metabolism and helps regulate blood sugar.[3] It’s also a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that’s essential for immune health.[4]
The benefits of okra water for diabetes
Okra has long been explored for its potential in supporting blood sugar control, particularly in people with diabetes, leading to growing interest in okra water for diabetes management.
- Supports blood sugar regulation: Okra contains fiber, antioxidant-rich mucilage, and beneficial polysaccharides, compounds that may help slow sugar absorption and improve glycemic control.[5]
- May reduce sugar absorption: In one study, people with type 2 diabetes took okra supplements for eight weeks.[6] As a result, they showed reduced fasting blood glucose and lower HbA1c levels, which is a marker of long-term blood sugar control.[7]
- Could aid in better glucose management: Research has shown that okra may help improve blood sugar levels in those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. By helping to reduce and stabilize blood sugar levels, especially when included as part of an overall healthy diet.[8]

The side effects of okra water
Since research on okra water is still limited, its full range of side effects remains unclear. Like any food or drink, it may not be suitable for everyone, even when you’re learning how to prepare okra for diabetes as part of a healthy routine.
Possible side effects include:
- Allergic reactions: Individuals with an okra allergy may experience symptoms after drinking okra water.[9]
- Digestive issues: Okra is high in fructans, a type of FODMAP that can trigger bloating or discomfort in people with sensitivities.[10]
- Kidney stone risk: Okra also contains oxalates, which in excess may increase the likelihood of kidney stone formation in some individuals.[11]
That’s why, when adding okra water to a diabetes-friendly diet, it’s best to start with a small amount, observe how your body responds, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Read more: Is orange good for diabetes? The research says and consumption guide
How to prepare okra water for diabetes? A Step by step guide
If you’re curious about how to make okra water diabetes, follow this simple step-by-step guide to prepare it at home:[12]
- Rinse 5 medium-sized okra pods thoroughly under running water.
- Trim off both ends and carefully slice each pod lengthwise.
- Place the pods into a mason jar or glass filled with about 3 cups of water.
- Let them soak overnight at room temperature.
- In the morning, squeeze the pods gently into the water to release the remaining nutrients, then remove and discard them.
- Your okra water is now ready to drink.
Many people choose to drink okra water in the morning on an empty stomach as part of their wellness routine. For those with diabetes, this may help with blood sugar control, but keep in mind that individual responses may vary.
To stay safe and get the most benefit, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian before making okra water a regular part of your diet.
“Before making significant changes to your diet, speak with a healthcare professional. While okra water diabetes remedies may offer some benefits, moderation is key—consuming too much can negatively affect blood sugar levels. If you notice sudden shifts in your glucose readings, consult your doctor promptly.”
While okra water isn’t a cure, it can be a helpful addition to your diabetes care when used thoughtfully. At Natural Health, we aim to provide practical guidance, such as how to prepare okra water for diabetes, to help you make informed choices in your everyday routine. Be sure to speak with your doctor before making any dietary changes, and remember: it’s the small steps, done regularly, that often lead to real progress.
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Reference
[1] Health Communication And The Effects Of Okra Water Drinks; M.H.H. Mohd Haizra Hashim, J.J. Joana Jaya, S.S.M.Saheera Sardar Mohamed, S.N. Sriganeshvarun Nagaraj, F.H.M.J. Fadzilla Hernani Mohd Janis; 2023
[2] Okra, raw; U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service; 2019
[3] The Essential Element Manganese, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Diseases: Links and Interactions; Longman Li, Xiaobo Yang; 2018
[4] Vitamin C and Immune Function; Anitra C Carr, Silvia Maggini; 2017
[5] Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) as a Potential Functional Food Source of Mucilage and Bioactive Compounds with Technological Applications and Health Benefits; Thamires Lacerda Dantas, Flávia Carolina Alonso Buriti, Eliane Rolim Florentino; 2021
[6] Anti-hyperglycemic effect of Abelmoschus culentesus (Okra) on patients with diabetes type 2: a randomized clinical trial; Ali Saatchi, Nasser Aghamohammadzadeh, Samineh Beheshtirouy, Yousef Javadzadeh, Fariba Heshmati Afshar, Saba Ghaffary; 2022
[7] Effects of dried okra extract on lipid profile, renal function and some RAGE-related inflammatory genes expression in patients with diabetic nephropathy: A randomized controlled trial; Nazgol Bahreini, Maryam Saghafi-Asl, Omid Nikpayam, Ehsan Safaei, Vahideh Sadra, Laleh Fakhr, Hanieh Beyrampour-Basmenj, Parina Asgharian, Mohammad Asghari- Jafarabadi; 024
[8] Okra ameliorates hyperglycaemia in pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical evidence; Kabelo Mokgalaboni, Sogolo Lucky Lebelo, Perpetua Modjadji, Saba Ghaffary; 023
[9] Immediate-type allergy related to okra (Hibiscus esculentus Linn) picking and packing; A Ueda, F Manda, K Aoyama, T Ueda, K Obama, Q Li, T Tochigi; 1993
[10] Dietary fructose intolerance, fructan intolerance and FODMAPs; Amy Fedewa, Satish S C Rao; 2015
[11] Chemical Composition, Nutritional Value, and Biological Evaluation of Tunisian Okra Pods (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench); Mariem Haj Romdhane, Hassiba Chahdoura, Lillian Barros, Maria Inês Dias, Rúbia Carvalho Gomes Corrêa, Patricia Morales, Maria Ciudad-Mulero, Guido Flamini, Hatem Majdoub, Isabel C F R Ferreira; 2020
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