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Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected]

OKRA water has exploded on social media recently, with claims that soaking the green vegetable, also known as idelele lentanga, in water can significantly improve women’s sexual and reproductive health, reduce blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss with consistent consumption.

Beyond its culinary uses, some social media users are promoting okra water as a fertility supplement, with videos garnering millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

This popular seasonal delicacy is known for its slimy texture due to the presence of mucilage. While okra is typically enjoyed for its green seed pods, the entire plant is edible.

Native to Africa, okra (also called lady’s finger) is a versatile ingredient used in cuisines worldwide, including the southern United States, where it’s breaded, fried, or incorporated into stews and gumbos. Though botanically classified as a fruit due to its seeds, okra is generally prepared and consumed like a vegetable.

Social media posts depict okra water as chopped-up pieces of the flowering plant with edible green seed pods, steeped in water.

Experts acknowledge that okra boasts a wealth of beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. It’s also high in fibre, promoting healthy digestion among other benefits.

Nutrition expert Portia Chisvo confirms the rising popularity of okra water for its purported health benefits, particularly for women’s sexual health, while emphasising the vegetable’s rich nutrient content.

“This natural elixir has drawn the interest of many owing to its potential positive impact on intimate wellness. Okra is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E. It also contains minerals like magnesium and calcium,” said Chisvo. 

“These nutrients support hormonal equilibrium, which can play a vital role in women’s sexual well-being. Okra water’s potential to improve or enhance libido might be attributed to the above-mentioned nutrients that promote blood flow. By improving circulation and delivering oxygen to vital areas, okra water could potentially contribute to a heightened sense of desire. Adequate hydration from okra water can also contribute to vaginal lubrication, enhancing overall comfort during intimacy.” 

She said okra stands out as a vegetable powerhouse, offering the dual benefit of being rich in both fibre and vitamin C. 

“The former supports digestive health and weight management and the latter boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin, creating a holistic approach to overall well-being.”

Sinokuthaba Mlilo has found that okra water has been beneficial in managing her hypertension and is convinced of the vegetable’s purported health advantages.

Okra water

“I drink okra water once a week and it has proven to be very helpful in keeping me healthy and all fired up. I also believe in everything that keeps me energetic which means my sexual drive will be greater compared to before. Inasmuch as there are no scientific reports to qualify this, all vegetables are healthy and we will be fools if we do not fully use them for our well being, they are better than conventional medicine,” she said. 

Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, an expert in Gynaecology and Obstetrics, has stated that there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of okra water as a stimulant, despite the vegetable’s nutritional value. He said sexual arousal is a mental process and should occur naturally, without the need for external enhancements.

“This idea of women drinking okra water to detoxify themselves for sexual enhancement has no Science behind it, it has not yet been proven to be that beneficial to women’s reproductive health. Members of the public should not therefore succumb to social pressures as they may be disappointed,” he said. 

“I think it’s wise for members of the public to eat healthy and not do anything that may jeopardise their health if in need of any medical advice.” 

Emerging research suggests that okra may play a role in blood sugar regulation, potentially owing to its high fibre content and compounds that may decelerate sugar absorption and enhance insulin sensitivity. A particular study involving 120 individuals with type 2 diabetes revealed that participants who consumed okra capsules experienced a reduction in blood sugar levels compared to those who received a placebo. This finding suggests that okra might offer benefits in blood sugar management.

Although the scientific investigation into okra’s health benefits is still in its infancy, what’s clear is that okra is a nutrient-dense food that can contribute positively to one’s diet. 

While the direct health implications of consuming okra water remain uncertain, it is a low-calorie beverage that can be safely incorporated into one’s daily routine.