Starting off as a mellow plant video on TikTok, #okrawater has now transformed into a health trend juggernaut with influencers praising its supposed weight loss and skin hydration benefits. Here, we put these claims through the science mill.

So, what's this thing all over the internet called Okra water? A DIY beverage made by steeping okra pods overnight, the drink looks mundane but has an inherently slimy texture due to its natural mucilage content. Originating from Africa, okra, also known as lady's finger, has traveled the culinary world, making delectable appearances in southern U.S. cuisines, often fried, breaded, or stewed.

What makes Okra tick? It's packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and fiber. A cup of raw okra possesses a nutritional profile that includes 33 calories, 7.45g of carbohydrates, 1.93g of protein, 3.2g of fiber and an array of vitamins and minerals. However, the jury’s still out on how much of this nutritional treasure trove actually infuses into the okra water.

Sorting fact from TikTok, we asked dieticians to weigh in on the trend. The universal consensus? Okra is a nutritional plate of gold. But does this blink and you miss it veggie-turned beverage guarantee the same health benefits? Well, that's murky water, figuratively and literally. Dietitian Scott Keatley says that while okra water can add flavor and some nutrition to your diet, don’t expect miracles: it won't supply all the nutrients Okra offers nor will it deliver a significant punch of fiber.

Okra’s high fiber content is what connects it to potential weight management and improved digestion, but don't expect sipping okra water to be a ticket to Skinnyville. Studies directly connecting okra water to weight loss are just about as rare as a unicorn in a city traffic jam. Sure, the plant might help you feel full and support weight management, but Alyssa Simpson, a fellow dietitian, reminds us of the lack of insights on how much fiber actually gets into that okra water.

Interesting findings from a study involving 120 people with diabetes type 2 showcased that people who took okra capsules had lower blood sugar levels than their placebo-taking counterparts. Still, the okra used in this study was in a concentrated form, so it's unclear if okra water would produce similar results.

The one certified benefit? Hydration. Simpson confirms that since it's mainly water, okra water is good for hydration, offering electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. Will this inexplicably slimy drink bring a facial glow to your skin? We don’t know for sure. Okra does pack antioxidants that might help skin health, but the 'how much' is still a question.

A footnote to remember when jumping on this trend - if you've previously had kidney stones or digestive problems, okra water might not be your jam. But, if you’re just looking for a low-calorie hydration booster with a dash of veggies, go ahead and soak those green fingers.