Research: Okra can lead to infertility in men

Okra, though very nutritious, can
lead to infertility in men of reproductive age,
Dr Ochuko Erikainure, a Senior Research
Officer at the Federal Institute of Industrial
Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, Lagos, has

Erukainure, also a nutritionist and
biochemist, gave the warning on Saturday in
an interview in Lagos.

According to him, too much consumption of
okra, especially its seeds can lead to
infertility in men of reproductive age.
An online publication,
www.medicalhealthguide.com says Okra,
known in many English-speaking countries
as lady’s fingers, is a flowering plant in the
mallow family.
“Okra is an annual herb that is widely
cultivated for its edible green seed pods in
tropical, subtropical and warm temperate
climates.
“Okra is a hardy plant that can grow even
with less water and in hot conditions.’’
Erukainure said that okra has a unique
substance called “GOSSYPOL”.
“Gossypol inhibits sperm production and
motility by blocking several enzymes that
are highly important in energy metabolism
in sperm and sperm producing cells.
“Okra seeds are very rich in toxic pigment
called Gossypol which promote infertility in
men by arresting sperm production
(spermatogenesis) even at lower dose.
“Gossypol are oil soluble and natural
polyphenol secreted by plants as a defence
against predators,’’ he said.
The senior researcher said that in some
countries, okra seeds were, however, used
for natural contraceptive for men.
“Due to proapoptotic activities in okra seeds
(it means killing of cells), gossypol is still
under investigation as a possible anticancer
agent,” he said.

The nutritionist said that in spite of its
effects in men, consumption of okra could be
of health benefits to the diabetes, obesity or
overweight people.
“Okra is very high in dietary fibres, reduce
calories intakes into the body, ability to
limit nitric oxide build up in the blood and
lipid (fat) and reduces the risks of cancers.
“Okra is an African vegetable that has been
a staple of African and Indian cuisine for
many years, and also used for medicinal
purposes.

“The health benefits of okra can be
attributed to its nutritional and
phytochemical constituents making it a vital

crop.
“One hundred grammes of okra has been
reported to meet over 20 per cent of the
daily values which the body needs.
“It contains a rare combination of
carbohydrates, vegetables, minerals and
vitamins.
“Not less than 10 different vitamins and
minerals can be found in okra such as
vitamin A, which is great for the skin,
vitamin C and E which prevent cell damage
in the body,’’ he said.
Erukainure said because “okra is high in
fibre, it has positive impact on digestive
system which assist with gastrointestinal
difficulties.
“Including okra in our daily diet along with
physical healthy exercise routine will prevent
and treat diabetes, meaning that okra plant
contributes to a more active lifestyle”.
Erukainure said that okra has been identified
to have insulin-like activity in experimented
animals.
“It is also a potent anti-diabetic source,
which can be attributed to its chemical
constituents,’’ he said. (NAN)

Source: punchng