Okra, though amazingly nutritious, may cause infertility in men of reproductive age, Doctor Ochuko Erikainure, also a Senior Research Officer at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, Lagos, has cautioned.
Dr. Erukainure, who is also a nutritionist and biochemist, gave this warning on Saturday in Lagos.
As stated by him, an excessive consumption of okra, notably its seeds may result in infertility in men of reproductive age.
Dr. Erukainure said:
“Gossypol inhibits sp*rm production and motility by blocking several enzymes that are highly important in energy metabolism in sp*rm and sperm producing cells.
“Okra seeds are very rich in toxic pigment called Gossypol which promote infertility in men by arresting sp*rm production (spermatogenesis) even at lower dose.
“Gossypol are oil soluble and natural polyphenol secreted by plants as a defence against predators,’’
“Due to proapoptotic activities in okra seeds (it means killing of cells), gossypol is still under investigation as a possible anticancer agent,” he said.
He continued “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 also 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”.
“It is also a potent anti-diabetic source, which can be attributed to its chemical constituents,’’ he said
