[img]http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/okro.jpg[/img]
[b]Okro, also known as the “ladies finger” is a flowering
plant in the mallow family. It is very nutritious as it is
highly rich in carbohydrate, vitamins, water, and
protein.
But studies have shown that it may be dangerous to men as it
can cause infertilty. Okro has aunique substance called
“GOSSYPOL”. Gossypol inhibits sperm production and motility
by blocking several enzymews that are highly important in
energy metabolism in sperm and sperm producing cells.
Gossypol has been used as a male contraceptive for years in
china. some clinical research were conducted in regards the
effectiveness of gossypol as a contraceptive in 1986 and 1990
in china and Brazil respectively. The studies showed that
gossypol lowered the number and motility of sperms and
made small percentage of men infertile permanently.
Gossypol may also cause menstrual irregularity in women. it
has also been linked to hypokalemia and also damage to red
blood cells leading to heamolytic anaemia.
Conclusively, Okro in higher amount is not recommended in
people with following conditions:
Anaemic people. Athletes.
Women who complains of irregular menses.
Infertile men undergoing medical investigation and treatment.[/b]
