Dr. Ochuko Erikainure, a Senior
Research Officer at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos
State, has warned that Okra also called Okro, though very nutritious, can lead
to infertility in men of reproductive age.
Erukainure, also a nutritionist
and biochemist, added that the vegetable also has some form of effect on sex.
He said: “Okra is a hardy plant
that can grow even with less water and in hot conditions. It 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.
“Gossypols are oil soluble and
natural polyphenol secreted by plants as a defence against predators.”
The senior researcher, who said
in some countries, okra seeds were used as natural contraceptive for men, also
listed its health benefits.
He said: “Due to proapoptotic
(killing of cells) activities in okra seeds, gossypol is still under
investigation as a possible anticancer agent.”
“Okra is very high in dietary
fibres, reduces 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.
“One hundred grammes of okra have
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, vitamins and also a potent
anti-diabetic source, which can be attributed to its chemical constituents.
“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.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayAdvertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com