Okro:A very nutritious plant with one major risk

Okro or Okra ,also known as 'ladies finger' is a very nutritious plant with numerous benefits to the body but has one adverse effect,especially in men.

Although  it originated from Ethiopia,Okro is a plant that is common in West Africa,  especially among the Nigerians where it is highly consumed by almost everyone.Okra is fast gaining a reputation as a so-called 'superfood' for people with or at risk of diabetes or cancer.

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.

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.

With its nutrients,Okro has been tested and proven to have the following benefits:

1) It helps to improve digestion

2) It reduces chance of cancer in consumer

3) It cures ulcer It strengthens the immunity

4) It is  good for the eyes

5) Controls diabetes and prevents kidney disease

6) It is  good  for   the skin

7) Helps to lower blood pressure 

8) Helps to control obesity 

9) Helps to control asthma

10) Prevents constipation.    

11) It can also be prepared to cure heartburn         

However,with all its benefits to man,Okro is discovered to cause infertility in men.

Okro's seed seeds are very rich in toxic pigment called Gossypol, which promote infertility in men by arresting sperm production (spermatogenesis) even at lower dose.

A research entitled “Evaluation of the deleterious effects of aqueous fruit extract of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra fruit) on some male reproductive parameters in Sprague dawley rats.” was carried out.

In the research, there was a reduction in the weight of the testes of treated rats, secretion of testosterone and sperm production (spermatogenesis). The weight of the prostate gland which is an accessory organ of male reproduction, responsible for secreting 20 per cent by volume of semen sample and some other nutrients required for quality sperm, was also significantly reduced in treated rats.

It is advisable to enjoy Okro for its benefits but in a  controlled quantity especially by men.