The Side Effect Of Eating Okra In Men 

Okra is a vegetable scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus belonging to the family of Malvaceae. It is majorly grown in Africa but it is widely distributed globally.

This vegetable is a greenish capsule which contain many seeds and in some cases slightly curved with size ranging from 5-18cm. It is also known as lady’s finger, ochro, gumbo, bamyah, and bhindi.

The Composition of Okra

Okra has a significant amount of the following;

• Vitamin C
• Folate
• Antioxidants
• Potassium
• Fiber
• Protein
• Fat
• Vitamin A, B, and K
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Iron

Read Also; The Health Benefits of Okra and Okra Soup

An analysis carried out on okra also indicates the presence of gossypol which is a phenolic compound also found in cotton plants (Gossypium species).

Studies show that this compound is capable of negatively affecting the fertility of many species including humans.

Although its effect also depends on the time of administration and the amount of dosage.

The Side Effect of Okra in Men

Despite the numerous benefits of okra it has been found to cause infertility in males.

This infertility caused by okra has been traced to the presence of a polyphenolic compound called gossypol found in okra.

This polyphenolic compound “gossypol” inhibits the production of sperm and motility by blocking the enzymes which are important in energy metabolism in sperm and sperm-producing cells.

Gossypol does not affect libido or sex hormone levels. Report shows that gossypol has been used in China for many years as male contraceptives.

Some researches were conducted on the effectiveness of gossypol in China and Brazil in the mid-1990s and the studies showed that this compound lowered the number and motility of sperms and made some percentage of men to be infertile.

When compared to cottonseeds, okra has a small amount of gossypol which may not affect a healthy person. The deficiencies of Copper and selenium may aggravate the infertility action of gossypol.

The Effect of an okra methanolic extract in sperm physiology and male reproductive organ by the Asian Journal of Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

• It decreases sperm count
• Block spermatogenesis
• It decreases testosterone level and testicular weight
• Increases abnormal sperm morphology
• Causes impairment of testicular tissues.

According to another researcher Dr. Ochuko Erikainure at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Lagos state, it is better not to eat okra if you are thinking of how to boost fertility.

An Experienced Nutritionist and biochemist also state that okra can strongly change a person’s sex life as it negatively affects the reproductive abilities of men.

Should I Stop Eating Okra?

Okra vegetables also have a lot of health benefits and studies come out every day stating what and what we should eat and not eat and sometimes it can get so confusing.

The best thing to do is to reduce or cut down your intake and if possible stop eating raw okra which have more negative effect.

You can also check in with your doctor and ask if eating this vegetable might hinder your fertility.

What are the health benefits of okra?

Outside this side effect of it causing infertility in males okra has a lot of health benefits. Some of which are;

1. It aids digestion
2. it helps prevent diabetes
3. it may help reduce asthma symptoms
4. It is good for your brain
5. It Improves eye health
6. It support strong bones
7. It improve your skin health
8. It support ulcer health
9. It helps boost the body immune system
10. It helps fight against cancerous cells

The Side Effect Of Eating Okra In Men 

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Raphael Okhueleigbe

Raphael Osas Okhueleigbe is a Blogger, Content creator, Agricultural Economist, Resource manager, and the founder of greener health.

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