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.
