Traditionally, okra (gossypol) has not been a common food in most parts of the United States and is mostly found in southern cooking dishes.Yet, the vegetable has recently become a trendy food among the millennial crowd, and with good reason.Despite its nutritional and medicinal values, okra is associated with sterility in humans especially men due to the presence of gossypol in the seed.Some studies claimed that excess consumption of okra may have injurious effects on sperm parameters, testes weight, and testicular tissues.When most people talk about using okra in recipes, they usually refer to the edible seedpods of the plant. .
Diet and male fertility: Foods that affect sperm count
Few people know that the average man’s sperm count has dropped steadily over the past 40 years.A recent study states that average sperm counts have dropped by 59 percent over the past 38 years.Falling sperm counts, combined with the trend of having children at later ages, means that some couples will face difficulties with fertility.Others blame the heat generated from cell phones sitting in pants pockets.Five foods to avoid that may decrease sperm health and male fertility.Before I discuss foods that can affect sperm health, it’s worth noting that most studies dealing with nutrition aren’t set up to show that eating particular foods cause disease; most studies are only set up to show associations, not causes.Processed meats include hot dogs, salami, beef jerky, bacon, etc.It’s not clear how these foods affect sperm, but it appears the effect isn’t a positive one.Of note, these same studies did not find an association between eating chicken and reduced sperm health.Researchers are primarily concerned about trans fats increasing the risk of heart disease.A 2011 Spanish study linked the increased intake of trans fats with decreased sperm counts.Check out this post from the American Heart Association for more info on trans fats.A study of 99 men from fertility clinics in Boston concluded that excessive soy intake might decrease sperm concentration.Just like the phytoestrogens in soy, xenoestrogens can wreak havoc on sperm concentration.Three foods that may increase male fertility and improve sperm health.One small study associated higher amounts of fish consumption with better sperm motility.A study of 250 men who had sperm analyzed at a fertility clinic showed that men who ate higher amounts of fruits and veggies, particularly green leafy vegetables and beans (legumes), had higher sperm concentrations and better sperm motility compared to men who ate less of these foods.They found significant improvements in sperm vitality only in the nut group. .
What Okra can do to men's fertility -- Medical Researcher
Mr. Erukainure, also a nutritionist and biochemist, gave the warning on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on in Lagos.“Okra is an annual herb that is widely cultivated for its edible green seed pods in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates.“Okra seeds are very rich in toxic pigment called Gossypol which promote infertility in men by arresting sperm production (spermatogenesis) even at lower dose.The nutritionist said that in spite of its effects in men, consumption of okra could be of health benefits to diabetes, obesity or overweight people.
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Antifertility Effect of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Men
Recently, some studies claimed that excess consumption of okra may have injurious effects on sperm parameters, testes weight, and testicular tissues. .
Why You Should Eat More Okro
Other nutrients include thiamin, Vit B6, niacin, phosphorus and copper.It’s been connected to Cancer prevention especially Colorectal CancerWhich is important for bone health and plays a major role in blood clotting?Folate also helps to cleanse the Lungs.Itcontains iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese.Well it turns out too much of a good thing can be bad for you.Some studies indicate that it can affect male fertility; okro is very rich in a pigment called Gossypol which promotes infertility in men by arresting sperm production.Okro in higher amounts isn’t recommended for Anaemic patients, Athletes, women who have irregular menses and infertile men undergoing medical investigation and treatment.Over consumption may also indicate kidney stone risk in certain individuals that have an allergic reaction to it.It can also induce diarrhea, cramps and bloating in some people. .
Dear Doc
I am a natural man and feel body problems can be fixed by the things we eat; so I was very shocked to read that okra can cause men to be infertile!I read the same article after it was sent to me numerous times by many male friends, asking if it is true, and if I believed, and the distressing exclamation, 'now me cyaan eat my steam fish and okra again?!It went as far as to state that in some countries, it is taken by men to reduce their fertility; kind of like a male birth control, to make an analogy.Sperm count is one of several qualities that are assessed during routine semen analysis and is considered an important factor for fertility.Those, factors that influence testosterone levels are thought to have the most significant impact on sperm number and quality.Several studies have shown that weight loss and exercise can lead to improved or increased sperm counts.Numerous different studies with nearly 6,000 participants have found smoking consistently reduces sperm counts.Unlike with cigarettes, there are not many studies exploring the link between sperm health and drugs because of ethical reasons.Medications that temporarily reduce the production and development of sperm include: some antibiotics, anti-androgens, anti-inflammatories, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, and anabolic steroids (up to 1 year recovery time).Indian ginseng, has for a long time been used in traditional medicines for several forms of sexual dysfunction.It is suggested that you should consume these two omega compounds in equal quantities for ideal sperm development and antioxidant benefits.You did mention you are a natural man, and where as supplements are a great way to get the recommended amounts of most vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the body does not always absorb them; so the best way to increase sperm count naturally will be to increase the consumption of foods high in sperm count-boosting nutrients such as: bananas, dark chocolate, ginseng, walnuts, citrus fruits, whole wheat and grains most fish, most shellfish (especially oysters), vitamin D enhanced milk and milk products, garlic, broccoli, ginseng, turmeric, asparagus, leafy greens (especially spinach and kale), fermented nuts and seeds. .
Does Garlic Increase Your Sex Drive?
What’s more, one study among 49 older men found that a medication containing ingredients like aged garlic extract, ginseng, and velvet antler improved erectile function ( 5 ).One review of 18 studies concluded that garlic helped boost sperm production and increase levels of testosterone, which may be due to its antioxidant properties (9).Another animal study also showed that aged garlic extract could protect against changes in sperm production and testosterone levels caused by chemotherapy ( 11 ).summary Although studies in humans are limited, some research shows that garlic and its components could improve male fertility, enhance testosterone levels, and increase sperm production.Interestingly, one study in rats with diabetes found that S-allyl cysteine from garlic improved erectile function by blocking the formation of free radicals ( 14 ). .
