Okra is a plant cultivated in tropical and warm temperate regions. It is known as ladies' fingers or bamia. Okra provides many health benefits. It is low in calories and contains dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Okra contains vitamins A, C, B vitamins, folate, and vitamin K. It also contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese. While generally safe, some studies have suggested okra extracts may negatively impact male fertility by reducing testes weight and prostate size.

1. okra
English-speaking
countries
as ladies' fingers
or "bamia"
or Okro
Abelmoschus
esculentus
The plant is
cultivated in
tropical,
subtropical and
warm temperate
regions

2. BENEFITS
OF OKRA

3. 1 .Very low calorie vegetables
They provide just 30 calories per 100 g besides
containing no saturated fats or cholesterol.
2.are rich sources of dietary fiber,
minerals, and vitamins.
cholesterol controlling and weight reduction
3.compose healthy amounts
of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-
oxidants such as beta-carotene,
xanthin and lutein.

4. 4.the good source of folates; helps
decrease the incidence of neural
tube defects in the offspring.
5.The gumbo pods are also an
excellent source of anti-oxidant
vitamin, vitamin-C, providing
about 36% of daily-
recommended levels
6.Are rich in B-complex group
of vitamins like niacin, vitamin
B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and
pantothenic acid.

5. 7.Also contain good amounts
of vitamin K. Vitamin K is a co-factor
for blood clotting enzymes and is
required for strengthening of bones.
8.The pods are also good source of
many important minerals such as
iron, calcium, manganese and
magnesium.

6. CONTRAINDICATIONS
Okra is a highly nutritious vegetable that is non toxic and
safe for consumption even for young children and
pregnant women.
However, In a study entitled “Evaluation of The Deleterious
Effects of Aqueous Fruit Extract of Abelmoschus Esculentus
(Okro Fruit) on Some Male Reproductive Parameters in
Sprague Dawley Rats” published in “Journal of Phytology
2009” suggests that the methanol fruit extract of okra
significantly reduced the mean weight of testes; this is
supported by the histological studies which showed
testicular atrophy. There was significant reduction in the
weight of the prostate gland. Although not conclusive but
it may affect male fertility.

7. SOURCES
http://www.nutrition-and-
you.com/okra.html
http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/
herb/okra.htm