An assertion claiming that okra pods cause sexual weakness in men is false, as confirmed by health specialists to Centrafrique Check.
Okra pods are among the most consumed vegetables, especially in Africa. They come in various varieties, including short-stemmed and tall-stemmed types. Okra pods are a good source of nutrients and antioxidants, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, and minerals.
The persistent rumor suggests that okra causes impotence in men, but this is based on preconceived notions with no scientific studies or evidence to support it, according to Centrafrique Check’s investigations with health specialists and related research.
Okra has no effect on male virility, according to health specialists and nutritionists.
“This is purely false information; okra has no effect on male virility. In other words, okra does not make a man sexually weak. You can eat a lot of okra, and nothing will change in your body; it is very rich in protein,” refuted Dr. Mbary Siolo Mada Bebelou, head of the Nutrition Service and head of Food Hygiene at the Ministry of Health and Population, in an interview with Centrafrique Check.
Dr. Norbert Richard Ngbalé, a gynecologist at the Community Hospital of Bangui in the Central African Republic, stated: “I have not yet seen any scientific evidence, either in Africa or Europe, proving that okra reduces sexual strength. On the contrary, this food is highly appreciated, and I even advise some people to consume a lot of it.”
“This is false information. We Muslims, who consume a lot of okra, have many children without any reduction in our sexual strength. This means that this rumor is untrue,” testified Abdoulaye Mahamat, an okra consumer.
Further into our verification, we also interviewed Arnold Femini, another okra consumer: “Since I started consuming okra, I haven’t encountered any health problems from this food. Okra is a very nutritious food, just like other vegetables, and is good for health. I can confirm that this information is incorrect.”
The Nutritional Benefits of Okra for Consumers
According to an article published on the BBC Afrique website on January 14, 2024, it highlights the health benefits of okra. “Okra is a highly valued vegetable in Africa; this plant is widely used in cooking and for its medicinal benefits. Okra is rich in vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9, as well as vitamin C. It is a plant rich in vitamin K,” explains nutritionist Mamadou Seydou Bah, who is also the president of the NutriMali association.
This rumor comes in a context where okra pods are among the most popular and consumed vegetables and foods in the Central African Republic. To date, no complaints have been made or publicly reported by consumers. According to health specialists and nutritionists contacted by Centrafrique Check, okra has no effect on virility and does not cause sexual weakness in men. On the contrary, it contains nutritional benefits for health. After verification by Centrafrique Check, this information is false.
This article was edited by Esdras Michael Ndamoyen.
