Infertility rates have been increasing in recent years and our way of life, for both men and women, has a lot to do with it. As for men, we know that male fertility can be improved and one of the ways is by eating a healthy diet. Therefore, if you want to be a father, it matters a lot what you eat.
Male infertility can have a very diverse origin, and in some cases, as in the case of food we can act to minimize risks. A recent review of scientific literature on the subject emphasizes that if the man has a good diet, such as the Mediterranean, it could significantly improve sperm quality and increase the likelihood of the couple's conception.
The review, published in the journal "Human Reproduction Update", has been carried out by researchers from the Human Nutrition Unit of the Rovira i Virgili University and the Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere i Virgili, who are part of the CiberObn Network of the Carlos III Institute (the Thematic area of Obesity and Nutrition of the Center for Biomedical Research Network).
Foods that improve man's fertility (and others that harm him)
But, Which foods are related to lower fertility and which ones favor the possibility of pregnancy?
Comparing the different studies that relate the different components of the diet with male fertility and fertility (the probability of conception per menstrual cycle), the following is verified:
Foods that reduce fertility. A high consumption of alcohol, caffeine and red and processed meats in men contribute to the decrease in the chances of pregnancy and the fertilization rates of couples. They also negatively influence fertility, reducing sperm quality, foods rich in soybeans, sweets and sweetened beverages, as well as certain whole dairy products.
Foods that favor fertility. On the contrary, a healthy diet, rich in some nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, some antioxidants found naturally in fruits and vegetables (vitamin E, vitamin C, β-carotene, selenium, zinc, cryptoxanthin and lycopene ) and other vitamins (vitamin D and folate), together with a low consumption of saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids are associated with an improvement in sperm quality. Other foods that are associated with better semen quality or sperm activity are fish and shellfish, chicken, cereals, vegetables and fruit, or low-fat dairy.
We have already spoken to you on other occasions about how food is important for reproductive health. According to studies, low levels of zinc can reduce semen volume and testosterone levels and there are essential nutrients such as folic acid which improves the quality of sperm (in legumes, green leafy vegetables and whole grains), so it is recommended to parents also before pregnancy.
On the other hand, it is important that men exercise regularly and maintain an adequate body weight, since obesity worsens not only the quality of sperm but also the health of their children. Drugs such as marijuana also impair fertility.
In short, it is amply proven to lead a healthy lifestyle, including food, improves the fertility of man and the chances of achieving pregnancy. This should contribute to better pregnancy planning, so that effective nutritional recommendations are made, both to the future mother and the father.
Photos | iStock
Via | Huffington Post
More information | Academic
In Babies and more | How to improve male fertility ?, Couples with obesity may need more than twice the time to achieve pregnancy, Male infertility: what is it and why?
