How to increase male fertility
Six foods that increase fertility in men (and one you should stay away from).
Six foods that increase fertility in men (and one you should stay away from)
Fertility is not just a women’s issue! When it comes to the causes of an unfulfilled childwish, men and women are equally affected. So if you are trying in vain to get pregnant, you should leave no stone unturned and become active. A spermiogram provides information about the quality of your sperm. You can easily check this in the comfort of your home with the At-Home Sperm Test. You can also increase your fertility by eating certain foods. We have compiled a list of foods that have been proven to help — and those that tend to reduce sperm quality.
It’s no secret that a healthy lifestyle is key relevant for your fertility. In case that you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, it’s time to stop. Both cigarettes and alcohol are serious fertility killers. Saturated fats that can be found in fast food are also not helpful on the path to fatherhood. You should start taking plenty of vitamins and trace elements now. Here are six foods that are rich in all those key nutrients.
1. Tomatoes
Let’s start with the most famous of the nightshade vegetables: Tomatoes. A large study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston examining the connection between sperm quality and antioxidants revealed some interesting facts. For example, high amounts of lycopene werde found in tomatoes. This ingredient is not only considered to be absolutely vital for the body to fight cancer cells as lycopene prevents cell changes, but it also positively influences the shape of sperm. The more lycopene the participants in the study consumed, the fewer malformed sperm were found by the scientists. So next time you go shopping, don’t forget to stock up on those tomatoes!
By the way, ketchup also contains a high concentration of lycopene.
2. Paprika
Not only tomatoes are helpful in improving fertility, but also vegetables with a high amount of beta-carotene. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston found that peppers in particular, just like carrots and apricots, can positively influence fertility with their high level of beta-carotene. Carotene is known to improve sperm mobility. Moreover paprikas contain vitamin C, which adds up to the considerable health benefits of this vegetable.
3. Citrus fruits
Speaking of vitamin C: Men are also more than welcome to help themselves to citrus fruits! Because the power vitamin is not only great for a strong immune system, but also helps to elevate sperm quality. The selection is extensive: From lemons to grapefruits and oranges to tangerines, be it as a plain snack or as a delicious addition to your smoothie. Most importantly: You will enjoy the fresh taste of citrus fruits. Additionally you also get a refill on potassium, vitamin A and phosphorus (which is good for your teeth) for free!
4. Walnuts
Walnuts are definitely not to be left out of the list of superfoods when it comes to optimising your sperm quality. Why? They are rich in vitamin B, vitamin E and a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. And this has been scientifically proven to serve as a power cocktail for sperm health. Good to know: Also hazelnuts and almonds boost your sperm. Around 60 grams of nuts a day are considered an essential contribution to a healthy diet.
5. Pumpkin seeds
You may already know about the health benefits of pumpkin seeds for the prostate or the bladder. This native superfood contains an extraordinarily long list of healthy ingredients, from vitamin C to phytosterols (good for cholesterol) to magnesium and antioxidants (vitamin E and carotenoids).
Especially Zinc, which is also contained in pumpkin seeds, is particularly interesting for sperm quality. Through the formation of testosterone, zinc supports the production of sperm. So, nibble away!
6. Dark chocolate
Last, but not least, we come to the dessert of our list of fertility-enhancing foods. Dark (preferably fair-trade) chocolate provides high levels of the amino acid L‑arginine thanks to its high cocoa content. This improves the quality and mobility of the semen. In addition, dark chocolate, like citrus fruits and pumpkin seeds, contains many antioxidants that protect sperm and other cells from “free radicals”.
Products with negative influence on sperm quality
After so many food recommendations, we would like to draw your attention to a product that can negatively affect your sperm quality: Sweetened soft drinks. In case you have a manifest childwish but also for general health concerns you should stay away from those or consume them only in moderation.
Did you know that just one glass of cola or soda a day minimises the likelihood of conception? And it does so by a huge margin: around 25 percent for women and as much as 33 percent for men. The reason is the large amount of industrial sugar found in soft drinks — 27 grams come per 0.3 litres. It has a cumulative negative effect on conception chances if both partners consume soft drinks or energy drinks on a regular basis. Better to limit your consumption! Your sperm and health in general will thank you.
The At-home sperm test
Take your fertility into your own hands!
Improving your sperm health increases your chances of conception. With the At-Home Sperm Test, you can easily check your sperm quality from the comfort of your own home. Using advanced fertility technology, you’ll receive accurate information about the volume, concentration and mobility of your sperm on your smartphone in only 15 minutes. The app also provides you with valuable personalised tips to improve your sperm health.
About Fertilly
At Fertilly, we have made it our mission to accompany couples (homosexual and heterosexual) and singles on the way to fulfilling their child wish. In doing so, it is important to us to create transparency in the area of fertility services, to provide information and knowledge on the topics of pregnancy and fertility and to help you to find the most suitable Fertility Center. Through cooperation with first-class Fertility Centres and clinics in Europe, enquiries about Fertilly are given preferential treatment. This means that our patients avoid the usually long waiting times and get appointments more quickly.
If you would like more information about Fertility Centers, success rates and prices, please contact us using this questionnaire. We will advise you free of charge and without any obligation.
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