Diet for improving the quality of the sperm

Diet for improving the quality of the sperm

What food is recommended to improve the quality of the sperm?

• A Mediterranean diet

It’s been found that sticking to the principles of a Mediterranean diet can increase fertility for men who have a low sperm count, sperm defects, deformity of the sperm ducts, or disorders of the immune system. However, the diet alone cannot guarantee a significant improvement.

• A diet rich in antioxidants and in colorful fruits and vegetables

Studies conducted in recent years are providing more and more evidence that diet can significantly affect male fertility.

One study analyzed the relationship between diet, energy balance, and fertility in men. Strict adherence to healthy eating habits is positively correlated with overall sperm count, progressive motility, and sperm count with independent motility. However, attention needs to be paid to the fact that foods that are considered “healthy” can sometimes contain a significant amount of contamination, which adversely affects the sperm parameters.

Adequate intake or supplementation of antioxidants has been effective in preventing and treating male fertility to a certain degree. The improvement in pregnancy rate after receiving antioxidant treatment ranges from 11% to 41% in different studies. It is beneficial for men to maintain a normal body weight for the quality of their sperm and for the concentration of male reproductive hormones.

• Eat less sugar and red meat and it is recommended to eat more fish and whole grains.

The quality of human sperm in the last forty years has dropped drastically all around the world (in some places, there is even a decrease of 50-60%), which is causing serious concerns and implications for human fertility. Although it has been proven to be a global issue, this decline is more pronounced in developed and industrialized countries, and indicates that changes in lifestyle factors that can be altered (for example, an unhealthy diet, lifestyle, and contamination) are the main causes.

Studies that examine the relationship between nutrition and sperm quality can be classified into three groups: 1) Studies that examine the relationship between sperm quality and nutritional components, dietary supplements, and antioxidants; 2) food; and 3) dietary habits. Although the picture of the relationship between nutrition and sperm quality and fertility is far from complete, a number of broad conclusions have been drawn:

First, increased consumption of selenium and zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10), and carnitine supplements (an amino acid that contributes to the proper functioning of body muscles) has been linked to positive sperm quality. For more details, see How to improve sperm quality. In terms of food groups, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and whole grains are all rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, and fish, seafood, shellfish, poultry, and low-fat dairy products have been positively linked to sperm quality. Finally, sticking to healthy eating habits is positively associated with sperm concentration and sperm motility.

Another research also encourages men to take antioxidant supplements and to adopt dietary habits that favor consumption of seafood, poultry, nuts, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. The strongest evidence for recommending the use of antioxidant supplements for men comes from couples undergoing fertility treatments who increased their consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in fish and nuts.

Another study shows that including nuts in a Western diet significantly improves the overall amount of sperm and the vitality, motility, and morphology of the sperm. These findings can be partially explained by a reduction in the sperm’s DNA fragmentation (dividing).

• Royal jelly

Royal jelly is highly concentrated food produced by bees and contains, among other things, a high amount of protein, essential amino acids, unusual fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, it contains antioxidants, antibacterial substances, substances that affect the hormonal system, and more.

A study done on healthy men showed an increase in testosterone levels following consumption of royal jelly.

Several studies have been performed on infertile men in which the effect of royal jelly on several doses of sperm counts and on various hormone levels was investigated. These studies also showed a pronounced increase in testosterone levels among those who consumed royal jelly, compared to the control group. In addition, a significant increase in sperm motility was observed in them, as well as protection of their sperm from oxidative damage.

In the hive, royal jelly is the queen bee’s only source of nutrition. The queen is fed this food throughout her life. Larvae that will develop into worker bees will receive a small amount of royal jelly only in the first three days of their lives and will then eat other food. Because of the royal jerry, the queen is much larger than the worker bees and she has a much longer life expectancy than theirs. Royal jelly also gives the queen her fertility and, unlike the workers who are barren, the queen is very fertile and lays about 2000 eggs a day.

It’s recommended to consume royal jelly mixed with honey making it very close to its raw form and preserving its qualities.

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