Eating nuts could boost male fertility, study suggests

Eating 60 grams of mixed nuts daily for 14 weeks has significantly improved sperm quality in males in a new study by Spanish researchers

The results of the study titled "Effect of Consumption of nuts on sperm quality and functionality in healthy men "were presented at a meeting of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE 2018) in Barcelona

The results "support a beneficial role for chronic consumption of nuts in sperm quality". As part of the study, 119 men between the ages of 18 and 35 were recruited and divided into two groups.

The first group added 60 grams of nuts to their "western" style daily diet, including almonds and hazelnuts. and nuts. The second group, on the other hand, has not eaten nuts. The study lasted nearly four months (14 weeks), after which the researchers compared the sperm quality of the two groups.

Men who ate nuts every day found a significant increase in their sperm count. On average, their sperm count was 16% higher than those who did not eat nuts.

The vitality, movement and shape of sperm have also been improved.

"In addition, subjects in the walnut group showed a significant reduction in their levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, a parameter closely badociated with male infertility." Further research is needed before health experts can begin making this dietary recommendation to men who are trying to conceive. a child.

"We can not say that yet," said Albert Salas-Huetos, co-author of the Rovira and Virgili University Study in Reus, Spain

. " such as following a healthy diet could help with the design – and of course, nuts are a key part of a healthy Mediterranean diet, "he added.

A variety of nuts can provide protein, calcium, antioxidants They are also considered a good source of fiber and healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated).

It is estimated that 5 million couples in the United States face fertility problems when they try to conceive a child. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a male factor is a major or contributory cause in at least half of these cases.

All participants in the study were healthy men, which means that these results should be replicated with those who are experiencing significant fertility problems. And aside from food, many other factors – such as smoking, radiation exposure, emotional stress, body weight and more – can contribute to infertility and should be taken into account [19659013]. we need to see this translate into an effect on fertility, "said Virginia Bolton, a consulting embryologist at Guy and St Thomas Hospital in London, England.