Fat is one of the essential elements needed by the human body. Fat has an important role in the process of metabolism in the body, among others, as a compiler of several cell structures as well as one of the body's energy sources.
Fat intake is required in a balanced amount to play an optimal role. Excess fat in the blood has many side effects, such as trigger heart disease and blood vessels. However, did you know that high blood fat levels can reduce male fertility?
What is the relationship between fat and sperm?
In the gastrointestinal tract, fat or lipids will be broken down into elements such as cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL (good fat), LDL (bad fat), and others. Some parts of these fats have an effect that decreases sperm production activity and sex hormones.
Hypercholesterolemia (excess cholesterol in the blood), for example, interferes with the activity of cells responsible for providing nutrients to sperm. In addition, excess cholesterol can also reduce the activity of testosterone, the main sex hormone in men.
High cholesterol in the blood has a tendency to form free radicals in the body. Free radicals are harmful elements that are damaging sperm and can disrupt the process of sperm maturation in the testes.
A study also concluded that hypertriglyceridemia (excess triglyceride levels in the blood) can have a negative effect on the number and motility of sperm cells. In addition, high levels of fat in the blood can cause obesity or excess weight. Obesity also contributes to the decline in sperm quality.