MALE fertility was thrown into the spotlight this week after a study revealed that from the age of 40 it naturally declines.
Sweet potato fries: They contain vitamin E which can boost fertility
Then, new research published yesterday suggested that cutting carbs could double chances of conceiving.
While the study by the British Fertility Society only involved women, experts say what the male partner consumes is just as important if you're trying for a family.
It was recently found that too much coffee could have a negative effect on male fertility.
Indeed, in the study published in the Nutrition Journal, they discovered men who drank more than four cups a day had a higher proportion of abnormally-shaped sperm.
Sperm health: Drinking too much coffee can harm it
However, Dr Marilyn Glenville, nutritionist and author of Getting Pregnant Faster, said that adding particular nutrient-packed foods into your diet can really help.
She explained: "Men need to eat healthy, nutritionally sound diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and oily fish, including foods rich in vitamin A,B,C and E, zinc, selenium and essential fatty acids.”
These are the other key nutrients - and their sources - that she recommends.
Zinc
Source: Oysters, crab, lobster, chicken
“Men should aim to incorporate plenty of zinc into their diet. This is due to the fact that zinc is found in high concentrations in the sperm and is needed to make the outer layer and tail of the sperm and is, therefore, essential for the health of sperm. Zinc is also vital in the maintenance of the male reproductive hormones.”
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Selenium
Source: Brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, canned sardines, grass-fed beef
“Selenium is an antioxidant that helps to protect the body from highly reactive chemical fragments called free radicals. Good levels of selenium are also essential to maximise sperm formation. Blood selenium levels have been found to be lower in men with low sperm count.”
Vitamin E
Source: Spinach, avocados, sunflower seeds and sweet potato
“Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant and has been shown to increase fertility when given to both men and women. With men, vitamin E helps to increase fertilisation rate.”
Oysters: They are rich in sperm-helping zinc
L-Arginine
Sources: Turkey, pork loin, chicken, pumpkin seeds
“This is an amino acid found in many foods and the head of the sperm contains an exceptional amount of this nutrient, which is essential for sperm production. Supplementing with L-arginine can help to increase both the sperm count and quality.
Note: People who have herpes attacks (either cold sores or genital herpes) should not supplement arginine because it stimulates the virus.”
Vitamin C
Sources: Oranges, red peppers, kale, brussels sprouts
“Vitamin C, found in oranges and leafy green vegetables, has been shown to reduce the tendency of sperm to clump together (agglutination), a common factor in infertility.”
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