Have you heard about the fertility benefits of mangos? For most of us, the answer is no, but new data has revealed that mangos, when eaten regularly, improve the quality of men’s sperm. If this sounds a little too good to be true, here are the facts that you need to know.
Fertility Benefits of Mangos and the Australian Discovery
Two universities—Monash University and The University of Western Australia—followed the fertility of male crickets that were given mango as their food source. According to their findings, the male crickets who consumed the fruit had sperm that contained antioxidants in higher concentrations compared to their non-mango-eating counterparts.
This proves to be an interesting tidbit because men who have higher concentrations of antioxidants in their sperm have an improved chance of impregnating their partner. But it’s not just the
that make this happen, however; it’s also the vitamin E–enriched antioxidant sources they ingest. While mango stood out as a powerful fruit to add to one’s diet, here is a list of other foods that also contribute to fertility:
- Avocado
- Cantaloupe
- Pumpkin
- Carrots
- Nuts
Tools to Increase Your Fertility and Sperm Quality
Now that you have a list of foods that can boost your sperm quality, it’s time to discuss the tools and tactics you can use to improve your odds of conceiving. While low sperm count may seem like a daunting issue for men to face, it’s not a life sentence.
Through a combination of behavioral modifications and habits, men can improve their sperm quality and count, and increase their odds of impregnating their partner. Here’s how you can be proactive about your sperm quality moving forward.
Exercise More Often
According to Dr. Nazia Bandukwala, men who exercise a few times per week are more likely to impregnate their partner. The act of pushing our muscles to the limit and expanding our cardiovascular system stimulates our sperm and increases their mobilization.
For men, having mobile sperm improves the odds of their partner conceiving. When the sperm enters the female reproductive system, the cells have a greater chance of passing through the fallopian tube and fertilizing the woman’s egg.
It’s also important to refrain from overworking, though. Too much exercise can lead to a myriad of health-related issues such as rhabdomyolysis, muscle tearing, dehydration, bone damage and low sperm count.
Be Mindful of What You Drink
Another overlooked area that could be decreasing your sperm count and volume is what you’re drinking throughout the day. Do you find yourself having a few beers every night as a way to unwind from a hectic schedule? Moreover, does drinking a few cups of coffee, or worse, an energy drink, pique your interest? If so, your sperm may be suffering in silence on account of your drink choices.
Certain drinks, specifically those infused with large amounts of caffeine, have been linked to poor sperm health. More interesting is the influence that caffeine has on the DNA found within a male’s sperm. Men who admitted to having more than three caffeinated beverages per day were found to have low-quality semen and damaged DNA within their sperm cells.
In conjunction with this, there seems to be a correlation between caffeine and female pregnancy. Numerous studies have found a link between women who have miscarriages and their male counterparts consuming caffeinated beverages.
While we’re not advocating to change your lifestyle completely, we encourage you to be mindful of what you drink daily. Opt for healthier choices such as water, non-caffeinated beverages and all-natural juices. These simple practices can impact your sperm in beneficial ways and improve the odds of your partner becoming pregnant.
Don’t Lose Hope
As men, we understand the importance of bringing life into this world and teaching our offspring the life lessons that will help them become successful. Whether you’re just learning about the fertility benefits of mangos on sperm or you’re ready to start incorporating the tools and behavioral choices that improve your sperm quality, don’t give up hope. With discipline and consistency, building a family is on the horizon!