Adding Nuts to Your Diet May Improve Sperm Quality

When it comes to improving your fertility, there’s no doubt that diet can play an important role. Recently, Spanish researchers have found that, when men spend fourteen weeks consuming two handfuls of mixed nuts daily, they experienced improved sperm counts. Because the Western world has experienced a decrease in sperm counts due to diet, pollution, and smoking, this study was conducted. These researchers have further concluded that there is growing evidence pointing to the fact that conception is more significant if a healthy diet is consumed.

Better Sperm Health Doesn’t Mean Guaranteed Conception

One of the main things researchers have made clear through this study is the fact that eating nuts don’t necessarily mean couples will conceive. Other factors must come into play including a healthy diet. However, in the study, there were no clear indications regarding what was included in the “Western diet,” throughout the study. Participants experienced a 16 percent improvement in their sperm counts, as well as 6 percent improvement in modality. However, what other factors were present to make increases? The study isn’t definite.

What Does These Finding Mean?

Because the study was performed at random and on men who were fertile, it’s difficult to say how eating them would affect the rest of the male population. Unfortunately, this includes those men who are experiencing fertility issues. Some believe that those who participated in the study may have also made other positive changes to their lives which may have, in turn, had an influence on the results that may not have been taken into account.

While these findings have academic interest to many in the medical profession, they’ve cited how it’s difficult to definitively pinpoint if this dietary change will boost the chances of conception. Until these questions receive confirmed answers, doctors suggest men eat a healthy diet, discontinue the use of alcohol, and stop smoking as a means of improving their sperm quality.

Almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts all have nutrients that, in previous studies, were linked to healthier sperm. These nutrients include antioxidants, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids. Thanks to these nutrients, sperm can maintain its structural integrity and receive protection from free-radical damage. These nutrients also provide hormone regulation.

Changing the Diet

Like any health or dietary change, it’s a good idea to discuss these things with your primary care physician. These discussions are particularly true for those who are making dietary changes with the hopes of conceiving. While the study suggests adding these may improve sperm quality, results may vary from person to person. Some men may also run the risk of an allergic reaction.

There’s growing evidence pointing toward to what we eat has a direct effect on how well we will conceive, as well as the rest of our overall health. Those who have an interest in conception should take stock of their current lifestyle, think about what changes need to be made, and address them accordingly. If the addition meets this criterion, then it may be a good idea to consider doing this for the added health benefits and potential for sperm improvement.