Mediterranean Diets Improve Male Fertility
Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet, which is high in vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, and grains, is significantly associated with improved semen quality, total sperm count, higher sperm concentration, and sperm motility, according to a new review. This is believed to be due to the high intake of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, and the low intake of trans fat and saturated fats.1 Processed red meat and cheese have been found to reduce total sperm count and sperm motility.2,3
References
- Tomada I, Tomada N. Mediterranean diet and male fertility. Endocrines. 2023;4(2):394-406. doi:10.3390/endocrines4020030
- Afeiche MC, Williams PL, Gaskins AJ, et al. Meat intake and reproductive parameters among young men. Epidemiology. 2014(3):323-330. doi:10.1097/EDE.0000000000000092
- Afeiche MC, Bridges ND, Williams PL, et al. Dairy intake and semen quality among men attending a fertility clinic. Fertil Steril. 2014(5):1280-1287. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.02.003