Trying to boost fertility? It could be time to focus on what’s on your plate!
A recent study found that men who follow an alternative Mediterranean diet (aMED) – rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains and healthy fats, and low in red meat and alcohol – tend to have better sperm quality.
We’re talking scrumptious meals with olives, salmon, nut butters and fresh produce boosting your chances of conception – not a bad deal!
The researchers explored the link between adherence to aMED and semen quality among 274 Kurdish men aged 22 to 56. Participants were divided into three groups based on their diet adherence, and their sperm concentration, motility, and overall quality were analyzed. The findings revealed that those in the highest adherence group (T3) had a lower body mass index (BMI), along with significantly better semen quality parameters, such as higher sperm concentration and motility, compared to those in the lower adherence groups (T1 and T2). The study employed multivariable logistic regression, showing a positive association between aMED scores and improved sperm metrics.
The findings reinforce the idea that healthy diets rich in plant-based foods, good fats, and moderate alcohol consumption can contribute to better male fertility outcomes – boosting sperm health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Given that they’re also pretty delicious, it’s a meal choice worth considering!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information in your pregnancy, sign up for my free webinar: 7 Pregnancy Myths Debunked – and get the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy and a thriving baby.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
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References:
Palani, A. et al. (2024).Correlation of mediterranean diet pattern and lifestyle factors with semen quality of men attending fertility clinics: A cross-sectional study. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology.