The consumption of nuts increases men's chances of fatherhood - Spanish study

Effect of nuts on male fertility

A team of researchers has confirmed that adding nuts to a man's diet, thanks to their content of healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, can significantly increase his chances of conception.

Study from Rovira i Virgili University

Recent research conducted by a team from the human nutrition unit of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Reus, Spain, has suggested that diet can significantly affect sperm quality. The researchers note that environmental factors such as pollution, smoking, and poor diet may be partly responsible for the decline in male fertility.

This controlled, randomized study specifically examined the effects of nut consumption on sperm health. The study involved 119 men aged 18 to 35 years. The results of the study were presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Barcelona, Spain. The author of the study is Dr. Albert Salas-Huetos.

Experimental group and results

In this study, the men were divided into two groups. The amount of 60 grams of nuts was chosen based on previous studies that showed this is the amount that provides the optimal level of nutrients needed to improve sperm quality. Participants in the first group added nuts, almonds, and hazelnuts to their diet at a rate of 60 grams per day. The second group did not change their diet.

As a result, the "nut" group showed, after 14 weeks, sperm that was richer in spermatozoa (16%) compared to the other group. Sperm vitality was also improved (4%), as well as motility (6%) and the morphology of the gametes (1%). "These four factors are associated with male infertility," reminds Dr. Albert Salas-Huetos.

Another important result of the analysis is the reduction in the number of abnormal sperm. Men who consume nuts see their risk of infertility significantly decrease.

Important notes

It is important to note that the study focused on men whose sperm fertility was normal. Currently, it is not known for certain whether nut consumption will have the same positive effect on those with severe conception problems.

Expert recommendations

Despite this, experts emphasize that a man's diet has a direct impact on the quality of his sperm. Vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve sperm motility and quality, are particularly important. It is therefore recommended to include vitamins C and E, zinc, fatty acids, and other beneficial substances in your daily diet.

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