Daily consumption of nuts may improve male fertility, studies show. Just two 30-gram servings a day are enough to significantly improve sperm vitality, motility and morphology.
In a meta-analysis, researchers from Monash University in Australia looked at data from previous studies to see how nuts may affect fertility in men and women. The researchers conducted an extensive search of four scientific databases to gather relevant literature on the effects of nuts on fertility.
To ensure the quality and relevance of the study, strict inclusion criteria were applied, including studies with men and women of reproductive age (18-49 years) and lasting at least three months. The time period was chosen to take into account the regular sperm maturation cycle, which lasts 76 days.
In the end, four publications were included in the final analysis, with a total of 646 men and 229 women. This rigorous process and the high standards used to assess the credibility of the studies underscore the accuracy and reliability of the research, writes News Medical.
Infertility is a global problem that currently affects approximately eight to twelve percent of all reproductive-age people between the ages of 18 and 49. It is particularly prevalent in underdeveloped and developing countries, where about one in four couples have difficulty conceiving.
Despite research, about 10 to 15 percent of infertile people have no underlying diagnosis for the cause of the problem.
Two servings of nuts a day
In two of the studies, researchers found that consuming at least 60 grams of nuts per day improved sperm quality in men. The nuts included in the diets were pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts and cashews, which have been shown to contribute to sperm vitality, motility and morphology, which are crucial in assessing sperm health and fertility potential.
“Our meta-analysis shows that including at least 2 servings of nuts daily as part of a Western-style diet in healthy men improves sperm parameters, which are predictors of male fertility”, the researchers wrote in the analysis, which was published in the journal Advances in Nutrition.
The study also highlights the Mediterranean diet as an important factor in fertility. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by a high intake of fish, fruits, vegetables and olive oil, has been associated with improved fertility outcomes in previous studies. For women, this diet has been shown to increase the number of available embryos and improve fertilization rates in previously infertile women. For men, the diet has been associated with improved sperm concentration and motility, as well as increased sperm count.
This information, the researchers argue, is particularly relevant when compared to a Western diet, which is often rich in processed foods and saturated fats and has been associated with negative effects on reproductive health, among other things. Therefore, the nutrient-rich composition of the Mediterranean diet is highlighted as a healthy dietary option to improve male and female fertility.
However, the researchers could not find clear evidence that increased nut intake could help improve female fertility, but the results suggest the need for more research on the subject.
