A low sperm count has been linked with factors such as a zinc deficiency or a lack of vitamins. So, making some nutritional changes can be a great way to bring that sperm count up.
So we’ve put together a list of the foods you need to get on his Trying-To-Conceive menu, ASAP.
Oysters for sperm production
Oysters are one of your man’s best sources of zinc, which helps sperm production. It also doesn’t hurt that they’re an aphrodisiac, so load him up with 15mg a day – around 50g of oysters – and you’ll be making babies before you know it. If your wallet – or his stomach – can’t stretch to that much, other great sources of zinc are turkey, pumpkin seeds, lobster and mussels.
Dark chocolate for antioxidants
Dark chocolate contains an amino acid that has been proven to double sperm and semen volume. It’s also high in antioxidants – enough to rival pomegranates and acai berries. Antioxidants are a great weapon against free radicals, nasty little molecules found in pollution and toxins that are linked to male infertility. But don’t go overboard – putting on weight can cause imbalances in testosterone which could lower your man’s sperm count. A couple of squares a day is plenty.
Garlic for sperm motility
If the strong aroma doesn’t put you off doing the deed, garlic is a great baby-making booster for your man. It contains two magic elements – allicin, which improves blood flow to his sexual organs and protects sperm from damage, and selenium, an antioxidant that improves sperm motility. One to two cloves a day is a good amount.
Bananas for libido
Bananas have been found to increase male libido and regulate sex hormones because of an enzyme called bromelain. They’re also full of vitamins C, A and B1 which will boost his body’s ability to produce sperm.
Broccoli for upbeat swimmers
Deficiencies in vitamin A are a common cause of low fertility, because a lack of vitamin A makes your man’s sperm sluggish. Broccoli is packed with vitamin A, as are red peppers, spinach, apricots, sweet potatoes and carrots.
Asparagus for volume
Asparagus is another weapon against those nasty free radicals. It’s also packed with vitamin C, which protects sperm from damage and increases its motility and volume – so your man will have more swimmers and they’ll move faster.
Walnuts for sperm count
Omega-3 fatty acids increase sperm count and boost blood flow to the genitals – and walnuts are a fantastic source. They’re a tasty on-the-go snack, and can be sprinkled on cereal or dessert. Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are crab, salmon, chicken and pumpkin seeds.
Ginseng for testosterone
This aphrodisiac root has been used to treat infertility for hundreds of years. It boosts levels of testosterone and increases blood flow to the genitals, with some claiming it even treats erectile dysfunction. Get your man to drink tea with ginseng, or take dried ginseng root each day for a TTC boost.
This article first appeared on Mother & Baby UK.
