Did you know? These five foods may hurt male fertility

Several American studies that have been conducted over the past few years have proved that male fertility has gone down with time. While most men worry about being able to produce sperms, a little lesser percentage worries about the quality of the sperms produce. Several habits like smoking, drinking etc. have been linked to the fall in a man’s fertility, but did you know that even foods have a direct impact on it?

Here’s a list of five foods that are known to reduce male fertility:

1. Processed meats:

Studies have proved that consumption of liberal amount of processed meat, such as hamburgers, bacon, bologna, salami, and hot dogs, results in twenty-three percent less sperm production for a man that when smaller amounts are consumed. This could be because processed meats generally have more hormonal residues which could ultimately have a negative impact on the reproductive system.


2. Full fat dairy:

Two servings of full fat dairy a day are enough, such as whole milk and cheese , are enough to alter the quality of the sperm and reduce its motility.


3. High mercury fish:

Not just men, but even women can be negatively affected by consuming fish which has high mercury content. Mercury damages the omega-3 in one’s body and causes low fertility. Mackerel, swordfish, shark, tuna steak, and tilefish are known to have high mercury content. Instead, replace these with seafood such as shellfish that is rich in zinc, and salmon that is rich in omega-3.


4. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol:

Excess amount of alcohol and coffee or energy drinks and tea can seriously lower sperm count and ultimately affect male fertility. A huge percentage of the world’s male population indulges in regular consumption of alcohol and along with affecting sperm quality this habit makes conception difficult for him. Huge amount of alcohol result in total body oxidative stress, one of the major causes of infertility in men. Alcohol doesn’t really affect the quality of the semen. Also, caffeine damages ones reproductive cells so one should watch ones consumption of the same.


5. Soda:

Regular consumption of aerated drinks of sugar-sweetened drinks or beverages and sodas—a little more than one serving each day—is connected to poorer sperm motility. Consumption of sugary beverages, including soda, sweet tea or sports drinks increases one’s insulin resistance, which in turn results in oxidative stress than could damage one’s sperm quality.