A new study conducted by researchers at Sheffield University in the United Kingdom has found that consuming tomatoes regularly could improve male fertility.

The study, which was published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, examined the diets of 60 men who were attending a fertility clinic and found that those who ate more tomatoes had higher levels of sperm motility and healthier sperm shape.

What the Study Found

The 60 participants in the study were split into two groups: one that received a daily supplement of lycopene (a naturally occurring substance found in tomatoes) and another that did not.

After 12 weeks, the researchers found that those in the group that received the lycopene supplement had improved sperm motility levels of 6% and healthier sperm shape levels of 1.5%. .

The researchers noted that the improvements in sperm motility and shape were significant enough to potentially make a difference for couples trying to conceive. The study’s lead author, Dr.

Liz Williams, stated, “We didn’t expect to see such a strong improvement in the sperm quality of the men in the trial. This was a small study, so it needs to be repeated, but the results are very encouraging. The next step is to do a larger study to confirm the findings and see if improved sperm quality translates into an increase in pregnancy rates.”.

Why Tomatoes May Help Improve Male Fertility

Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has been shown to have a positive effect on sperm health. Lycopene helps to protect sperm from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells in the body.

Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamins C and E, both of which are important for male fertility.

In addition to their antioxidant properties, tomatoes also contain a compound called lutein, which has been shown to improve sperm motility and increase the chances of conception.

Lutein is a carotenoid that is similar to lycopene and is found in high concentrations in foods like kale and spinach.

Other Foods That May Improve Male Fertility

In addition to tomatoes, there are several other foods that have been shown to have positive effects on male fertility. These include:.

Oysters: Oysters are rich in zinc, which is important for male fertility. Low levels of zinc in the body can result in decreased sperm count and testosterone levels.
Spinach: Spinach is a good source of folic acid, which has been shown to improve sperm quality.
Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and other nutrients that are essential for male fertility.
Avocado: Avocado is a good source of vitamin E, which has been shown to improve sperm motility.
Grapes: Grapes contain resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to improve sperm motility and increase the chances of conception.
Walnuts: Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for male fertility. Omega-3s can help to improve sperm quality and increase the chances of conception.

Conclusion

The findings of this study are encouraging for couples who are struggling with male infertility.

While further research is needed to confirm the results, the study suggests that incorporating more tomatoes into your diet could help to improve sperm motility and shape. Along with tomatoes, there are several other foods that can have a positive effect on male fertility.

By making simple changes to your diet, you may be able to increase your chances of conception and start building the family you’ve always wanted.