Infertility affects 48 million couples and 186 million people worldwide and its causes are not always known, although a healthy lifestyle can help combat this problem. In fact, a new study has shown that following the Mediterranean diet can help improve fertility and increase sperm quality, so a dietary intervention based on this type of diet would be an accessible and simple strategy for couples trying to achieve a pregnancy.
The Mediterranean diet has numerous benefits for general health and is based on foods such as vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil and nuts, and prioritizes the consumption of fish, eggs and lean meats -chicken, rabbit. …– as sources of protein of animal origin, with a lower intake of red and processed meats.
The Western diet, on the other hand, includes an excess of saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and animal proteins, providing more calories, less dietary fiber than recommended, and fewer vitamins and minerals, which is why it is associated with levels of inflammation. higher.
Anti-inflammatory properties of the Mediterranean diet
The research has been carried out by scientists from Monash University, the University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of South Australia, who have found that the Mediterranean diet can improve fertility, the success of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and sperm quality in men The researchers specifically found that the anti-inflammatory properties of a Mediterranean diet can increase couples’ chances of conceiving. The results have been published in Nutrients.
An anti-inflammatory diet, which includes plenty of polyunsaturated or ‘healthy’ fats, flavonoids (such as green leafy vegetables), and a limited amount of red meat, may improve fertility
Dr. Evangeline Mantzioris, a researcher at the University of South Australia, says that modifying your diet before conception is a non-invasive and potentially effective means of improving fertility outcomes. “Having a baby is one of life’s biggest decisions, but if things don’t go as planned, it can be very stressful for both of you,” said Dr. Mantzioris.
“Research shows that inflammation can affect fertility in both men and women, affecting sperm quality, menstrual cycles, and implantation. So in this study we wanted to see how a diet that reduces inflammation, such as the Mediterranean diet, could improve fertility outcomes.” “Encouragingly, we found consistent evidence that by following an anti-inflammatory diet, one that includes plenty of polyunsaturated or ‘healthy’ fats, flavonoids (such as leafy green vegetables), and a limited amount of red and processed meat, we can improve fertility.”
Monash University researcher Simon Alesi has emphasized that understanding the association between anti-inflammatory diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, and fertility could be of great help to couples who want to have children. “The Mediterranean diet is consistently ranked among the healthiest diets in the world. But knowing that it can also increase your chances of conceiving and having a baby is extremely promising,” Alesi says, concluding that: “Modifying your diet is a non-intrusive and affordable strategy that could potentially improve infertility.”
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