Can a Starch-Smart® diet improve male fertility?

Many couples who have been infertile have been able to conceive a baby after switching to a whole-food, nutrient-dense, plant-based diet.

In a recent Harvard Study, increasing the intake of saturated fat by just 5 percent was observed with a 38 percent lower sperm count. Infertility rates are also higher in couples that eat meat frequently. Dr. Michael Greger says that researchers believe that this may be due to endocrine-disrupting industrial pollutants such as pesticides and dioxin-like pollutants and steroids that build up in the fat of animals, especially fish. These chemicals can have adverse effects on male reproductive capability. This can even include the chemicals that may be present in the plastic wrap. Research shows that frequent meat and dairy consumption "may negatively affect semen quality in humans" and that fruit and vegetable consumption "improves semen quality," due to its nutrient and antioxidant content. 

Dr. Greger also discusses how heavy metals like lead and cadmium are associated with infertility. High levels of cadmium are found in tuna, and the highest levels of lead are found in scallops and shrimp.

Watch Dr. Michael Greger's video on "Male Fertility and Diet" here.

For more information on infertility, see:

(1) Fish May Interfere With Male Fertility

(2) Plant-Based Diet Improves Fertility

(3) How a Plant-Based Diet Improves Fertility

(4) Why Did You Quit Eating Meat?