High saturated fat intake harms sperm

Oct 28, 2010 |

London, Oct. 27: New research by experts at Harvard Medical School in the US suggests that men who eat a lot of saturated fat could be damaging their sperm.

The researchers found that men who consume lots of saturated fat and monounsaturated fat may have fewer sperm. On the other hand, those who eat healthier fats - specifically omega 3 and omega 6—may have healthier sperm that is more active, the study suggests.

Saturated fat is found in processed meats such as bacon, sausages and ham, dairy and butter. Monounsaturated fat is found in items such as olive oil.

“We were able to demonstrate that in men who took in higher amounts of fats, such as saturated fat and monounsaturated fat, there was an association with decreased sperm concentration,” the Independent quoted researcher Mr Jill Attaman as saying.

“But polyunsaturated fat - those seen in fish primarily was associated with improved sperm motility,” Mr Attaman added.

The findings were presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine conference in Denver.q

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