A new study from the University of Sheffield has shown the benefits of tomatoes in boosting fertility in men. Tomatoes have a compound in them called lycopene which gives them the red color. This helps improve sperm count, quality and motility, reveals the new small-scale study.
The new study from the University of Sheffield
Infertility is a not so uncommon problem in the world. Many couples struggle to have babies. The causes of it are varied. One-third of the times, the female has some issue. And in one third of the cases, there are some problems in men. Whereas, in the remaining one third cases of infertility, there is incompatibility which is responsible for it. At times, the low sperm count and low sperm function in men is the reason for this problem.
The University of Sheffield (Source: University of Sheffield)But now a study from the University of Sheffield reassures and reveals that there might be some remedy for the infertility issue in men. According to the study, tomatoes are not only tasty and healthy, but they also boost fertility in men. These nightshade vegetables contain a compound called lycopene. This compound provides the tomatoes with their rich red color. At the same time, this antioxidant has a positive impact on the sperm count, its quality and it’s motility.
The exact study details
The research team from the department of oncology and metabolism of the University of Sheffield recruited 60 healthy men in the age group of 19 to 30 years. These volunteers had normal sperm count and function at the start of the study. The researchers told these recruits to have two LactoLycopene tablets every day. This was equivalent to five cans of cooked tomatoes in a day.
Tomatoes have lycopene in them that improves sperm count, quality and motility (Source: Health line)Only 30 people had the medicated pills while the other half only got placebo pills. But it was a double blind study. After 12 weeks, the sperm analysis was repeated. And it showed that those on medicated pills had 40% faster swimming sperms. The sperm size and shape also showed an improvement in this group.
Opinion of the authors
Lead author, Professor Allan Pacey said:
“When we decoded the results, I nearly fell off my chair… The improvement… was dramatic.”
He added:
“We didn’t really expect that at the end of the study there would be any difference in the sperm from men who took the tablet versus those who took the placebo.”
Study co-author, Dr Liz Williams who deals in human nutrition opined:
“Further research is needed with a larger study sample”
Also, the recruits were healthy. The study needs to be replicated with men who have low sperm count and motility. 7 News Au points out:
“Experts point out that the study, which only involved healthy participants, does not show that lycopene improves fertility and needs to be replicated with men with poor sperm quality.”
Read here: What are Nightshade vegetables? Are they bad for arthritis, IBD, and autoimmune diseases?
Tomatoes can boost fertility (Source: Pinterest)So next time you make a salad, add tomatoes in it. Do not skimp it. Moreover, enjoy all Mediterranean and other food dishes that have tomatoes in it. It might turn out to be a useful move for men.