10 Foods that Increase Your Sperm Count

Sperm Count is one of the most important characteristics in male fertility. Research shows that in more than half of  infertility issues in couples, low sperm count is the cause. According to the World Health Organization, sperm count of more than 15 million sperms per milliliters in considered normal. In semen analysis which is a test for sperm quality to find the underlying cause of male infertility, the following parameters are measured: sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, volume, fructose level and pH.

Several environmental, lifestyle and medical causes can lower the sperm count significantly.
Here is a list of the most common causes of low sperm count:

• Drugs such as cocaine and marijuana
• Drinking alcohol
• Exteneded uses of computers and laptops
• Long-term sitting, such as driving and bicycling for a long time
• Smoking
• Stress
• Obesity
• Medical issues:

varicocele, infections, inflammation of testicles and prostate, ejaculation issues, anti-sperm antibodies, tumors, homonal imbalance, gluten intoleance and some medications.

Exercise and a healthy diet can help you to increase your sperm count. Here we gathered a list of 10 foods that can help you to boost your sperm count :

• Bananas

Bananas are effective at increasing sperm count, since they contain a rare enzyme calledBromelain. Bromelain is also found in pineapples, and mostly  in their stem. Beromelain is anatural anti-inflammatory enzyme  which also boosts greater production of the male sex hormone, testosterone.

Bananas are also a rich source of vitamins B1, A and C. These essential vitamins help the body enhance its sperm producing ability and increases stamina significantly.

• Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is not just used in seduction, but it also has enormous health benefits. According to a research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, dark chocolate can increase the feeling of attraction between two people by releasing the same endorphins that are secreted during sex.

Dark chocolate also contains L-arginine, which is also present in red meat, nuts, spinach and lentils, whole grains,soy, seafood and eggs. This amino acid is needed for sperm production and when consumed, increases sperm count and boosts semen volume. According to The University of Michigan Health System , several months of L-arginine supplementation increases sperm count, quality, and fertility.

L-arginine is also known to improve the dilation of blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the genitals, which can help the penis to enlarge. That’s the reason why men who consume dark chocolate everyday have reported stronger and more intense orgasms.

• Garlic

Garlic has the ability to increase blood flow in the body. Garlic contains a chemical called allicin. Allicin is responsible for many of garlic’s amazing health benefits including its antimicrobial, and anti-hypertension properties. This compound prevents plaques from building up in arteries and enhances blood flow to the genital area which increases the production of sperm. Garlic also contains nitric oxide synthase, or NOS, which plays an important role in a healthy erection. Garlic provides the body with selenium and vitamin B6 which are responsible for the mechanism of healthy sperm production.

• Pomegranates

Pomegranates are useful in problems ranging from cold and flu to low sperm count. Pomegranates contain anti-oxidants that fight a chemical in the blood which destroys sperm. This chemical is known as malondialdehyde (MDA). Malondialdehyde is also found in the semen and is associated with low sperm quality . A new study published in the International Journal of Medical Research and Health Sciences (2013)  shows that smoking increases the levels of MDA in semen and lower the sperm count in semen.

Aother study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal  shows that daily consumption of pomegranate juice destroys free radicals and boosts sperm quality.

• Beef

Beef is a rich source of zinc which possesses protective properties that prevent free radicals from becoming part of sperm. Zinc stops testosterone from converting into estrogen which is responsible for low libido. According to Mayoclinic, daily consumption of 66 milligrams of zinc may increase sperm counts in subfertile men and 220 milligrams of daily zinc is helpful for sexual dysfunction in men.