Antioxidants are most often associated with anti-wrinkle creams and the entire industry associated with anti-aging treatments. Few people realise, however, that antioxidants also have a beneficial effect on male fertility. They reduce, among other things, the effects of stress, which often significantly reduces not only sperm motility and sperm quality, but also adversely affects the length of the erection.
Oxidative stress as an enemy of fertility
Explaining the concept of oxidative stress, it is worth quoting the definition of RTF, i.e. relative oxygen species. When the balance between their production and the antioxidant system built into our body is disturbed, pathological processes are initiated, leading to the destruction of cells in our body. Male semen is extremely susceptible to RTF. This is because the sperm cell membrane contains unsaturated fatty acids. They are oxidised. Cytoplasm of sperm cell membrane is characterized by low concentration of enzymes reducing RTF activity. Oxidative stress thus leads to structural damage in DNA, as well as to a significant reduction in cell membrane tightness, which in turn leads to faster cell death and a reduction in the number of sperm and their motility.
Antioxidants in the service of masculinity
Sources of oxidative stress may include: excessive use of plant protection products, smoking, electromagnetic radiation, too close proximity to sources of heat and too high a pace of life, led by low physical activity and insufficient sleep. In order to prevent the negative effects of exposure to the above mentioned factors, it is worth taking care of your antioxidant system. Antioxidants for men can and must be supplemented, but we must not forget that in male semen there is an antioxidant system, built, among other things, with ingredients such as vitamins B, E and C, zinc, selenium, and also pantothenic acid. Insufficient supply of the listed items significantly reduces fertility.
Where do we find the antioxidants?
Antioxidants, in addition to dietary supplements available in pharmacies, can also be found in many food products. Therefore, it is worthwhile to enrich the diet with such ingredients as:
- seafood - we will find zinc in them,
- meat, offal, milk and milk products - we will find selenium there,
- Nuts, cocoa, oatmeal and liver - these are valuable sources of copper, which also supports antioxidant processes,
- whole grain cereal products, dry pulses and buckwheat groats - these are the sources of manganese,
- eggs, cheeses and yeast - we'll find chrome in them,
- Sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots, as well as liver - these are valuable sources of vitamin A, enriching the body with such important ingredients as iron,
- wheat sprouts, vegetable oils, eggs, almonds and margarine - this is where vitamin E is found,
- broccoli, blackcurrant, tomatoes, lemons and tomatoes - with them you can supply your body with the right amount of vitamin C,
- Apples, bananas, blueberries, peaches and strawberries - they will help to supply your body with B vitamins.
If you have serious problems with fertility, in addition to a diet rich in the above mentioned ingredients, it is worth consulting a dietitian and doctor who will help in the selection of appropriate dietary supplements.
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