Want a Baby? Then Skip Breakfast

What could possibly be manlier than a full English breakfast of sausage, eggs, and bacon, slathered with butter and cream?

How about a high sperm count?

According to the Daily Telegraph, researchers at Harvard Medical School found that a diet rich in saturated fats (such as a hot breakfast) can reduce sperm count by nearly half. The effects of such a diet are also non-discriminatory—fat and thin men experienced the same negative effects.

After examining the diets of 91 men seeking fertility treatment, a research team led by Dr. Jill Attaman determined that those in the highest third of saturated fat intake had 41 percent fewer sperm than those in the lowest third. A similar conclusion was made about the effects of monounsaturated fats. On the other hand, it was found that a higher intake of polyunsaturated fats (such as the omega acids in oily fish) improved fertility.

Experts say this study is important because it shows a man can lead to a couple’s infertility just as often as a woman can.

Surprisingly, doctors recommend eating a well-balanced, healthy diet to combat the issue.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.