Is Potato Good for Sperm Count? What Science Says
Diet has a major impact on increasing or decreasing sperm count. Potatoes are among those foods that contain nutrients that can influence sperm cells. This is why people often ask is potato good for sperm count.
Vitamins, potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants are some of the common nutrients in potatoes. Nutrients in potatoes can provide a range of health benefits, including enhanced male fertility. For example, Vitamin C, a prominent ingredient in potatoes, can protect sperm from the damage of oxidative stress.
In this article, we will discuss the nutritional composition of potatoes and see how eating potatoes can benefit sperm count.
Why Sperm Count Is Important?
Sperm count means the number of sperm cells per milliliter of semen. Reports show that a normal sperm count is 15 to 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen [1].
A normal sperm count is a very important factor to consider when you are trying to conceive. If your sperm count is below the normal range, there is less chance of successful fertilization and conception.
If you have a lower sperm count, there are treatment options to correct it. Different lifestyle and dietary habits can increase sperm count and enhance overall reproductive health.
Nutritional Composition of Potatoes
Potatoes are an everyday food for many people in different regions of the world. They are rich in essential nutrients that can positively impact your overall health.
The nutrients in potatoes include:
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Folate
- Dietary fiber
- Antioxidants
The nutrients in potatoes are responsible for regulating many body functions. They can also influence reproductive health and sperm count.
Potatoes For Sperm Count: What Does Science Say?
A 2020 study by the journal Andrologia shows that potato peels can decrease the death of sperm cells and increase sperm concentration [2]. Another 2020 study shows that sweet potatoes can improve sperm quality and sperm count [3].
There are just limited studies about the direct association of eating potatoes with sperm count. However, the nutrients in potatoes are scientifically proven to be healthy for sperm count and overall reproductive health.
Potatoes contain vitamin C, which is an excellent antioxidant. Studies show that vitamin C can prevent damage to the sperm cells and increase sperm count [4].
Potatoes also contain a healthy amount of folate. A 2017 study shows that folate intake can significantly improve sperm count and other characteristics in males [5]. Fertility supplements containing nutrients like zinc and folate can be beneficial for boosting sperm count and overall reproductive health.
Sweet Potato vs. Regular Potato
Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are different in their nutritional profile. Sweet potatoes contain a good amount of vitamin A. Studies show that vitamin A has a positive impact on male fertility [6].
Regular potatoes contain a healthy amount of vitamin C and folate, and it is also a source of zinc. These nutrients play a very important role in improving sperm count, motility, and overall fertility status [7].
How to Include Potatoes In Your Diet?
Potatoes can go well with a wide range of dietary plans. In addition to potatoes, knowing which nuts are good for sperm count can further support male fertility. Here are some simple ways to get regular and sweet potato benefits for sperm:
- Boiled potatoes: You can boil the potatoes and eat them as a side dish with your meals for a healthy and filling option.
- Potato salad: Mix boiled potatoes with yogurt and make potato salad to eat as a snack.
- Mashed potatoes: Mash boiled potatoes with some butter and milk. It will result in a soft and creamy side dish for your meal.
- Roasted potatoes: Another way to enjoy potatoes is by roasting them. Roast potatoes in the oven with olive oil. After that, add your favorite spices and make a healthy snack.
Conclusion
Is potato good for sperm count? Potatoes can be a good addition to any diet focused on improving fertility. It contains nutrients that can support reproductive health and improve sperm concentration.
You can choose sweet potatoes for vitamin A, which plays an important role in improving male fertility. If sweet potatoes aren’t your choice, you can add regular potatoes to your diet for nutrients such as vitamin C and folate, improving sperm health and functioning.
There are plenty of options for you to include potatoes in your diet. You can eat them as snacks, as a part of the meal, or as a complete meal.
FAQs
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What are the best foods for male fertility?
The best foods for male fertility are the foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and other nutrients such as zinc, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and folate.
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What are the foods that increase sperm volume?
Zinc-containing foods such as pumpkin seeds, oysters, and beef can increase sperm volume. Other foods for sperm volume include fruits and vegetables and foods high in antioxidants.
Resources Used
- Low sperm count - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. (2022, December 17). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374591
- El-Gindy, Y. M., Abu Hafsa, S. H., & Dosoky, W. M. (2020). Effects of potato peel extract on semen quality, sex hormones and immunity of rabbit bucks under intensive breeding system. Andrologia, 52(11), e13869. https://doi.org/10.1111/and.13869
- Gofur, A., Witjoro, A., Arifah, S. N., Annisa, Y., & Lestari, S. R. (2020). Black soybean tempeh and purple sweet potato improve sperm quality in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Veterinary World, 13(11), 2534-2540. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2020.2534-2540
- Ahmadi, S., Bashiri, R., Ghadiri-Anari, A., & Nadjarzadeh, A. (2016). Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An evidence based review. International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine, 14(12), 729-736. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5203687/
- Irani, M., Amirian, M., Sadeghi, R., Lez, J. L., & Latifnejad Roudsari, R. (2017). The Effect of Folate and Folate Plus Zinc Supplementation on Endocrine Parameters and Sperm Characteristics in Sub-Fertile Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Urology journal, 14(5), 4069–4078. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28853101/
- Hogarth, C. A., & Griswold, M. D. (2010). The key role of vitamin A in spermatogenesis. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 120(4), 956-962. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI41303
- What Vitamins Should A Man Take When Trying To Conceive. Conceive Plus®. https://conceiveplus.com/blogs/blog/what-vitamins-should-a-man-take-when-trying-to-conceive
