A daily handful of nuts is good for men’s… nuts

Snacking on a handful of nuts can improve male fertility, according to new research published this week in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study demonstrated that men who snacked on nuts every day experienced significant improvement in sperm quality parameters.

Nuts have an interesting nutrient profile. Similar findings have supported the positive association of fertility and diets rich in omega-3, vitamin C and E, selenium, zinc, and folate – nutrients that are also found in nuts. This study, conducted by Rovira i Virgili University in Spain and supported by the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council, set out to further explore this link.

The randomised, controlled study evaluated the effect that regular consumption of 60 grams per day of nuts (30g of walnuts, 15g of almonds and 15g of hazelnuts) had on several sperm quality parameters.[1] Results showed that the men who ate nuts had an improvement in those parameters when compared with the men who didn’t. It is thought that regular consumption of nuts seems to improve sperm quality by decreasing DNA fragmentation.

“This is an interesting study and one that is pertinent as Australia’s fertility rate continues to decline. The research indicates that nuts can significantly improve sperm quality. We know ageing can affect sperm quality, so this is particularly exciting for many Australian dads-to-be” said Belinda Neville, Nuts for Life Nutrition Program Manager and Accredited Practising Dietitian. “This new research provides another good reason to enjoy a handful of nuts a day.”

The research comes at a time when one in six Australian couples is experiencing fertility problems.[2] Pollution, smoking and diets that contain processed and refined foods high in sugar, salt, saturated fat and protein from processed meats are all potential causes of infertility.