By the time men reach 18, their fertility is irreversibly damaged by a diet consisting of high-fat and processed foods like pizzas, chips, and snacks, according to a study.
The said diet - which is mainly consisted of western junk food - is shown to kill off sperm-producing cells that are irreplaceable. Conversely, a diet rich in fish, chicken, vegetables, and fruit is best for protecting the cells and ensuring healthy levels of sperms:
“...the new Harvard University investigation shows for the first time that poor diet while growing up may reduce a man’s chances of fathering children for the rest of his life.”
Experts believe processed food starved of antioxidants places sperm-producing cells under “oxidative stress”, ultimately killing them.
Professor Allan Pacey from the University of Sheffield, a leading authority on sperm, said: “This just shows the power of diet to the way that testicles function.
“The concern would be that poor diet younger in life makes a change that sticks with you.”
What have you been eating lately?
IMAGE CREDIT: DOMINIC LIPINSKI/PA