Fertility and reproductive health are a growing concern in the hypermodern world. Male fertility was affected by stress, poor diet, environmental toxins, and lack of exercise. Sperm count is one of the most fundamental aspects of male fertility because it directly impacts the possibility of conception. Fortunately, diet adjustments and incorporating some superfoods in your daily diet can help improve sperm health. Among these foods, garlic is the most ancient, boasting health benefits including increasing sperm count.
In this article, we’ll explore in greater detail how garlic increases sperm count and overall male fertility and how it works as per the science.
The Infertility Crisis: A Dark Truth!
Male infertility is a worldwide problem. Counts of sperm in men worldwide have plummeted over the past several decades, according to research — due largely to lifestyle choices. Low sperm count (oligospermia, for short) is one of the leading causes of male infertility. It can result from hormonal fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, infections and exposure to environmental toxins.
Fortunately, sperm health can often be maintained through lifestyle and dietary intervention. Certain foods have nutrients that directly support sperm function, mobility and shape. One such food is garlic, a common household ingredient that has tremendously healthy properties.
The Power of Garlic: A Natural Remedy for Male Fertility
The herb garlic, also called Allium sativum, is a medicine that cultures around the world have been using for millennia. Called a “superfood”, garlic is well-known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties. But in the fertile kingdom, garlic’s virtues are no less compelling.
Garlic is full of bioactive chemicals and nutrients that are essential for the development of sperm and for the health of the testicles. Let’s dive deeper into the components of garlic that make it such a sperm-suppressing force:
1. Allicin: The Magic Compound
Most famously, one of garlic’s most popular compounds is allicin, a sulphur compound that gives it its unique smell and taste. Allicin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, helping maintain a healthy blood flow. It’s important for male fertility because the better blood circulation means that the testicles get better access to oxygen and nutrients.
In addition, allicin has been demonstrated to shield sperm cells and the testicles from oxidative damage, which is usually triggered by free radicals. Oxidative stress leads to low sperm counts and low sperm quality.
2. Selenium for Sperm Motility
Garlic contains selenium, a trace mineral essential for male fertility. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant, which both shields sperm from oxidative stress and promotes motility (i.e., the capacity of sperm to swim towards an egg). Research has shown that selenium therapy boosts sperm production and mobility in infertile men.
3. Vitamin B6 to Balance Hormones
Garlic is rich in vitamin B6, a key nutrient responsible for controlling hormone levels in the body. A healthy supply of testosterone, the main male sex hormone, is essential for healthy sperm production. As well as facilitating testosterone production, Vitamin B6 decreases stress levels that may depress sperm health.
4. Boosting Nitric Oxide Levels
Garlic also increases the levels of nitric oxide, a compound that is essential for vasodilation (expanding the blood vessels). Nitric oxide increases the blood supply to the sex organs, giving the testes more oxygen and nutrients to create healthy sperm.
5. Reducing Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is the secret behind a number of chronic diseases, including compromised sperm production. Garlic also acts as an anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation of the womb, allowing the production of sperm.
How Garlic Supports Overall Male Fertility Health?
Although garlic directly promotes sperm numbers, which is truly amazing, it also promotes other aspects of male fertility. Some of its more general advantages are listed below:
Increases Libido: Garlic acts as an natural aphrodisiac, improving libido and sexual performance.
Stimulates Immunity: An effective immune system is important for male fertility because it can fight off infection in the reproductive system.
Lowers Blood Pressure: By aiding in hormonal regulation, garlic indirectly promotes testosterone production, which is crucial for spermatogenesis (sperm formation).
Saves You From Erectile Dysfunction: Since garlic stretches the bloodstream better, you can keep erectile dysfunction at bay by preventing it and improve your fertility and libido health.
How To Put Garlic In Your Diet.
Because garlic is so versatile, you can incorporate it in your daily meals. Here are a few ways you can incorporate it into your diet to gain its fertility-enhancing effects:
Raw Garlic: Cut raw garlic cloves in a mortar and pestle and eat it whole. This is the easiest way to use raw garlic because it still has more allicin in it. But remember, it is bitter and astringent.
Recipes Using Garlic: Shred garlic for soups, stir-fries, roasted vegetables or sauces. Light cooking holds most of the active components; cooking it too long weakens them.
Garlic Tea: Scoop crushed garlic with hot water, honey and lemon to create a refreshing tea that boosts immunity and fertility.
Garlic Supplements: Garlic supplements do not taste garlicky and are odorless. Make sure to speak with a physician prior to taking supplements.
Precautions and Considerations
While garlic can be consumed safely, it shouldn’t be consumed excessively, which will result in digestive problems, a foul-smelling breath or a strong body odour. You’ll want to be cautious here- for fertility benefits, take 2–3 cloves of garlic per day.
Additionally, if you take blood thinners, you should talk to your doctor before eating more garlic, as it increases the effectiveness of these medications.
Other Lifestyle Strategies for Sperm Growth
A good dose of garlic may be the secret to higher sperm counts, but you should always go along with healthy habits. Here are a few tips:
Eat a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.
Regular exercise can boost your reproductive health.
Stop smoking, drinking too much, and taking recreational drugs.
Reduce stress by practicing mindful meditation or yoga.
Sleep well and keep your weight down.
Final Thoughts: Foods That Will Increase Your Sperm Count: Garlic
Low sperm counts are a painful problem for many men, but sometimes simple lifestyle and food choices open the door to better reproductive health. Fertility-enhancing Garlic — A natural and cost-effective tool to increase sperm and general male fertility. Taking garlic daily can put you in control of your reproductive life, and increase your likelihood of conception, along with other lifestyle practices.
So, next time you’re in the kitchen, remember to break up a few cloves of garlic — not only for its taste, but for its unparalleled medicinal properties!
