Extra virgin olive oil is one of the basic pillars of the Mediterranean diet and is known for its health benefits. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, among others, have been attributed to this oil. However, these benefits of olive oil could also have an impact on male fertility.
Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. However, it also contains other components such as phenolic compounds and tocopherols (vitamin E).
The proportion of these components can vary between different types of olive oil, which is important because these molecules also contribute to the health effects of this type of oil.
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Olive oil and male fertility
Due to its composition, extra virgin olive oil can be a natural ally for male reproductive function. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of olive oil on the reproductive organs may also be beneficial for fertility.
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Oleic acid
One of the positive effects that olive oil can have on male fertility is its oleic acid content.
Replacing saturated fatty acids with monounsaturated (such as oleic acid) or polyunsaturated fatty acids can reduce total and LDL (the so-called"bad cholesterol") cholesterol levels.
This is important for male fertility, as elevated total cholesterol levels may affect the seminal volume and sperm vitality.
Vitamin E
In addition, olive oil contains tocopherols, i.e. vitamin E. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant that has been linked to male fertility.
Spermatozoa are cells that can be damaged by oxidative stress. Sperm membranes are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are susceptible to oxidation. Therefore, oxidative stress could affect sperm membranes and sperm DNA integrity, altering their function.
However, vitamin E, due to its antioxidant properties, could protect spermatozoa from these effects.
In fact, this vitamin E has been linked to sperm motility. In addition, vitamin E has been associated in men with the production of testosterone, the male sex hormone par excellence.
Mediterranean diet and male fertility
The Mediterranean diet is characterized by the consumption of fruits, nuts, legumes, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, and, of course, the use of olive oil.
This is why, despite the above, we cannot forget that olive oil is usually consumed in the context of a Mediterranean diet. In general, a Mediterranean diet and a healthy eating style would be associated with better sperm quality.
FAQs from users
Does olive oil improve semen values?
Olive oil is an oil that contains a fatty acid from the omega-9 family, which helps to reduce LDL cholesterol and supports the body's functions in general, including proper sperm production.
What type of olive oil is best for male fertility?
Extra virgin olive oil is the one that is generally associated with the beneficial effects attributed to this type of oil.
However, the proportion of the different components of extra virgin olive oil is not always the same. The composition may vary depending on factors such as the degree of ripeness of the olive, the climate of the growing area or the type of oil extraction processes.
Can eating habits affect a man's sperm count?
Absolutely yes. Diet and eating habits are key factors when it comes to determining sperm quality in males.
A number of studies have demonstrated that what you eat on a daily basis, especially if it contains high amounts of carbohydrates and saturated fats, can diminish the sperm count, causing oligozoospermia.
Can olive oil help with poor sperm quality?
Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that is rich in oleic acid. If taken in great amounts, it helps destroy and eliminate the presence of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in blood flow, which can help reduce the risk of having a cardiovascular and/or brain disease.
In relation to reproductive health, regular use of olive oil (especially virgin olive oil) along with the elimination of LDL cholesterol boost the arrival of oxygen to the testes. In other words, spermatogenesis will occur in optimum conditions.
Recommended readings
In this article, we have discussed oxidative stress and antioxidants. For more information on antioxidants and semen quality, please visit the following link: What are antioxidants and how do they affect semen quality?
On the other hand, if you are interested in improving sperm quality and want to read some recommendations, don't forget to read this article: Is it possible to improve sperm quality - Recommendations
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References
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Cutillas-Tolín A, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Mendiola J, López-Espín JJ, Jørgensen N, Navarrete-Muñoz EM, Torres-Cantero AM, Chavarro JE. Mediterranean and western dietary patterns are related to markers of testicular function among healthy men. Hum Reprod. 2015 Dec;30(12):2945-55.
Gardner CD, Kraemer HC. Monounsaturated versus polyunsaturated dietary fat and serum lipids. A meta-analysis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 1995 Nov;15(11):1917-27.
Karayiannis D, Kontogianni MD, Mendorou C, Douka L, Mastrominas M, Yiannakouris N. Association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and semen quality parameters in male partners of couples attempting fertility. Hum Reprod. 2017 Jan;32(1):215-222.
Mazzocchi A, Leone L, Agostoni C, Pali-Schöll I. The Secrets of the Mediterranean Diet. Does [Only] Olive Oil Matter? Nutrients. 2019 Dec 3;11(12):2941.
Nassan FL, Chavarro JE, Tanrikut C. Diet and men's fertility: does diet affect sperm quality? Fertil Steril. 2018 Sep;110(4):570-577.
Salas-Huetos A, James ER, Aston KI, Jenkins TG, Carrell DT. Diet and sperm quality: Nutrients, foods and dietary patterns. Reprod Biol. 2019 Sep;19(3):219-224.
Santangelo C, Vari R, Scazzocchio B, De Sanctis P, Giovannini C, D'Archivio M, Masella R. Anti-inflammatory Activity of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenols: Which Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases? Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2018;18(1):36-50.
Umeda F, Kato K, Muta K, Ibayashi H. Effect of vitamin E on function of pituitary-gonadal axis in male rats and human subjects. Endocrinol Jpn. 1982 Jun;29(3):287-92.
FAQs from users: 'Does olive oil improve semen values?', 'What type of olive oil is best for male fertility?', 'Can eating habits affect a man's sperm count?' and 'Can olive oil help with poor sperm quality?'.
Authors and contributors
More information about Cristina Algarra Goosman
So I have to increase my vitamin E intake
Hi Ezra,
Vitamin E has many benefits including improving seminal quality.
This vitamin is found, apart from in olive oil, in many other foods such as wheat germ, almonds, rice, avocado and eggs.
I hope I have helped you.
Best regards
Hello, so we can modify the quality of semen from the outside, that is, with food?
Hello Lukas,
Indeed, habit changes both by lifestyle and nutrition can affect both positively and negatively seminal quality.
If you are looking to get pregnant it is advisable to make some lifestyle changes to get the best semen quality possible.
I hope I have helped.
Best regards.