Healthy Oils and Their Impact on Fertility

The role of healthy oils and essential fatty acids play their part not only on heart health, but also have an impact on fertility.
These essential fatty acids consist of Omega 3-6-9 oils.  Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help regulate hormones in the body, increase cervical mucus, promote ovulation, and improve the uterus by increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organs.  Omega-3s contain both DHA and EPA which are vital in healthy pregnancies and help decrease premature birth and low birth weight babies.  Omega-3’s are found in cold water fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna, and also in flaxseeds, walnuts and soybeans.
Borage oil which is an excellent source of Omega-6 can improve reproductive cell structure.  Oils such as safflower and soy are excellent sources of Omega-6.
Omega-9 monounsaturated fats are found in various food sources with the most amount of the nutrient found in olive oil. Other sources of Omega-9 fatty acids include fresh seeds and nuts, avocado and sunflower oil.
In a very recent study published in Human Reproduction, researchers found that men who ate the most fat had a 43 percent lower total sperm count and a 38 percent lower sperm concentration than men who ate the least fat.  Meanwhile, men who ate the most “good” kinds of fat, called Omega-3 fatty acids which are typically found in fatty fish, had nearly two percent more sperm then men who ate the least Omega-3s.
Fatty acids can improve genital circulation as well as lower blood pressure which helps with erectile dysfunction.  DHA can have an impact on sperm.  When the good kinds of fat aren’t present, cholesterol replaces the needed fatty acids in the sperm membrane, which prevents proper development.  This can create more free radicals which can damage the healthy sperm present.  By increasing the essential fatty acids, sperm have better motility, which increases the chances of conception.
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