BTN News: In recent years, experts have emphasized that high-glycemic index (GI) foods can adversely affect male fertility. The glycemic index measures how carbohydrate-containing foods elevate blood sugar levels, which can lead to a range of metabolic and hormonal issues impacting reproductive health in men. A new study from the Nutrition and Metabolic Health Group and the Center for Environmental, Food, and Toxicological Technology at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, in collaboration with the Pere Virgili Health Research Institute, confirms this link. The study, published in the World Journal of Men’s Health, evaluates how the glycemic index and glycemic load of a diet—key indicators of carbohydrate quality—affect semen quality parameters in over a hundred healthy men aged 18 to 35.
One primary mechanism by which high-GI foods impair male fertility is through insulin resistance. Regular consumption of these foods can lead to elevated insulin levels, contributing to hormonal imbalances that affect testosterone production and semen quality. Testosterone is crucial for sperm production and libido maintenance. Moreover, high-GI foods can promote weight gain and obesity, conditions closely linked to reduced semen quality and male fertility. Excess body fat can convert testosterone into estrogen, decreasing the available testosterone and negatively affecting sperm production.
The study highlights several high-GI foods that can negatively impact male fertility, including bakery products like white bread and pastries, sugary cereals, sweetened beverages, white rice, and potatoes. These foods cause rapid glucose spikes in the blood, leading to substantial insulin release and subsequent metabolic issues.
In contrast, opting for low-GI foods can be beneficial for male fertility. Foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and fiber-rich foods help maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. These foods also provide essential nutrients that can enhance reproductive health.
An increasing number of studies conclude that a diet high in high-GI foods can harm male fertility by inducing insulin resistance, causing hormonal imbalances, and contributing to obesity. Therefore, men seeking to improve their fertility might consider reducing their intake of high-GI foods in favor of healthier, low-GI options.
