As if you needed another reason besides good heart health, lower risk of diabetes, etc., to increase your omega-3 fatty acid intake! But in case you do...here it is!
Taken from Andy Weil's website, "Steaks, burgers and fries may be portrayed as a manly meal, but all the saturated fat those foods contain seems to result in a lower sperm production than in men whose diets include fish and healthier omega-3 fatty acids. Investigators from Harvard analyzed the sperm of 91 men who were attending the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center in Boston, and gathered information about their diets and the types of fats they ate. The researchers then found that the men with the highest intake of saturated fat had 41 percent fewer sperm than men who ate the least saturated fat. Men with the highest intake of monounsaturated fat had 46 percent fewer sperm compared with men with the lowest intake of monounsaturated fat. Interestingly, participants whose intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fats was highest had sperm with greater motility (they swam around more vigorously) and those with a higher intake of omega-3s had sperm with the best size and shape. The findings were presented at the October 26, 2010 meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine." Another benefit was discussed in a different article showing that those with high intake of Omega-3's were at less risk of gum and tooth disease. So, basically, it's a win-win situation with fish oil. In fact, I don't know a single health care practitioner who'd be against it (and that is a strong statement!). So, get out there and get some fish oil! My favorite brands are Nordic Naturals and Spectrum. They are easy to take and don't make you burp up any fishy tastes. You can get fish oil at the local grocery store or pharmacy but you may experience a burpy aftertaste depending on the brand. Consult with your health care practitioner or pharmacist to see if they have a recommended brand. There is always fish oil by prescription too! Enjoy!
4 Comments
Doc M,
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Dr. Maltz
11/11/2010 12:34:21 pm
Hi Chris,
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Dr. Maltz (again)
11/11/2010 01:26:17 pm
Of course, I left out the most common form of omega 3's - FISH! This is a tricky one...the current recommendations are to eat fish 2-3 times a week as part of an otherwise healthy diet, however, I feel that this recommendation leaves many people guessing what types of fish to eat and how to eat it.
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Chris B
11/18/2010 11:00:26 am
Thanks so much for the response. I passed along the additional info to my whole family and to Sarah!
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AuthorDr. Maltz earned a Medical Degree and Master in Public Health from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, TX. She completed a combined Internal and Preventive Medicine Residency at UTMB in June, 2011. She then completed a 2-year Integrative Medicine Fellowship at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, CT, during which she simultaneously underwent an intensive 1000-hour curriculum created by The University of Arizona Integrative Medicine Program founded by Dr. Andrew Weil. Archives
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