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This is Scientific American's 60-second Science. I'm Cynthia Graber. This will just take a minute.

Guys, here’s another reason to eat your veggies: they might be good for your sperm¹. Some studies show that male fertility and what’s called seminal² quality have declined over the last few decades. So researchers from two fertility clinics in Spain looked at the reproductive power of fruits and vegetables. The scientists have spent the past four years analyzing³ diet and possible exposure to workplace contaminants in men with fertility problems.

One effort examined the effects that antioxidants might have on sperm. The researchers hypothesized that antioxidants could lower the oxidative stress that can harm sperm. More antioxidants could theoretically improve both sperm concentration and motility.

The study enrolled⁴ 61 men from couples with fertility problems. Thirty of the men were shown to have sperm problems. The other 31 one acted as the control. Interviews revealed that the males with good semen quality ate significantly more fruits and vegetables—their diets were higher in vitamins and antioxidants in general. The study appears in the journal Fertility and Sterility⁵. The researchers say this finding suggests that healthy diets lead to healthy sperm. So remember, guys, an apple a day keeps your swimmers in play.

Thanks for the minute for Scientific American's 60-second Science. I'm Cynthia Graber.