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Ayurvedic Diet to Keep Sperm Count Healthy

Sperm Count: Ayurvedic Perspective

Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal healing system which focuses on the health and well-being of individuals with the help of right diet and lifestyle habits. In Ayurvedic texts like the ‘CharakaSamhita’, it is mentioned that a healthy sperm count in males is a result of a proper balance of the different energies in the body as well as a healthy diet and regular exercise.

‘Sperm count’ refers to the average total number of sperms present in one sample of semen. A low concentration of spermatozoa (sperm) in the semen is one of the main causes of infertility in men. According to the World health Organization (WHO), the sperm count in the semen of a man is considered to be ‘normal’ when the concentration of sperms is at least 20 million per ml. If the concentration of sperms is lower than the normal level, it is an indication of a condition called ‘Oligospermia’.

In Ayurveda, Oligospermia is called ‘ShukranuAlpata’.Ayurvedic texts have clearly described the reasons for low sperm count in men. Some of these reasons include obesity, improper eating habits, old age, stress, physical or mental overexertion, wearing tight underpants, using very hot water for baths, and health conditions like diabetes. Along with discussing the reasons for low sperm count, the texts also underline the specific ways in which men can increase the quality and the quantity of sperms.

From the Ayurvedic perspective, infertility treatment specifically includes the cure of problems such as indigestion. Ayurveda experts believe that indigestion leads to the formation of toxins (ama) which can reduce sperm count by blocking the channels that carry the semen. Therefore, going by Ayurvedic principles, healthy sperm count can be maintained by eating wholesome foods and staying physically fit.

Ayurvedic Diet for Healthy Sperm Count

According to Ayurveda, the diet for healthy sperm count should include a combination of foods which are rich in proteins and nutrients, fatty, and sweet. Such foods can reduce stress levels and keep the body and mind healthy. Hence, for men who have a low sperm count, Ayurveda recommends some significant dietary changes as a natural remedy.

In accordance with Ayurvedic texts, the diet for a healthy sperm count should comprise foods which contain zinc, folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin D, L-arginine, Coenzyme Q10, and other beneficial nutrients. In particular, Ayurvedic diet for healthy sperm count should include the following foods:

Foods containing Polyunsaturated Fats

Polyunsaturated fats — also called ‘healthy’ fats –can promote the healthy development of the sperm membrane. These fats contain two essential Omega compounds, Omega 3 and Omega 6, which can reduce bad cholesterol levels, increase the flow of oxygen to the testicles, and improve sperm count. Foods that contain healthy fats commonly include ghee, olive oil and other plant-based oils, fish and seafood, fortified eggs, walnuts, flaxseed, yogurt, and beverages.

Zinc-rich Foods

Foods that have abundance of zinc are also an important part of Ayurvedic diet for healthy sperm count. Zinc-rich foods can prevent sperm from damage caused by free radicals and can also stimulate the libido. Some of the foods which are an excellent source of zinc are whole wheat grains, dairy products, , nuts and seeds, beans, and fortified cereals.

Fruits like Bananas and Berries

Bananas are considered as a rich and satiating food, with an abundance of magnesium, Vitamins B1, and Vitamin C. The fruit is an excellent source of energy and stamina, and can increase the production of sperms because of the presence of a rare enzyme called Bromelain.

Besides bananas, other fruits known for their ability to increase sperm quality and production are the berries — including goji berries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries— because they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. The intake of goji berries, in particular, can improve the temperature around the scrotum (A sac of skin that hangs from the body at the front of the pelvis, between the legs.) and leads to high sperm count.

Leafy-green Vegetables

Leafy-green vegetables like spinach and lettuce are cholesterol-free foods, rich in folic acid, iron, proteins, and nutrients. These vegetables are an important part of Ayurvedic diet for healthy sperm count because they can build the ojas, improve energy levels,and stimulate the circulation of blood to all parts of the body.

Foods that contain Antioxidants

Foods containing antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, are also beneficial for increasing male fertility. The intake of Vitamin C can increase sperm count and motility, and eliminate/deactivate free radicals and other compounds which damage cells. Some common antioxidant-rich foods include citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, dairy products, meats and poultry, and sweet peppers. Moreover, fruits like kiwi and pomegranates, and vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes can also improve sperm count.

Garlic

Garlic has the ability to improve the production of sperms in the scrotum. The presence of ‘allicin’ in garlic can ensure the flow of blood to the sex organs and protect them from damage, while the ‘selenium’ enzyme can enhance sperm motility.

Fenugreek seeds

The use of fenugreek seeds in daily cooking is also a very useful Ayurvedic remedy for increasing sperm count. Fenugreek can improve sperm health and sperm count because of the presence of a compound called ‘Furosap.’ The intake of fenugreek seeds can specifically maintain healthy levels of the ‘testosterone’ male hormone.

Pumpkin Seeds

Ayurvedic diet for increasing sperm count should also include the intake of pumpkin seeds either as a raw snack or as salad toppings. These seeds are abundant in antioxidants, amino acids, andphytosterols which can have a useful effect on male fertility. Pumpkin seeds can particularly be helpful in overall virility in men by in increasing the count and motility of sperms.

Lentils

Daily consumption of cooked lentils, in the form of dal, is also considered the effectof catalyst for increasing the production of sperms. Lentils are a remarkable source of folic acid which can treat chromosomal abnormalities in men.

Conclusion

Along with an Ayurvedic diet, Ayurveda experts also recommend the use of some beneficial herbs categorised as ‘vajikaranadravya’for keeping the sperm count healthy. These herbs include SafedMusli(Chlorophytumborivilianum), Shilajit(Asphaltum), Ashwagandha(Withaniasomnifera), and Shatavari(Asparagus racemosus). However, for best guidance with regard to Ayurvedic diet and herbs/herbal supplements for improving sperm count, it is advisable to seek help from an expert Ayurveda practitioner.

Weight Loss – 7 Food Items That May Help You Lose Weight Naturally

Overview

These days people are having problems with increased body weight and health conditions due to it. Today nearly 1 out of 5 people in developed countries are overweight.

Weight gain is when the bodyweight increases, it involves an increase in muscle mass, fat deposits and excess fluid such as water, etc. Weight gain can be the cause of serious medical issue or may be due to wrong lifestyle and diet

If a lot of weight is gained due to the accumulation of body fat, one may become overweight or obese. The body mass index measures the body weight in proportion to the square of the height and it defines the ratio in optimal, insufficient and excessive body weight.

Sometimes you may unintentionally increase your weight without increasing your food intake but decreasing the physical activities.

There may either be 3 types of fluctuations.

These are:

1) In some cases, weight fluctuations occur periodically every now and then due to menstrual cycles in most of women.

2) Rapid weight gain is often a side effect of some medications, can also lead to unintentional weight gain.

3) Continuous weight gain is an issue of gaining weight due to varying factors like overeating and advancing age.

Here are some additional factors of gaining weight like hormonal changes, during the time of menopause and other factors also noted in the case of women such as pregnancy and after delivery, they gain weight.

Most people are unsure how to lose weight safely and naturally and at this time, everyone is fighting with body weight.

Ayurveda suggests some home and natural remedies that may help in weight loss but before moving forward we also need to take some extra steps which should be added in weight loss trends to avoid continuous weight gain

A person should eat easy to digest food and take the light evening meal
Drink hot water to help cleanse the digestive tract and blockage and flush out the impurities of the body
Avoid eating highly processed, packaged and junk foods
Move your body. Indulge in some physical activities and yoga
Limit your intake of added sugar

7 Food Items That May Help You Lose Weight Naturally

1. Cinnamon Tea and Honey

Like honey, cinnamon has many medicinal properties; it contains antioxidants which help to improve health in various forms. It can help to improve metabolism and improve insulin function, thereby helps in weight loss

Boil a cup of water,
Add1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and let it cool.
Now add a teaspoon of raw and organic honey in it

2. Avocados

This fruit is high in carbohydrates and rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, and potassium. People who eat avocados on a daily basis tend to have low BMI and avocados can be the perfect addition to vegetable salad. It is a good appetite suppressant.

3. Herbal Green Tea

It is considered to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. One of the most recommended beverages which help in weight loss. Green tea is full of antioxidants. These antioxidants boost metabolism and beneficial in weight loss. These days’ people more rely on Green tea among all the healthier beverages which have also been proven effective.

4. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

It helps to boost our metabolism and helps to lose weight by burning more calories in a day. It has also found to satiate the hunger for longer period of time. Consuming coconut oil every day can burn fat especially belly fat but it is also a fact that finding organic, un refined and virgin coconut oil is difficult

b: It can be considered the alternative of olive and margarine oil for cooking food; and can be added to the salads as well. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil in the boiling water for every half cup of rice helps to reduce calories if you eat it on daily basis.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is produced through 2 steps of the fermentation process.

The acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar may promote weight loss in several ways:

It lowers the level of blood sugar
Reduces fat storage like fat stored in belly or liver fat
Burns fat
Improves metabolism so it helps to decrease fat and sugar production in the liver
Suppresses appetite. Acetic present in it may suppress centers in the brain to control appetite so the food intake is relatively reduced.

6. Oatmeal

Oatmeal itself can help you lose weight. After eating oatmeal, people feel fuller and less hungry in comparison to other cereals. The fibers and loads of nutrients contained in it are also beneficial for the digestive system.

The snack bar is also to be made by oats which is nutritious but at the same time void of carbohydrates and calories.
Homemade bread and pancake made up of oatmeal flour add to the taste as well as help in weight loss

7. Nuts

Nuts are extremely healthy, they are full of nutrients and antioxidants, may prevent weight gain. Mid day craving can be managed by some of the nuts:

Almonds are considered to be as a pre-workout meal, those who’re looking to shed some weight, almonds can be beneficial for them. They contain the amino acid, which helps you to burn more carbs and calories during the workout.
Walnuts are high in unsaturated fat which is healthier for the heart. It is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, proteins, magnesium and antioxidants. It suppresses your unnecessary craving and stimulates your body to lose weight faster.
Pistachios have fewer calories as compared to most of the nuts. Their high fiber content allows you to feel full without overeating.

Eating all these above foods can help to shed your body weight. But nature has given us many more organic food items as well.

In Ayurveda, piperine present in pepper enhances the metabolism. Taking a pinch of pepper along with honey and lemon in hot water can help in quick weight loss by boosting the process.

There are more such remedies taken from ancient Ayurvedic science that are herbal and natural and helpful for those who are searching for weight loss techniques in modern science which might give some sort of side effects to your body