Can watermelon enhance male fertility? Experts answer

Apart from being a refreshing fruit, watermelon is also good for male fertility, according to Ayurveda physician Dr Manisha Mishra. In an engaging chat with actor Rajeshwari Sachdev, Dr Mishra said that watermelon is nourishing, hydrating, alkalising, rich in vitamin C, and has more antioxidants than strawberries and beta-carotene. “Lycopene in this fruit helps reduce the stiffness and thickness of artery walls, while citrulline, an amino acid in it produces nitric oxide that helps in expanding the blood vessels. Hence, it is useful for male fertility issues,” said Dr Mishra.

According to the expert, there are two types of watermelons — raw watermelon which is considered cool (used to make vegetable curry) while the other is the ready-to-be consumed fruit which is considered ‘hot’ in nature. “In summer, the digestion is mellowed down, which is why we eat the hot watermelon fruit. It betters one’s digestion,” said Dr Mishra.

Further, the caption of the video stated: “Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, heralds watermelon not just as a thirst-quencher but as a potent fruit for enhancing male fertility. Watermelon is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.”

Let’s understand more about the nature of watermelon and whether it is effective in tackling male fertility issues.

Experts urge that there isn’t an “extensive body of scientific research specifically focusing on watermelon’s effects on male infertility”. According to Dr Nisha Pansare, fertility consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Pune, lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in abundance in watermelon, has been studied for its potential role in improving sperm quality and count.

“Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which can damage sperm DNA and reduce fertility. By reducing oxidative stress, lycopene may support sperm health and improve fertility outcomes,” said Dr Pansare.

Watermelon for fertility issues? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Improved blood flow is believed to have positive effects on erectile function, which can indirectly affect male fertility by enhancing sexual performance, said Sangeeta Tiwari, clinical nutritionist, Artemis Lite, New Friends Colony (NFC), New Delhi.

Furthermore, nitric oxide has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which can help in protecting sperm from damage caused by oxidative stress. Watermelon is naturally high in water content, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as potassium apart from lycopene. These nutrients are essential for overall health and may indirectly support reproductive health, added Dr Pansare.

Dehydration can negatively impact sperm concentration and motility. Watermelon’s high water content helps in maintaining hydration, which is crucial for sperm production and overall reproductive function.

 

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A post shared by Rajeshwari & Dr. Manisha (@chitchatrajlavi)

However, Dr Pansare urged that it’s essential to approach Ayurvedic remedies with caution and consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before incorporating watermelon or any other herb or remedy into a treatment plan for male infertility.

“While Ayurveda offers valuable insights into holistic health, individual responses to remedies may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Additionally, Ayurvedic approaches are often used in conjunction with other lifestyle changes and treatments to address the underlying causes of infertility comprehensively,” said Dr Pansare.

It’s important to understand that while watermelon can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet, it should not be relied upon as the only solution for male fertility issues. “Fertility is influenced by a lot of other factors, like genetics, overall health, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors,” said Tiwari.

What can help?

Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, doing regular exercise, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and refraining from smoking all contribute to promoting male fertility, said Tiwari.

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