Tomatoes can boost sperm count by 70 per cent if…

By DOYIN ADEOYE
Although they are often considered as vegetable, in actuality tomatoes are citrus fruits. They are versatile food, which could either be cooked or eaten raw, and either way, they contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients.
Many fruits have been scientifically proven to be a booster for male fertility and the tomato is no different. According to a recent study, lycopene, which is the key nutrient that gives tomatoes their bright red colour could boost fertility in men It can increase sperm count by up to 70 per cent.

Scientifically, one medium whole tomato contains about  22 calories, zero grammes of fat, five grammes of carbohydrates, one gramme of dietary fibre, one gramme of protein and six milligrammes of sodium. Tomatoes are also rich sources of vitamins A and C and folic acid.
While speaking with Tribune Health, Mr Adeolu Jose, a senior lecturer at the Department of Microbiology, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State explained that the chromium in tomato helps to boost insulin activity which in turn helps to keep the blood level in an even state.
“Tomatoes contain some essential vitamins which help in no small measures to boost sexual activity. For instance, the Vitamin A in it is essential to men, as it is vital to sperm production and virility.
“Vitamin B3 on the other hand enhances sexual flush. This sexual flush increases blood flow to the genitals and intensify orgasm. Blood needs to flow into the penis for it to become erected and most people with erectile dysfunction have problem with the flow of blood and hence, some do not have erection and even some when they do, can’t maintain same for an appreciable length of time. So consistent eating of tomatoes could correct that,” he said.
In its research, the Britain’s Infertility Network through an observational study, revealed positive findings on the benefits of tomatoes to sexual performances.
Britain’s Infertility Network spokeswoman, Karen Veness in a recently published report said that, “although there is an assumption that infertility is a female issue because women are the ones who have the babies, half the time, it is down to problems with sperm function or quality.”
The report, which was published by the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, reviewed 12 studies by different groups around the world and all of them showed that lycopene improved sperm count and swimming speed and reduced the number of abnormal sperms.
Director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Ashok Agarwal, who led the study, said it was part of a general pattern showing that lycopene benefited men’s reproductive organs.
Another researcher, Simon Fishel, the co-founder of the world’s first IVF clinic at Bourn Hall in Cambridgeshire, also buttressed the results, adding that previous works in Britain had shown that lycopene reduces damage to sperm.
“In some cases, it leads to a lowering of the rate of damaged sperm and in other cases you see an improvement in sperm movement,” he said.
Tomatoe slices could be served with breakfast, eaten as mid-afternoon snacks, served with dessert or as tomato juice or other varieties, they can be blended with every meal.
In a chat with Tribune Health, a scientist, Samson Ajobiewe explained that like most fruits containing Vitamin C, tomatoes are essentially nutritious to the human body.
“Generally, most of our meals should contain fruits and tomatoes. Besides it has even been proven trado-medically that regular and consistent consumption of tomatoes could boost sperm count.
“The Iya Abiye Tayese Herbal Clinic in Benue State once conducted a research that lasted for three months on some selected men. They consistently ate raw tomato paste and the result of the research showed that there was improvement in the level of their sperm count,” he explained.
Mr Jose also added that the Vitamin B6 in tomatoes is a libido enhancer, as it helps in controlling elevated prolactin.
“Vitamin B6 aids in oestrogen and testosterone function, as well as production of red blood cells, serotonin and dopamine. For men with low sperm count, Vitamin B6 has been shown to help increase these levels.
“Tomatoes also contain Vitamin B12, which also helps in the manufacturing of red blood cells and also support normal functions of the nerve cells. It is also an energy booster and it heightens sex drive,” he noted.
Other benefits of tomatoes include lower risks of certain cancers, especially lung, stomach and prostate cancers. The lycopene is also the reason for this cancer protective effect. Processed tomatoes, however, contain even more lycopene than raw ones. The process of cooking breaks down the cell walls, helping to release the lycopene.
Researches have also shown that tomatoes contain nutrients, such as niacin, folate and vitamin B6, which are associated with the reduction of heart disease risk. One study found that women who ate seven to 10 servings of tomato products per week had a 29 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease than women who consumed less.
According to the health journal, beliefnet.com/health, tomatoes is also good for healthy skin. Beta-carotene, which the tomato contains, helps to protect the skin against sun damage.
The vitamin K and calcium in tomatoes are both very good for strengthening and repairing bones, while lycopene also has been shown to improve bone mass.
On many occasions has tomatoes been prescribed for those that are willing to lose some weight, it indeed works. Tomatoes contain lots of water and fibre, so filling  you up fast without adding a lot of calories or fat.
Adequate folic acid intake is also essential for pregnant women to protect against neural tube defects in infants.
Speaking on whether there could be an overuse of tomatoes or if there could be side effects, Mr Ajobiewe explained that in most cases there are none.
“Except one is allergic to it, tomatoes generally don’t have any side effect and you can never have too much of it,” he explained.
Some people’s body systems may be allergic to it, it could either be difficult to absorb or digest. While in some others, eating tomatoes could lead to itching and breathing problems.
Lycopene intolerance could also cause bloating of the stomach, pain and diarrhea.
“When a person has a history of kidney stones, it would be wise to eat tomatoes in moderation as the high oxalate and calcium bind together and kidney stones are a result. Those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome will need to go slow on consuming tomatoes.
“Eaten in moderation is not harmful in anyway. The nutritional benefits are many,” the medindia.net said.