Walnuts are useful not only for the gray matter, but also for the male reproductive system.
Scientists have found that eating about 2 handfuls of walnuts a day has a beneficial effect on sperm health in young men.
The shape, movement and vitality of sperm are improved in men who have added walnuts to their diet for 12 weeks.
It is believed that the fatty acids in nuts help the development of sperm. However, it is not known whether this contributes to improving male fertility.
There is growing evidence of the importance of diet for sperm count and quality , said Dr. Alan Pacey, a professor of andrology at the University of Sheffield.
The new study included 117 men between the ages of 21 and 35. They are divided into two groups. In one, participants consumed 75 g of peeled walnuts a day, and in the other, they avoided nuts.
Both groups have a typical western style of eating.
At the end of the experiment, the researchers found a significant improvement in sperm quality in men in the first group. And for those who do not eat walnuts, no change is observed.
Sperm quality improves in terms of concentration, vitality, movement, shape and chromosomal abnormalities, the research team said.
The results are published in the journal Biology of Reproduction .