For more information on fertility supplements, please visit http://getpregnantfaq.com/ The average male will produce hundreds of billions of sperm in his lifetime. 600 are produced with each heartbeat. Only a tiny fraction will ever manage to fertilize an egg, and only the strongest and the fastest will ever make it. That means they must be well-fed to achieve their optimum potential and chances to reach that egg. So, what do you have to do to produce these champions? It's the same way you yourself gain strength and energy - good exercise, good food, minimal stress, as well as cutting back on alcohol and smoking. Often, these are enough to make your sperm counts robust, strong and healthy. But sometimes, they do need a little help. Extra vitamins and supplements will not only help your swimmers, but they also give your body anti-oxidant properties to boost your reproductive system. Vitamin C: Taking an extra amount will help increase sperm counts and prevent clumping -- that is, from sperm sticking together like a tight-knit group. Vitamin E is the other main vitamin, and acts as an anti-oxidant, protecting sperm and cells from damage. Studies also show an improvement in their motility and strength. Vitamins C and E should be taken together as a supplement. Zinc is seen as one of the most important minerals for male fertility, and high concentrations are found in all sperm cells. Low levels of zinc in the body contribute to lower semen production and lower testosterone, so increasing your intake is a no-brainer. Western diets provide very poor sources of zinc, and much of it is destroyed in cooking. Some of the best sources of this mineral can be found in sesame and pumpkin seeds, green peas, shrimp, yogurt and meat ... but since meat is cooked, a lot of it is lost. Unsurprisingly, the best source of zinc is oysters. There's two amino acids that are essential for healthy sperm production and quality. They are called L-carnitine and L-arginine, and are naturally produced in your body through a large variety of plant sources, flax seeds, beans and meats. Studies are mixed as to their effectiveness, but are often included in small doses in male fertility supplements. Selenium is a mineral and antioxidant that blocks damage to tissue and cells from environmental pollutants and age-related stress. This mineral is crucial for the normal development and shape of the sperm head, and lower levels mean poorly-formed and damaged sperm cells. Sources of selenium include brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, fish and mushrooms. Careful, because too much selenium can be toxic -- one brazil nut a day is actually enough for your body. Grapeseed extract is another powerful antioxidant proven to aid in healthy sperm production. Similar to vitamin E, this supplement is great for all around health, as it helps strengthen the walls of cells and blood vessels. Those are the main vitamins and minerals you'll find in most male fertility supplements. For an extra boost, there's also a few traditional herbs that will increase your sex drive and virility: Ginseng root is a traditional Chinese and Korean herb used to increase stamina, alertness, strength and virility. It also boosts the immune system and testosterone. You can take it in powdered form or even as a tea. Make sure you are buying Panax ginseng, as there are several types of ginseng sold, many with completely different properties. Horny goat weed is definitely the most colorful herb on our list, but if you wish to ask for it more politely, it is also known as Epimedium. This Chinese plant has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac, and the active ingredient works the same as the main ingredient in Viagra. Besides this obvious use as a fertility aid, horny goat weed also stimulates sperm production and is also used to boost the immune system. Maca Root: This is a South American vegetable that has been grown and harvested in a single area of Peru for thousands of years. It's been used in traditional medicine as a fertility and strength aid, and Western science is now showing lots of evidence for it's ability to increase sperm production and motility.

• published: 22 Dec 2012
• views: 133258