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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Orchitis.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Male hypogonadism.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Hydrocele.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Testicular cancer.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Testicular torsion.
- Testicular disorders. (2014).
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Natural Foods & Vitamins for the Male Reproductive Organs
As a male, your reproductive organs include your testicles and your penis. Your testicles produce sperm, and your penis allows for urination and intercourse 13. Health problems that may affect your reproductive organs include epididymitis, or inflamed testicles, testicular cancer and infertility, which affects one in six couples, according to the American Dietetic Association. A nutritious, balanced diet may help prevent or manage these conditions and your overall health.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Whole Grains
All grains provide glucose, which is your body's main dietary source of energy. Unlike refined grains, whole grains have not been stripped of valuable vitamin, mineral, fiber or protein content during food processing. As low-glycemic foods, they have a mild impact on your blood sugar. Abnormally high blood sugar damages the nerves that control blood flow into your penis, according to Wahida Karmally, director of nutrition at the Irving Center for Clinical Research at Columbia University Medical Center, which increases your risk for erectile dysfunction. (See References 2) Blood sugar imbalances also increase your risk for type 2 diabetes. To avoid these risks, replace refined foods, such as:
- oatmeal
- brown rice
- quinoa
- air-popped popcorn
- All grains provide glucose, which is your body's main dietary source of energy.
- Abnormally high blood sugar damages the nerves that control blood flow into your penis, according to Wahida Karmally, director of nutrition at the Irving Center for Clinical Research at Columbia University Medical Center, which increases your risk for erectile dysfunction.
- (
Lean Protein Sources
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Protein supports lean tissue growth and repair and strong immune function. A diet rich in fatty foods, such as red and processed meats, can reduce your testosterone levels, according to "The Male Body: An Owner's Manual" by Winston Caine and Perry Garfinkel. Eating too much saturated fat also increases your risk for prostate cancer. Lean, protein-rich alternatives include:
- fish
- skinless white-meat poultry
- low-fat dairy products
- tofu
- beans
- lentils
Low-fat milk and yogurt are valuable sources of vitamin D -- a nutrient that helps your reproductive system and body function well.
- Protein supports lean tissue growth and repair and strong immune function.
- Lean, protein-rich alternatives include: * fish
* skinless white-meat poultry
* low-fat dairy products
* tofu
* beans
* lentils Low-fat milk and yogurt are valuable sources of vitamin D -- a nutrient that helps your reproductive system and body function well.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide rich amounts of antioxidants, including vitamin C, which support your body's ability to resist and heal from infections and disease. A lack of vitamin C may cause your sperm to clump together, according to the ADA, potentially reducing your fertility. It also might reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer, according to Cedar-Sinai University. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in vitamin C include berries, kiwi, citrus fruits, cantaloupe and tomatoes.
- Fruits and vegetables provide rich amounts of antioxidants, including vitamin C, which support your body's ability to resist and heal from infections and disease.
Foods with Selenium
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Men should also add foods with selenium to their diet for reproductive health. Selenium activates an enzyme, called selenoprotein V, that's found exclusively in the testes and contributes to the development of healthy sperm cells.
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References
- Garriga V, et al. (2009). US of the tunica vaginalis testis: Anatomic relationships and pathologic conditions. DOI:
- Ilio KY, et al. (1994). Structure and function of the ductuli efferentes: A review.
- Jones O. (2018). The testes and epididymis.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Orchitis.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Male hypogonadism.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Hydrocele.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Testicular cancer.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Testicular torsion.
- Rovito MJ, et al. (2015). “Off-label” usage of testicular self-examination (TSE): Benefits beyond cancer detection. DOI:
- Svechnikov K, et al. (2010). Origin, development and regulation of human Leydig cells.
- Testicular disorders. (2014).
- Testis. (2002).
- What are testicles for? (n.d.).
- What should my testicles look and feel like? (2018).
Writer Bio
August McLaughlin is a certified nutritionist and health writer with more than nine years of professional experience. Her work has been featured in various magazines such as "Healthy Aging," "CitySmart," "IAmThatGirl" and "ULM." She holds specializations in eating disorders, healthy weight management and sports nutrition. She is currently completing her second cookbook and Weight Limit—a series of body image/nutrition-related PSAs.