The importance of your gametes within your body cannot be over emphasized. At conception, once the cleavage stage [ rapid , synchronized division of cells] has been reached, the morula stage , [ the fusing of the divided cells to form a mass], is the setting point for the formation of the gametes of the newborn baby.
Therefore, because these are set that early, it is an indication of the importance of your gametes in your reproductive capability.
What then are gametes?
Gametes are the reproductive cells used during sexual reproduction to produce a new organism called a zygote. The gametes in males and females are different.
• The male gamete is called sperm. It is much smaller than the female gamete and very mobile. It has a long tail, flagellum, that allows it to move towards the female gamete.
• The female gamete is called an egg or ova. It is much larger than the sperm and is not made to move.
What then are gametes?
Gametes are the reproductive cells used during sexual reproduction to produce a new organism called a zygote. The gametes in males and females are different.
• The male gamete is called sperm. It is much smaller than the female gamete and very mobile. It has a long tail, flagellum, that allows it to move towards the female gamete.
• The female gamete is called an egg or ova. It is much larger than the sperm and is not made to move.
Gametes refer to the reproductive sex cells that are mainly responsible for reproduction. There are two types of gametes i.e sperm (male gamete)and egg or ova or oocyte (a female gamete). During sexual reproduction these gametes fuse or unite together and form a zygote, a process known as fertilization. The zygote then undergo cleavage i.e a division without multiplication to form an embryo that later develop into a fetus when it reaches an endometrium, (uterus).
Factors that can affect your gametes
There are various things that can affect your gametes, and caution should be excercised.
DIET: What you eat has a crucial effect on both your general health, like energy and mood, and your fertility. Your body uses the nutrients from the food that you eat and the supplements that you take to repair cells, produce hormones and ultimately produce healthy eggs and sperm. In many ways your fertility depends on what you eat.
DIET: What you eat has a crucial effect on both your general health, like energy and mood, and your fertility. Your body uses the nutrients from the food that you eat and the supplements that you take to repair cells, produce hormones and ultimately produce healthy eggs and sperm. In many ways your fertility depends on what you eat.
The general advice for eating to achieve healthy eggs and sperm is to have a well-balanced diet which includes:
• Plenty of fruit and vegetables a day
• Complex carbohydrates – whole grains like brown rice, oats and wholemeal bread
• Organic foods where possible
• Oily foods such as fish, nuts, seeds and oils
• Avoid trans fats
• Increase your intake of fibre
• More fish and organic eggs than red meat
• Avoid additives, preservatives and chemicals such as artificial sweeteners
• Reduce or avoid sugar, both on its own and hidden in food
• Reduce or eliminate caffeine, e.g. coffee, tea, chocolate, colas and alcohol
• Eliminate processed foods as much as possible.
Water:
Water is an essential but often forgotten ingredient in a healthy eating plan. Not only is your body two thirds water but water intake and distribution are essential for hormonal balance. Water also provides the means for nutrients to travel to all your organs, including your reproductive organs, and for toxins to be removed. In addition it helps your body to metabolize stored fat so it is crucial for weight management. Try to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Herbal teas such as peppermint and chamomile will count as a glass of water or have hot water with a slice of lemon.
Fresh fruits & vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes can help boost male fertility.
Quinoa..
A perfect fertility diet should include Quinoa. It is a grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.. It is a great source of iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E, fiber and folate. It is known that folate and vitamin B12 are transferred from the blood into male reproductive organs and the concentration of B12 strongly improves sperm. Vitamin E increases sperm health and motility.
• Plenty of fruit and vegetables a day
• Complex carbohydrates – whole grains like brown rice, oats and wholemeal bread
• Organic foods where possible
• Oily foods such as fish, nuts, seeds and oils
• Avoid trans fats
• Increase your intake of fibre
• More fish and organic eggs than red meat
• Avoid additives, preservatives and chemicals such as artificial sweeteners
• Reduce or avoid sugar, both on its own and hidden in food
• Reduce or eliminate caffeine, e.g. coffee, tea, chocolate, colas and alcohol
• Eliminate processed foods as much as possible.
Water:
Water is an essential but often forgotten ingredient in a healthy eating plan. Not only is your body two thirds water but water intake and distribution are essential for hormonal balance. Water also provides the means for nutrients to travel to all your organs, including your reproductive organs, and for toxins to be removed. In addition it helps your body to metabolize stored fat so it is crucial for weight management. Try to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Herbal teas such as peppermint and chamomile will count as a glass of water or have hot water with a slice of lemon.
Fresh fruits & vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes can help boost male fertility.
Quinoa..
A perfect fertility diet should include Quinoa. It is a grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.. It is a great source of iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E, fiber and folate. It is known that folate and vitamin B12 are transferred from the blood into male reproductive organs and the concentration of B12 strongly improves sperm. Vitamin E increases sperm health and motility.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most important fertility foods. It is an edible green plant which belongs to the cabbage family. It is a great source of Vitamin C, calcium, Vitamin K, omega 3 fatty acids and glucosinolates. It is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to help fertility by helping regulate hormones in the body. It is important to note that we can get Omega 3 fatty acids by eating fishes like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. To gain all the benefits of Omega 3 Fatty acids, we should consume fish and fish oil twice a week.
Broccoli is one of the most important fertility foods. It is an edible green plant which belongs to the cabbage family. It is a great source of Vitamin C, calcium, Vitamin K, omega 3 fatty acids and glucosinolates. It is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to help fertility by helping regulate hormones in the body. It is important to note that we can get Omega 3 fatty acids by eating fishes like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. To gain all the benefits of Omega 3 Fatty acids, we should consume fish and fish oil twice a week.
Red Capsicum
An ideal fertility diet should include red capsicum which is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and Vitamin A. Antioxidants are chemicals that transfer electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent and they can prevent or slow cell damage. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is needed for the healthy production of sperm.
An ideal fertility diet should include red capsicum which is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and Vitamin A. Antioxidants are chemicals that transfer electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent and they can prevent or slow cell damage. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is needed for the healthy production of sperm.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are useful in problems ranging from cold and flu to low sperm count. Pomegranates contain anti-oxidants that fight a chemical in the blood which destroys sperm. This chemical is known as malondialdehyde(MDA).
Pomegranates are useful in problems ranging from cold and flu to low sperm count. Pomegranates contain anti-oxidants that fight a chemical in the blood which destroys sperm. This chemical is known as malondialdehyde(MDA).
Malondialdehyde is also found in the Fluid and is associated with low sperm quality . A study carried out shows that smoking increases the levels of MDA in Fluid and lower the sperm count in Fluid.
Also daily consumption of pomegranate juice destroys free radicals and boosts sperm quality.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the best known foods to increase fertility in men. It is a great source of Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. It has been proven that regular intake of ginger tea increases a man’s sperm count.
Ginger is one of the best known foods to increase fertility in men. It is a great source of Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. It has been proven that regular intake of ginger tea increases a man’s sperm count.
Pumpkin Seeds
Infertility treatment should include snacks like pumpkin seeds in the daily diet. Pumpkin seeds are a very good source of phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron and protein. Zinc is important for the cell division and the production of healthy sperm. It is the most critical trace mineral for male sexual function. It is needed for testosterone metabolism, testicle growth, sperm production, motility, count, reducing excess estrogen in male reproductive tissue. Other sources of zinc include fish, seafood, chicken, eggs, pumpkin and sunflower seeds and oats.
Infertility treatment should include snacks like pumpkin seeds in the daily diet. Pumpkin seeds are a very good source of phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron and protein. Zinc is important for the cell division and the production of healthy sperm. It is the most critical trace mineral for male sexual function. It is needed for testosterone metabolism, testicle growth, sperm production, motility, count, reducing excess estrogen in male reproductive tissue. Other sources of zinc include fish, seafood, chicken, eggs, pumpkin and sunflower seeds and oats.
Women : When a woman does not take care of herself, it can result in the failure of the ovary to produces eggs and damaged ovaries.
Almonds
An almond is the seed of the fruit of the almond tree. It is a great source of Vitamin E, manganese, copper, Vitamin B2, phosphorous, magnesium, fiber and biotin. It prevents cancer, reduces the risk of heart attack and lowers the level of cholesterol too. Vitamin E helps prevent egg defects and improves overall egg health. It has been proven that it reduces the chances of birth defects and miscarriage. According to researchers, Vitamin E can lengthen the luteal phase of the cycle as well. The luteal phase is the latter phase of the menstrual cycle.
An almond is the seed of the fruit of the almond tree. It is a great source of Vitamin E, manganese, copper, Vitamin B2, phosphorous, magnesium, fiber and biotin. It prevents cancer, reduces the risk of heart attack and lowers the level of cholesterol too. Vitamin E helps prevent egg defects and improves overall egg health. It has been proven that it reduces the chances of birth defects and miscarriage. According to researchers, Vitamin E can lengthen the luteal phase of the cycle as well. The luteal phase is the latter phase of the menstrual cycle.
Eggs : Egg is one of the best known foods to increase fertility in women. Eggs are rich in Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, calcium, folate, phosphorous and selenium. They provide the best quality protein, protect our bones and promote healthy hair and nails. Vitamin D controls the genes involved in making estrogen. Estrogens are hormones that are important for sexual and reproductive development, mainly in women. They are also known as female sex hormones.
Good quality protein. Only protein can build healthy eggs and healthy babies. Carbohydrates and fats just support the process. The best quality protein is eggs - they are a higher quality protein than meat or fish.
Asparagus : is a spring vegetable that is a great source of Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, magnesium, zinc, fiber, selenium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6, iron, copper and manganese. It helps immensely to nourish the ovum and increases a woman’s chances of getting pregnant. Use of asparagus during pregnancy, decreases the chances of miscarriages and birth defects in the baby. Vitamin B6 helps increase the levels of progesterone. Progesterone is a steroid hormone secreted by the female reproductive system and it is linked with the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis.
Good quality protein. Only protein can build healthy eggs and healthy babies. Carbohydrates and fats just support the process. The best quality protein is eggs - they are a higher quality protein than meat or fish.
Asparagus : is a spring vegetable that is a great source of Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, magnesium, zinc, fiber, selenium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6, iron, copper and manganese. It helps immensely to nourish the ovum and increases a woman’s chances of getting pregnant. Use of asparagus during pregnancy, decreases the chances of miscarriages and birth defects in the baby. Vitamin B6 helps increase the levels of progesterone. Progesterone is a steroid hormone secreted by the female reproductive system and it is linked with the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis.
Tofu
Tofu is described as a food made by coagulating soy milk. Tofu is a great source of magnesium, iron, Vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6, iron, copper, manganese and selenium.
It has been proven that women who do not get sufficient amounts of iron may suffer lack of ovulation, anovulatory, and poor egg health, which decreases the chances of pregnancy. An anovulatory cycle is a menstrual cycle during which the ovaries do not release an oocyte. Therefore, ovulation does not take place. Chronic anovulation is one of the common reasons for infertility in women.
Tofu is described as a food made by coagulating soy milk. Tofu is a great source of magnesium, iron, Vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6, iron, copper, manganese and selenium.
It has been proven that women who do not get sufficient amounts of iron may suffer lack of ovulation, anovulatory, and poor egg health, which decreases the chances of pregnancy. An anovulatory cycle is a menstrual cycle during which the ovaries do not release an oocyte. Therefore, ovulation does not take place. Chronic anovulation is one of the common reasons for infertility in women.
Bananas
Banana is one of the most important foods that increase fertility in women. Vitamin B6 and potassium play important roles in sex hormone production. Vitamin C is needed to help the body create sex hormones which in turn affects ovulation and hormonal balance. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary and it’s the fertile time of the menstrual cycle.
Include these foods in your fertility diet and don’t worry about the problems of infertility because there are several fertility tests for both men and women through which the problem can be diagnosed easily and treated effectively.
Banana is one of the most important foods that increase fertility in women. Vitamin B6 and potassium play important roles in sex hormone production. Vitamin C is needed to help the body create sex hormones which in turn affects ovulation and hormonal balance. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary and it’s the fertile time of the menstrual cycle.
Include these foods in your fertility diet and don’t worry about the problems of infertility because there are several fertility tests for both men and women through which the problem can be diagnosed easily and treated effectively.
What to avoid
There are some things that can have a negative impact on fertility and should be either eliminated or completely reduced.
Caffeine -- Studies done have found that caffeine can have an adverse affect on female fertility and may increase the risk of a miscarriage, so it makes sense to cut caffeine out altogether. Men aren’t immune either and studies indicate that problems with sperm health seem greater with increased coffee intake.
Caffeine is found in regular coffee, black tea, green tea, colas and chocolate. Tea contains tannin as well as caffeine and tannin blocks the absorption of important minerals, so if you drink tea with your meals you are preventing vital nutrients from being absorbed in your digestive tract.
There are some things that can have a negative impact on fertility and should be either eliminated or completely reduced.
Caffeine -- Studies done have found that caffeine can have an adverse affect on female fertility and may increase the risk of a miscarriage, so it makes sense to cut caffeine out altogether. Men aren’t immune either and studies indicate that problems with sperm health seem greater with increased coffee intake.
Caffeine is found in regular coffee, black tea, green tea, colas and chocolate. Tea contains tannin as well as caffeine and tannin blocks the absorption of important minerals, so if you drink tea with your meals you are preventing vital nutrients from being absorbed in your digestive tract.
Chocolate contains caffeine too and you can’t cheat by switching to organic dark chocolate! It does have less sugar than milk chocolate but its percentage of cocoa solids will be higher, making the caffeine effect even stronger.
Alcohol - This is a complete no-no when it comes to fertility for both men and women. It acts as a diuretic causing valuable fertility nutrients like zinc and folic acid to be excreted and a toxin to the sperm and egg and to the baby once you are pregnant.
• Heavy use of alcohol affects both the generation of sperm and ovulation, thus increases the chance of infertility.
• Smoking reduces a couple’s chance of conceiving. Men who smoke cigarettes usually have low sperm counts and poor sperm motility.
Alcohol - This is a complete no-no when it comes to fertility for both men and women. It acts as a diuretic causing valuable fertility nutrients like zinc and folic acid to be excreted and a toxin to the sperm and egg and to the baby once you are pregnant.
• Heavy use of alcohol affects both the generation of sperm and ovulation, thus increases the chance of infertility.
• Smoking reduces a couple’s chance of conceiving. Men who smoke cigarettes usually have low sperm counts and poor sperm motility.
Women who smoke can suffer from reduced ovarian reserve and chromosomal abnormalities.
Sress: In a man, stress reduces his sperm count and in case of girls, it may cause her period to be irregular.
Body weight: excessive body weight, lowers the chances of a woman’s pregnancy and at the same time increases the risk of developing abnormal sperm in men.
STD’S: Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea may affect both male and female fertility. They can cause serious damage to a woman’s reproductive system and inflame the scrotum in men.
Sress: In a man, stress reduces his sperm count and in case of girls, it may cause her period to be irregular.
Body weight: excessive body weight, lowers the chances of a woman’s pregnancy and at the same time increases the risk of developing abnormal sperm in men.
STD’S: Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea may affect both male and female fertility. They can cause serious damage to a woman’s reproductive system and inflame the scrotum in men.
The environment :
There has been relatively little study of the effects of the environment on fertility. It has long been known that lead, cadmium and some pesticides adversely affect sperm quality, and a recent study suggested that having a cell phone in a front pants pocket transmitting to an earpiece may influence sperm quality through cell phone radiation.
The bottom line is that, your life style, the clothes you wear, your diet all affect the quality of your sex cells. So if you are still very much in the reproductive line, live a reasonable lifestyle, avoid what you should, and eat moderately what would boost the quality of your gametes.
There has been relatively little study of the effects of the environment on fertility. It has long been known that lead, cadmium and some pesticides adversely affect sperm quality, and a recent study suggested that having a cell phone in a front pants pocket transmitting to an earpiece may influence sperm quality through cell phone radiation.
The bottom line is that, your life style, the clothes you wear, your diet all affect the quality of your sex cells. So if you are still very much in the reproductive line, live a reasonable lifestyle, avoid what you should, and eat moderately what would boost the quality of your gametes.
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