High-Pesticide Produce Causes Low Sperm Count

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Certain fruits and vegetables are known to contain pesticide residue. Farmers spray their crops with pesticide to keep pests from harming their agriculture. When pesticides are applied to crops, it can leave residue on the food which is then sold in grocery stores. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates the amount of pesticide that is used to ensure safety, the leftover pesticide residue on food are toxic and can still affect our health. 

High-Pesticide Produce Decreases Sperm Count by 49%

A new study from Harvard University has found that men who eat fruits and vegetables that have leftover pesticide residue have lower sperm counts and a lower percentage of healthy sperm. Researchers analyzed samples of sperm among a group of 155 men who were all going to a fertility clinic from 2007 to 2012. All the men reported that they and their partner were having a hard time conceiving. 

The study participants were given questionnaires, with 131 questions, to answer regarding their diet. They also answered questions about how much and how frequently they ate 38 specific fruits and vegetables including avocadoes and apples. The results of the questionnaires were then compared to U.S. Department of Agriculture Data on average pesticide residue found in those fruits and vegetables. 

The results determined that the problem was not the quantity, but the quality of the produce. Those who ate at least 1.5 servings of produce containing high levels of pesticide per day had a 49 percent lower sperm count and two-thirds the amount of healthy sperm in their semen, compared to men who ate less than half a serving of produce with high levels of pesticide.  

What Are Pesticides?

Pesticides are made up of toxic chemicals. They have been linked to many forms of cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive disorders. Therefore, it’s important to know which foods contain higher levels of pesticide residue so you can reduce your risk for unnecessary health conditions. Although more expensive, a good start is to buy organic fruits and vegetables because they have less pesticide residue.  

Foods to buy organic (aka “The Dirty Dozen”):

  • Blueberries
  • Spinach, kale and collard greens
  • Celery
  • Peaches
  • Lettuce
  • Cherries
  • Strawberries
  • Grapes
  • Apples
  • Nectarines
  • Sweet bell peppers
  • Potatoes

Foods to buy conventional (aka “The Clean 15”):

  • Avocados
  • Corn
  • Cabbage
  • Onions
  • Sweet peas
  • Asparagus
  • Mangoes
  • Papayas
  • Eggplant
  • Grapefruit
  • Cantaloupe
  • Cauliflower
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Kiwi