Are Potato Chips Harming Your Man's Fertility?

Did you know that a common substance used in potato chips can harm male fertility? It's true -- cottonseed oil, an extract from cotton plant has been proven to hamper male fertility.

It contains traces of a substance called gossypol that has clearly demonstrated antifertility properties. This substance is found in cottonseed oil and cottonseed flours. It has been shown to decrease sperm count and to decrease sperm motility (the ability to move).

In fact, the Chinese government pioneered studies on cottonseed oil and fertility. It has used this additives in food to help control population.

Cottonseed oil has to be refined to be edible (in fact, it is a waste product of the cotton industry), and it's often hydrogenated. Hydrogenation mutates oils, making them unhealthy for your partner (as well as you and your future child). Cottonseed oil has been implicated in possible birth defects - a good reason to steer clear of it.

Since it is a by-product of the cotton industry, it may contain harmful pesticides and herbicides that have been used in cotton production. These may also impact fertility and the health of a baby conceived from sperm that have been exposed to these trace toxins.

Note that Olestra, the "imitation" fat is made from cottonseed oil. Many products using vegetable oils may also have cottonseed oil listed. Be especially careful when you look at potato chips and processed foods.

You'll be surprised at just how many foods cottonseed oil is used in. Have your partner begin
to read labels before he starts snacking. Increased fertility and better health will be the result of avoiding cottonseed oil products.

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male fertility, infertility, natural fertility, potato chips

Kristen Hart is the owner of http://www.getting-pregnant.com. Visit Getting-Pregnant.com and sign up for a free newsletter series on boosting your fertility naturally - and pick up your free report on how body weight can influence your fertility in suprising ways!

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By Kristen Hart