Pesticides in fruits and vegetables could have an adverse affect on male fertility, according to a recent study in the UK. Active! Checks with the experts to find out what you can do to combat low sperm count and boost the health of your sperm
Pesticides in fruits and vegetables could have an adverse affect on male fertility, according to a recent study in the UK. Active! Checks with the experts to find out what you can do to combat low sperm count and boost the health of your sperm
The next time you find yourself at the vegetable and fruit aisle inside a supermarket, gazing at the dozens of shiny, plump apples and perfectly purple brinjals, think about your fertility. That's right. A recent test in the UK suggests that pesticides found on fruits and vegetables could damage fertility in men. 
The study carried out by scientists from the University of London's School of Pharmacy found 30 of the 37 crop chemicals tested interfered with the action of testosterone, a decisive hormone in the male reproductive system. Alarmingly, a surprise check on vegetables and fruits available in the capital city, ordered by the Delhi High court last week, verifies that the produce in our country too contains a deadly cocktail of insecticides.
Deadly cocktail
So, why are the pesticides ostensibly created to protect our food harmful to us? The reason is that the chemicals used to destroy pests are unfortunately harmful to us as well when we consume fruits and vegetables that contain residue from pesticides. Certain pesticides due to their highly stable structure can persist in the environment for decades, wrecking havoc on our health. Heptachlor, for instance, is a pesticide which was banned in the United States during the '80s. While it is illegal around the world, several farmers use it across the country. "While this reproductive toxicant affects females as well, in males it can lead to altered sexual behaviour, distorted fertility and problems with sperm shape or count," says Dr Nandita Palshetkar, leading IVF specialist at Lilavati and DY Patil Hospitals.
Similarly, dichlorodipheny-trichloroethane or the notorious DDT, is a synthetic pesticide, which was used to control malaria during Second World War and is a banned agricultural chemical in many countries, but allowed with restricted use in India. Tests have shown DDT disrupts semen quality. "Also chemicals like 1,2-dibromo -3-chloropropane (DBCP), ethylene dibromide, as scientifically proven, affect spermatogenesis or sperm production, leading to a reduced number of sperms in semen and morphological abnormality," says Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar, Head of Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Chief, IVF & Endoscopy Centre, at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.
Experts add that the role of hormonal preparations (like oxytocin) used by some farmers as ripening agents needs to be further investigated.
Adds Dr Tandulwadkar, "the increase in use of harmful chemicals increases the importance of safety measures to avoid chemical exposure and also to find better alternatives."
Tckling the menace
So is it an easy task to take on? Not exactly. Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on 11 March 2011 admitted that as many as 67 pesticides that are forbidden or restricted in several countries are being used in the country. "Farmers indulge in the use of banned pesticides sometimes because of ignorance and sometimes because they want to increase yield," says Nasik-based organic farmer Sanjay Dutta Bappa Pawar.
"The strong pesticide manufacturers' lobby is also responsible for the illegal use of hazardous pesticides," adds eco-nutritionist Kavita Mukhi. he problem lies in ensuring 'safe' levels of pesticides, given that the presence of
certain pesticides helps ensure that veggies are pest-free. A test conducted by non-governmental organisation Consumer Voice a few months ago found levels of pesticides in Indian vegetables and fruits to be 750 times higher than European standards. "Unregulated use is one of the factors, which has led to low sperm count. How much is safe is a debatable question, because more studies and research in this field is required," says Dr Firuza Parekh, Director, IVF and Genetic Center, Jaslok Hospital.
Without strong government and civil society initiation, 'healthy fruits' seems to be a distant dream for the common man. The only available solution for the time-being comes from organic farmer Sanjay Dutta Bappa Pawar, "Spend less on clothes and parties, and buy slightly costlier organic vegetables."
Other reasons that can adversely affect sperm health
Age: Once you hit 39 fertilisation rates drop by 60 per cent.
Stressful lifestyle: Be it physical or mental stress has an adverse effect on sperm count. Psychological or relationship problems can contribute to infertility, although these conditions are treatable.
Premature ejaculation, impotency: Can also lead to low sperm count.
Certain lubricants: When choosing spermicides, oils and lubricants, make sure to opt for a sperm-friendly one.
Saunas, hot tubs: Staying too long in the steam room can adversely affect sperm count.
Fever: Can lead to the lowering of sperm count.
Drugs: Cocaine and marijuana can adversely affect sperm quality by 50 per cent.
Smoking: Those cancer sticks impair sperm motility and life span.
Radiation: X-rays affect any rapidly dividing cell, so cells that produce sperm are quite sensitive to radiation damage.
Malnutrition: Lack of nutrients, such as vitamin C, selenium and zinc may be risk factors for low sperm count.
Bicycling: Pressure from the bike seat may damage blood vessels and nerves that are responsible for erections.
Genetic Factors: Genetic conditions may be inherited or caused by environmental assaults. Inherited disorders can genetically impair fertility.
Are Organic fruits and veggies, The alternative?
Though organically grown food has been scientifically proven to have fewer antioxidants (substances that can protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals), as compared to non-organic foods, they are still a healthier option.
Farmers' markets
These markets connect the farmers of Maharastra directly with consumers. Details on the next farmers' markets:
On: 17 March
At: Turf Club, Mahalakshmi
From: 3pm to 9pm and
On: 20 and 27 March
At: Bhalla House, Bandra (W)
From: 10 am to 4 pm
What these guys thinku00a0of pesticides in their food
Lack of awareness and regulation are two major reasons for the uninterrupted use of pesticides in our country. The use of certain chemicals that are banned internationally also complicate the situation. Apart from pesticides, the use of certain substances like wax that is used to increase the attractiveness of fruits also causes health problems. As a consumer, I always make it a point to thoroughly wash all the fruits before consumption. That's all that we, as consumers, can really do.
Sahil Shah (23), Student
If further research proves that the chemicals are actually harmful, then the Government should intervene and abandon the use of such pesticides, as it could affect present and future generations. Since these are not items we can avoid, no major shift in the use of such chemicals will happen unless the Government comes out with a policy. If this means resorting to the old methods of agriculture, till we figure out an alternative, high-yielding solution, then so be it.
Shloke Lal (23), online advertising professional
We live in risky, scary times when things can go out of control without you doing anything at all. This research comes as a big blow since we are eating fruits and veggies all the time and now know at the back of our minds that they have been touched by pesticides and chemicals at some point or the other. The pesticides in uestion might be a solution to India's population problem. But on a serious note, it's something the Government should look into on a priority basis.
Cyrus Dastur (32), founder ofu00a0 a short film club
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