Nigerian health influencer and medical doctor Chinonso Egemba has sparked widespread conversation online after sharing a video explaining how diet can influence sperm quality, prompting thousands of Nigerians to exchange practical nutrition tips for improving male fertility.
The video, posted on July 31, 2026, on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “This is how what you eat can affect Sp£rm quality!”, quickly gained traction, attracting thousands of likes, reposts and bookmarks as users joined the discussion with recommendations of nutrient-rich Nigerian foods.
In the video, Aproko Doctor explained that the foods men consume can significantly affect sperm count, movement (motility) and shape (morphology), highlighting the importance of a balanced diet in supporting reproductive health.
The post soon turned into an interactive health discussion, with many users suggesting affordable local foods believed to improve fertility.
Among the most frequently recommended were tiger nuts, praised for their antioxidant content; pumpkin seeds (ugu seeds), which are rich in zinc; oily fish such as mackerel and sardines for their omega-3 fatty acids; eggs for high-quality protein and selenium; and spinach alongside other leafy vegetables for folate.
One widely shared reply listed 10 Nigerian foods that may help improve sperm quality, adding oysters, watermelon, oranges, groundnuts and beans to the growing list of fertility-friendly foods.
Beyond nutrition, many contributors stressed the importance of healthy lifestyle habits. Suggestions included eating whole eggs instead of only egg whites, getting between seven and nine hours of quality sleep each night, reducing stress levels, limiting alcohol and processed foods, exercising regularly and spending moderate time in sunlight to support vitamin D production.
As expected, the conversation blended serious health education with light-hearted Nigerian humour, with users joking about “Emeka,” family expectations and personal lifestyle choices while still engaging with the medical advice.
Scientific evidence generally supports the key message shared in the video. Numerous studies have found that diets rich in antioxidants, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are associated with improved sperm health.
Zinc plays an important role in testosterone production and sperm development, while omega-3 fatty acids help improve sperm motility and maintain healthy cell membranes. Antioxidants, meanwhile, protect sperm cells from oxidative stress, a major factor linked to reduced fertility.
Researchers have also found that dietary patterns emphasizing vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, seeds and other whole foods—while limiting processed foods—are consistently associated with better semen quality. Since sperm production typically takes between 70 and 90 days, improvements from healthier eating habits may become noticeable within a few weeks to several months.
This is not the first time Aproko Doctor has addressed male reproductive health. The physician has previously educated his audience on lifestyle habits that can damage sperm quality, as well as medical conditions such as varicocele that may contribute to infertility.
Health experts, however, caution that nutrition is only one aspect of male fertility. Factors such as age, underlying medical conditions, infections, environmental exposures, genetics and overall lifestyle can all influence reproductive health.
They advise men experiencing persistent fertility challenges to seek professional medical evaluation rather than rely solely on dietary changes or social media advice.
With thousands continuing to engage with the discussion, Aproko Doctor’s latest video has become another reminder that simple everyday food choices may play an important role in supporting men’s reproductive health while encouraging broader conversations about preventive healthcare in Nigeria.
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