Diet makes sperm good swimmers

Men who eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fish could boost their chances of becoming a father, according to a new study.

A Mediterranean-style diet, which also contains leafy vegetables, pulses and whole grains, can improve the chances of sperm reaching the egg by 11 per cent. This could be especially important for couples who are trying to conceive naturally due the need for sperm to be "strong swimmers".

The Harvard School of Public Health research comes as a separate study in Japan found that men who take moderate exercise can also improve their chances of fertility.