Various studies have shown that at least one in four couples has trouble conceiving and that poor sperm is a factor in about a third of these cases. Interestingly, the percentage of couples having difficulty in having a family has increased over the past 25 years. This can be attributed to changes in diet, lifestyle, modern day stresses and even technology such as mobile phones in pockets and laptop computers that are kept in too close proximity!

A normal sperm count is 20 million or more sperm per milliliter of semen, with a least 2 ml of sperm, or 40 million sperm, the normal minimum requirement to ensure the odds of success. But quantity is not the sole guarantee of success. Sperm must be good swimmers that show normal forward movement, or motility. Sperm that swim around in circles are not going to reach the egg, nor are sperm that move forward but do so at such a slow pace that they expire before reaching the target. The final factor in assessing sperm is the normality of the sperm and whether its DNA is fragmented. Sperm with damaged DNA is unlikely to fertilize the egg.

But there is hope for those couples that have trouble conceiving. You need to give your diet (and sperm!) a boost of juice power. Numerous studies have shown that antioxidants and micronutrients are essential components in the manufacture of semen, and that the quality of semen, both in terms of motility and DNA quality, is vastly improved when these two components are available in significant quantities to the body.

So, what is the best way to increase your level of antioxidants and micronutrients? The answer is 'juice'. There is a class of antioxidants, called polyphenols, that are found in fruit and vegetables with peels and skins being the best source. And fruit and vegetables contain, of course, large quantities of micronutrients. The best way for your body to absorb these antioxidants and micronutrients is via a glass of juice. A recent study by the English TV network BBC found significant sperm quality improvement in those males that consumed two glasses of juice a day over a period of six months. In fact, one couple who had been trying for a baby for many years actually conceived during the study!

So, if you are having trouble conceiving or you just want to give yourself the best chance of success when you are ready to start a family, you can't give your sperm more of a boost then by drinking a regular glass of juice. And remember, freshly squeezed juice is much, much higher in the antioxidants and micronutrients that are needed by the body; the longer juice is kept for, the less its value.