We usually think about a mother’s health when it comes to pregnancy, but a father’s diet before conception can also have a big impact on his children’s well-being—especially his daughters. Here’s how:
1. Diet Affects Sperm Quality
A poor diet high in processed foods, fats, and sugars can lower sperm quality. When a father has unhealthy sperm, it can carry genetic changes that may lead to future health problems for his children.
2. Epigenetic Changes
These genetic changes, known as epigenetic changes, can alter how a daughter’s body handles fats and sugars. This might make her more prone to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like high blood pressure and heart disease as she grows older.
3. Daughters Are More Vulnerable
Studies show that daughters are especially at risk of developing heart problems if their fathers consumed unhealthy diets before conception. These risks can be passed down even if the daughter lives a relatively healthy life.
4. Healthy Eating Can Prevent It
By adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, fathers can improve their sperm quality and reduce the risk of passing on heart-related problems to their daughters.
So, should fathers start thinking about their diets if they want to protect their daughters’ hearts in the future?