{"id":47090,"date":"2025-05-15T22:00:34","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T22:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-admin.givelegacy.com\/?p=47090"},"modified":"2025-05-15T22:04:39","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T22:04:39","slug":"antioxidant-in-blueberries-may-protect-male-fertility-from-microplastics-research-suggests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/anthocyanins-antioxidants-protect-against-microplastics\/","title":{"rendered":"Antioxidant in blueberries may protect male fertility from microplastics, research suggests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We now know microplastics and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals can harm male fertility \u2014 and new research reveals your first line of defense could be your diet. Specifically, there\u2019s evidence that anthocyanins, a natural antioxidant chemical found in dark-colored plants, may be able to protect the testicles and sperm from microplastic-related damage. Let\u2019s take a closer look at the benefits of anthocyanins, how microplastics threaten sperm, and how to protect yourself from microplastics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b97e12e0\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\ud83e\uded0 Can blueberries protect your sperm from microplastics? #microplastics #menshealth #spermhealth\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ecr2YEAVu8o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Researchers have found microplastics in both testicular tissue and semen. Microplastics may impair sperm count, motility, DNA integrity, and testosterone production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A new research article suggests that anthocyanins \u2014 antioxidant-rich pigments found in red, blue, and purple plants \u2014 may be one of the best antioxidants for microplastics protection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can get anthocyanins from everyday foods. You can find anthocyanins in blueberries, lentils, and other purple, red, and blue plant foods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sperm health also depends on other nutrients and lifestyle factors. Sperm testing and freezing are proactive options for protecting your fertility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The microplastic threat to sperm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First, let\u2019s discuss the threat at hand: microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size. They\u2019re in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Once ingested, these tiny invaders \u2014 and the \u201cforever chemicals\u201d they contain \u2014 infiltrate organs from the brain to the reproductive tract, and there\u2019s growing concerns about their long-term health effects. In fact, a 2024 study found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/microplastics-in-testicles\/\">microplastics in 100% of testicles examined<\/a>.<sup>1 <\/sup>Other research found that the average semen sample contained 3\u20135 types of plastic.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"klaviyo-form-T4QQzv\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s the relationship between microplastics and fertility for men? Researchers believe microplastic particles can accumulate in tissues, triggering inflammation and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/oxidative-stress-and-male-fertility\/\">oxidative stress<\/a>. This in turn can damage sperm DNA, impair sperm motility (movement), and reduce overall sperm count and quality. Exposure to microplastics is also associated with reduced production of testosterone, an essential hormone for sperm production.<sup>3<\/sup>Microplastics also contain endocrine disruptors like phthalates and bisphenols. These substances can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, a neuroendocrine system that regulates sperm production.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of anthocyanins:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Anthocyanins are part of the flavonoid family of antioxidants. They create the dark blue, purple, and red pigments in many fruits and vegetables, but their virtues are more than just aesthetic. A 2024 research review published in the <em>Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis<\/em> suggests anthocyanins may be able to protect sperm from damage caused by microplastics.<sup>5<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anthocyanins \u201cexhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neoplastic properties,\u201d the researchers wrote, adding they \u201ccan modulate sex hormone levels and alleviate reproductive toxicity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The potential benefits of anthocyanins include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Antioxidant protection<\/strong>: Oxidative stress in the body can cause sperm quality to degrade. The 2024 article concluded, based on lab and animal studies, that anthocyanins may neutralize the oxidative stress caused by microplastics, reducing cellular damage to testicles and sperm. Do these antioxidants get rid of microplastics? No. It\u2019s difficult for the body to clear microplastics once they\u2019re ingested, but antioxidants like anthocyanins seem to help mitigate their toxic effects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sperm quality improvement<\/strong>: Research here is still quite early. However, a lab study of mice found that supplementation with C3G, a type of anthocyanin, resulted in improved sperm count and motility, even when the mice had other inflammatory conditions.<sup>6<\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Healthy testosterone production<\/strong>: Anthocyanins may help improve the function of hormone receptors, potentially maintaining healthy testosterone levels despite exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. A 2023 lab study found that 4 different types of anthocyanins all reduced the impact of oxidative stress and restored testosterone production in the Leydig cells (cells in the testes responsible for making testosterone).<sup>7<\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Anti-inflammatory properties<\/strong>: Beyond just fertility benefits, anthocyanins seem to quell inflammation in the entire body.<sup>8 <\/sup>Chronic inflammation can negatively affect every aspect of health, including fertility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improved blood flow<\/strong>: Some studies suggest anthocyanins support cardiovascular health and blood vessel function, which can improve blood flow to the testicles, an important factor in sperm production and quality.<sup>9<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"622\" src=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/anthocyanins-antioxidants-protect-against-microplastics-food-sources1747345152-1024x622.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/anthocyanins-antioxidants-protect-against-microplastics-food-sources1747345152-1024x622.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/anthocyanins-antioxidants-protect-against-microplastics-food-sources1747345152-300x182.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/anthocyanins-antioxidants-protect-against-microplastics-food-sources1747345152-768x466.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/anthocyanins-antioxidants-protect-against-microplastics-food-sources1747345152-1536x932.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/anthocyanins-antioxidants-protect-against-microplastics-food-sources1747345152.jpeg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top food sources of anthocyanins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been looking for a microplastics detox supplement, we have good news: You don\u2019t have to shell out for expensive supplements to protect yourself from microplastics. Your local grocery store has plenty of inexpensive options in the produce section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These foods are particularly rich in anthocyanins:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Berries<\/strong>. Elderberries contain the highest concentrations of anthocyanins, followed by blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries.<sup>11<\/sup>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cherries and plums<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dark-colored vegetables<\/strong>: Eggplant, red cabbage, purple cauliflower, and black carrots are good sources of anthocyanins.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Black or red lentils<\/strong> <strong>and beans<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Red wine<\/strong>. Quick caveat here: Because <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/how-alcohol-affects-male-fertility-and-sperm-health\/\">alcohol can negatively impact sperm health<\/a>, it\u2019s important to moderate your consumption \u2014 no more than two drinks a day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re planning to conceive or just interested in optimizing your sperm health, adding more colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet is an easy win.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to protect yourself from microplastics and improve sperm health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Anthocyanins show promise for protecting sperm health, but they\u2019re just one part of the overall picture. Microplastics are \u201cforever chemicals\u201d \u2014 once we consume them, it\u2019s difficult to remove microplastics from your body naturally (or even medically).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Currently, the best approach is to reduce the number of microplastics you actually consume. Learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/how-to-reduce-microplastics-in-your-body-protect-your-sperm\/\">how to reduce microplastics in your body<\/a> or see our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/guides\/sperm-improvement-guide\/\">male fertility improvement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sperm testing and freezing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you wondering how exposure to toxins like microplastics could be affecting your sperm?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A semen analysis is an excellent way to assess your fertility. It evaluates the key markers of sperm quality that might be affected by environmental toxins like microplastics, including count, motility, and morphology (shape). Sperm production refreshes about every 72 days, so after you\u2019ve tested, you can take steps to improve your sperm quality, then re-evaluate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Freezing sperm now helps protect your fertility against future threats. Researchers estimate we\u2019re exposed to tens of thousands to millions of microplastics every year via food, water, air, and even household dust.<sup>12<\/sup> Over time, that may take a toll on your health. Although it\u2019s not currently possible to remove microplastics from your body naturally, you can protect your sperm by freezing it to preserve your fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Answer a few quick questions to find the best sperm testing &amp; freezing plan for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-45004205 gb-button-text gb-button-a99fe650\" href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/find-your-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Get my recommendation<\/a>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/toxsci\/article-abstract\/200\/2\/235\/7673133\">1. Yu et al. \u201cMicroplastic presence in dog and human testis and its potential association with sperm count and weights of testis and epididymis,\u201d 2024<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/journals\/ebiom\/article\/PIIS2352-3964(24)00405-5\/fulltext\">2. Zhang et al, \u201cAssociation of mixed exposure to microplastics with sperm dysfunction: a multi-site study in China.\u201d 2024<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0048969723048830,\">3. Hong et al. \u201cAdverse effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the reproductive system: A comprehensive review of fertility and potential harmful interactions,\u201d 2023<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38303976\/\">4. Pan et al. \u201cThe adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system,\u201d 2024.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2095177924002454\">5. Zhang et al. \u201cExploring the potential protective role of anthocyanins in mitigating micro\/nanoplastic-induced reproductive toxicity: A steroid receptor perspective,\u201d 2024.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2072-6643\/14\/5\/984\">6. Xiao et al. \u201cCyanidin-3-O-Glucoside Supplement Improves Sperm Quality and Spermatogenesis in a Mice Model of Ulcerative Colitis,\u201d 2022.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-3921\/12\/2\/508\">7. Hu et al. \u201cAnthocyanins prevent AAPH-induced steroidogenesis disorder in leydig cells by counteracting oxidative stress and StAR abnormal expression in a structure-dependent manner,\u201d 2023.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5613902\/\">8. Khoo et al. &#8220;Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits,&#8221; 2017<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/benthamopenarchives.com\/abstract.php?ArticleCode=TOFSJ-4-7\">9. Shipp &amp; Abdel-Aal. \u201cFood Applications and Physiological Effects of Anthocyanins as Functional Food Ingredients,\u201d 2010<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26761031\/\">10. Wallace et al. \u201cSystematic Review of Anthocyanins and Markers of Cardiovascular Disease,\u201d 2016<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16719536\/\">11. Wu et al. &#8220;Concentrations of Anthocyanins in Common Foods in the United States and Estimation of Normal Consumption,\u201d 2006.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10151227\/\">12. Lee et al., \u201cHealth Effects of Microplastic Exposures: Current Issues and Perspectives in South Korea,\u201d 2023.\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Join the conversation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DG32QQATCb8\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DG32QQATCb8\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DG32QQATCb8\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Legacy | sperm testing &amp; freezing from home (@givelegacyinc)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We now know microplastics and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals can harm male fertility \u2014 and new research reveals your first line of defense could be your diet. Specifically, there\u2019s evidence that anthocyanins, a natural antioxidant chemical found in dark-colored plants, may be able to protect the testicles and sperm from microplastic-related damage. Let\u2019s take a closer [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":47109,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"%%post_title%%","_seopress_titles_desc":"Microplastics can harm male fertility, but new research reveals your first line of defense could be your diet. Anthocyanins, a natural antioxidant chemical found in dark-colored plants, may be able to protect the testicles and sperm from microplastic-related damage.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[199,8,28,134,54,103],"tags":[439,108,53,438,71,78,140,32],"class_list":["post-47090","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environmental","category-science","category-hormone-health","category-lifestyle","category-nutrition-supplements","category-sperm-science","tag-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals","tag-fertility-science","tag-lifestyle","tag-microplastics","tag-new-research","tag-nutrition","tag-sperm-science","tag-testosterone"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47090"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=47090"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47090\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47112,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47090\/revisions\/47112"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/47109"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=47090"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=47090"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=47090"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}