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Which sperm is more fertile?

Sperm in the first fraction of ejaculate are more numerous, move more and present better quality DNA than those lagging behind.

sciencedaily.com - The first fraction of ejaculate is the most effective for conception

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Sperm in the first fraction of ejaculate are more numerous, move more and present better quality DNA than those lagging behind. This is the conclusion of a study led by the Ginemed fertility clinic, which confirms that while the objective of the first fraction is to fertilize the egg, the second phase is so that no sperm from any other male has a chance to fertilize it. A study led by the Ginemed Assisted Human Reproduction Clinic analyses the advantages of using fractions of ejaculate separately in in-vitro fertilization as a way to improve the sample of the semen. The researchers' hypothesis was that, comparing the different fractions of semen in an ejaculation, the first would contain sperm with better seminal parameters and could be used as an effective method for selecting sperm prior to fertilization. "Ejaculate has always been considered as a whole. However, we believe that it is divided into two quite different phases due to its composition and physiological functions, aimed at achieving two equally important actions in terms of reproduction," María Hebles, co-director of the reproduction laboratory at the Ginemed Clinic in Seville and lead author of the study, explains. The first objective of ejaculate would be to fertilize the egg and the second so that no other male has the opportunity to fertilize it. Therefore, the first fraction is characterised as having protective components such as zinc, whereas the second contains elements that can cause damage to sperm. However, for their use in assisted reproduction techniques, the liquid is normally collected in a single container, and therefore both phases are mixed together. This could have a detrimental effect on the sperm population," adds Hebles. Based on this, the specialists asked 40 participants to collect the ejaculate separately into two containers, one for each phase. They then separated the first and the second phase and studied the characteristics of the sperm in each of them. Data suggests that the first phase contains an enhanced subpopulation of sperm, with less sperm DNA fragmentation. Therefore, the use of sperm from this fraction can have a positive effect on fertilization and embryonic development. "As we were expecting, the sperm from the first fraction of ejaculate were faster moving and the count was higher, and more importantly, they had higher DNA integrity than sperm from the second phase," says the researcher. In light of the results, the experts now have a protocol requesting all patients to collect the ejaculate in two fractions, "improving the quality of the sperm used for fertilization simply and at no cost at all," Hebles adds.

Ejaculation phases

The fluid expressed during ejaculation is composed of various fragments, shared between a pre-ejaculation phase and the first and the second fraction of the ejaculate. Although there are no definitive studies to this regard, the pre-ejaculatory phase or pre-seminal fluid does not contain sperm; it is a colourless secretion from the Cowper's glands which is expelled to lower the acidity of the urethra. On the other hand, the first fraction represents between 15 and 45% of ejaculate volume, is rich in sperm, acid phosphatase, citric acid, magnesium and zinc, which effectively protect the sperm. The second fraction consists of the remaining volume, between 70 and 90% and is composed of secretions from the seminal vesicles rich in reactive oxygen species which have a negative effect on the seminal characteristics.

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How much caffeine is in 72% dark chocolate?

Caffeine. Dark chocolate containing 70 to 85 percent cocoa solids contains 23 milligrams of caffeine per ounce. If you eat a 100-gram bar, you will get 81 milligrams of caffeine, which may cause sleeplessness or increase your heart rate.

healthyeating.sfgate.com - Benefits and Risks of 72 Percent Dark Chocolate - Healthy Eating | SF Gate

Dark chocolate has intrinsic health benefits similar to fruits, vegetables and tea. All of these foods contain flavonoids that have potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in bodily functions. Dark chocolate with 72 percent cocoa solids has positive effects on your health, with a small risk.

Health Benefits

An animal study published in Journal of Dietary Supplements in 2016 linked dark chocolate intake with reduced cognitive decline. Obese rats fed a dose of 70 percent dark chocolate daily for three months prior to the study had reduced hyperglycemia and improved cognitive function by its end. The chocolate also seemed to enhance spacial memory, allowing the rats to better navigate a maze. Moderate intake of dark chocolate may also reduce high blood pressure and guard against heart disease.

Fats and Calories

A small amount of 72 percent dark chocolate does not contribute too much fat to your diet. But you can't eat however much you want,because calories and fats add up. An ounce, or 28.35 grams, contains 170 calories and 12.9 grams of fat. Of those fats, over half are saturated fats, which are not as healthy as monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats.

Sugar

The American Heart Association recommends that women consume only 100 calories of sugar daily, equivalent to 6 teaspoons. For men, that number is 150 calories, about 9 teaspoons. Chocolate with 72 percent cocoa solids has less sugar than milk chocolate or even dark chocolate with 50 percent cocoa. A 1-ounce bar of dark chocolate with 70 to 85 percent cocoa contains 6.8 grams of sugar. Since, 4 grams of sugar are about 1 teaspoon, limit your intake of chocolate accordingly.

Caffeine

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