A new series of studies says young men who regularly eat junk food especially those containing trans fats are more likely to become infertile.

Scientists found that men who follow a healthy diet and moderate exercise program may have a better chance of becoming a father.

Researches from Harvard University in the US and the University of Murciain in Spain analyzed sperm samples from 188 men between 18 and 22 years old and found that those who consumed more junk food had poorer quality sperm than those who enjoyed a healthy diet.

The healthy diet was defined as “prudent” including high fish, fruit, vegetables and pulses, and a “western” one full of pizza, red and processed meat, high energy drinks and snacks.

Findings showed that the sperm of men with poor diets was less likely to survive the journey to fertilize an egg, even if the men were not overweight and exercised.

Reportedly, those participants who followed the healthiest diets had 11 percent more motile sperm – better at swimming towards an egg – than those who consumed the unhealthiest foods.

“Motility is most important for couples who want to try to conceive naturally. A small increase could lead to a small increase in fertility,” said senior scientist Audrey Gaskins.

The study carried out by Harvard researchers also revealed that men whose diet included the highest level of trans fats or hydrogenated oil had the worst quality sperm.

The team analyzed the diet of 99 men who were already attending a fertility clinic because they and their spouses were unable to have babies.

A third paper, carried out at the Yamaguchi University School of Medicine in Japan, compared sperm motility among 215 men after analyzing their regular physical activity.

Findings showed that men who did moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, had better swimming sperm than those who were less physically active.

Many studies have already disclosed several health benefits of following a healthy diet and having a physically active life such as less cardiovascular diseases and lower cancer risks.

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