MEN who want to increase their fertility should eat plenty of green seasonal vegetables that are packed full of folate, new research suggests.

A study by the University of California, Berkley, has found the nutrient can decrease the number of abnormal sperm a man produces - making it easier to conceive, lessening the chance of miscarriage and also reducing the likelihood of having a child born with a defect, such as Down's syndrome.

Experts also suspect that folate could also help protect against heart disease and strokes - all good reasons to cram your bod full of folate-rich seasonal veg.

Eating in season ensures the vegetables you're munching on are at their peak, nutrient-wise, and March plays host to a range of folate-rich produce: purple sprouting broccoli, broccoli, kale, parsnips, endives, spring greens, savoy cabbages, beetroots, cucumbers, leeks and Brussels sprouts.

To find tasty, seasonal recipes that are high in folate visit www.iminseason.com.