Lore of Brewing Mead from Honey?

Question

Have you heard that it's supposed to help couples conceive sons?

Is there any biochemistry to back this up?

I'm fairly certain that men are responsible for determining the male gender of the baby . . . cause only men carry the Y chromosome.

Perhaps the mead makes their "lil' swimmers" with XY more likely than the XX to fertilize an egg?

Answer 1

In ancient times, it was common practice for a newly married couple to drink mead for an entire month after they wed in the hopes of producing a son. Most of these traditions were started and mostly thrived in the Nordic countries, as grapes cannot grow well that far north & wine was largely unavailable until trade routes were established with southern Europe. The term "honeymoon" actually derives from this practice- For one cycle of the moon, honey wine (mead) was given to the couple.

There is a tiny bit of science to back up this claim.The acidity & sweetness of the drink can influence the acidity/alkalinity of the female body, and there are some pretty interesting studies out there that correlate a more acidic enviroment with the conception of a son rather than a daughter. I tend to believe that it's not much of a factor, but if you're trying for a son, every bit helps, I guess, right?

edit: Of course you're right about the sperm determining the sex, which is why I doubt if there is much of an effect. But, sperm carrying the Y chromosone do behave a little differently than those without it. I don't know if either are able to survive more acidic enviroments more easily, but I do know that sperm carrying the Y chromosone are slightly faster to reach the egg, but die quicker. So who knows?

Answer 2

i haven't heard this one but my husband and i brew and drink mead - more than the average person i'd imagine - we finally had a baby this past year and it was a GIRL.