Trying for a baby? Good news! If you’re looking for natural ways to boost your fertility, might want to know that food and fertility and definitely linked, and that having the right balance of vitamins and minerals in your diet can be a huge benefit. Listed below are 8 fertility-boosting foods that are loaded with minerals and vitamins essential for a healthy reproductive system.
Fish
Are you a seafood lover? Great! Adding fish to your diet might be a fantastic idea if you're trying to conceive. Yes, fish are a great source of vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids, and can have a positive effect on your fertility. Fish contains essential fatty acids that help enhance the circulation around the reproductive system boosts the sperm quality in the process. However, make sure you avoid fish that have high mercury content such as shark, king mackerel, sushi, swordfish, and tilefish. Go for low-mercury fish like salmon, shrimp, catfish, and canned light tuna.
Fresh fruits
Fresh fruits are loaded with high levels of Vitamin C that is known to enhance potency and the quality of the sperm. If you're trying to become a father, include lots of fresh fruit in your diet such as sweet lime, lemon, mangoes, and oranges. These fruits are not only packed with Vitamin C, but are so filled with nutrients and anti-oxidants. What's more, vitamin C is also said to improve hormonal balance in women.
Avocado
Avocados are an abundant source of monounsaturated fats that have a positive impact on fertility. According to studies, women who ate high amounts of avocados (packed with healthy nutrients) while undergoing IVF therapy, had almost triple the success rate as compared to those who ate low amounts of avocado. What's more, avocados are also known to be beneficial for male infertility since they are a source of healthy amounts of vitamin E, an antioxidant that speeds motility and helps the sperm penetrate the egg. In short, vitamin E helps the body produce healthy sperm.
Milk
If you're trying to conceive, dairy products are highly advisable. Dairy products, especially milk, are loaded with Calcium, which is great for the bones and overall reproductive health. It has been proved that drinking even one full cup of whole milk a day can help women overcome ovulation issues and get pregnant. Interestingly, according to studies, along with whole milk, a daily serving of full-fat dairy food such as ice-cream and cheddar cheese also increase a woman's pregnancy odds. However, remember not to go overboard and keep an eye on the portions!
Whole grains
If you're looking to get pregnant, you might want to stock yourself with whole grains. Try eating whole grains that are as unprocessed as possible. Whole grains are a rich source of carbohydrates that contain tons of rich nutrients, antioxidants, B vitamins, and iron, all of which are extremely beneficial if you're trying to conceive. Moreover, whole grains keep your reproductive hormones and your menstrual cycle stable, and may even promote regular ovulation.
Berries
Gorging on berries not only helps the egg, but improves the quality of the sperm too! Raspberries and blueberries particularly, are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that help prevent the aging and damage caused to your body's cell as well as your eggs. According to studies, blueberries consist of phytonutrients and natural chemicals that balance the hormones and have a positive impact on ovulation. It has also been studied that berries help in keeping the sperm healthy and strong.
Nuts and seeds
Unheated, unprocessed nuts and seeds play a vital role in improving fertility. Particularly, walnuts and pumpkin seeds are exceptionally favorable for improving fertility, since they're packed with amino acids, proteins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty helps in regulating reproductive hormones, reducing inflammation, normalizing the cycle, increasing blood flow to the uterus, and regulating ovulation. Furthermore, studies have also shown that babies who get adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy are known to have better cognitive development and vision as compared to babies who received low levels of omega-3s.
Beans
Beans are yet another essential food that help in developing good follicle quality that is required for fertility. The best thing about beans is that they not only taste good, but are also rich in fiber, low in fat, and packed with essential proteins. Beans are also a rich source of iron, folate, and may other vital minerals and vitamins. Be it legumes, lentils, beans, or nuts, eating one serving a day enhances fertility.
The author of this article, Karen Fernandes, is a freelance blogger who enjoys sharing her ideas and experiences online. She is associated with Cottesloe Naturopathic Clinic, a fertility clinic. Her hobbies include gardening and pottery. She likes travelling and exploring new places in her leisure time.