Fertility issues are quite common nowadays, and couples often find themselves struggling to conceive. While many medical treatments and procedures can help, it’s important to note that a healthy diet can also play a crucial role in boosting fertility.
Just like certain foods can hinder fertility, there are several fertility-boosting foods that can increase your chances of conceiving. Here, we’ll take a look at ten such foods.
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy greens are packed with nutrients that are vital for reproductive health. They are rich in folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin E, all of which help improve fertility by promoting healthy circulation, hormone balance and egg production.
Leafy greens also contain important antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress and damage to the eggs, which can lead to infertility.
2. Avocado
Avocado is a superfood that is packed with a variety of nutrients that are important for fertility. Avocado contains healthy fats that help balance hormones and promote healthy egg production.
They are also rich in vitamin E which is essential for overall reproductive health. Furthermore, avocado contains good amounts of vitamin B6 and folic acid, which helps improve fertility.
3. Berries
Berries are loaded with antioxidants that help keep the body healthy and protect the eggs from oxidative stress. They are also low in sugar, which makes them an excellent choice for women who are trying to conceive.
Berries also contain vitamin C, which helps improve the quality of cervical mucus and supports hormone balance. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are all great choices.
4. Whole Grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which help regulate insulin and blood sugar levels.
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is extremely important for fertility as unstable blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility. Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats are excellent option that can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote fertility.
5. Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are a great source of plant-based protein, which can be beneficial for fertility. Beans are also high in fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Some of the beans and legumes that are good for fertility include black beans, chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans.
6. Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help regulate hormones and reduce inflammation that can interfere with conception. Omega-3 fatty acids also help improve blood flow, which is crucial for healthy ovulation.
However, it is important to choose wild-caught salmon instead of farmed salmon as farmed salmon may contain contaminants that can interfere with fertility.
7. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are packed with a variety of nutrients that are important for fertility, including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin E.
Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are all good choices that can help promote overall reproductive health.
8. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C, which can help improve the quality of cervical mucus and support hormone balance. They are also rich in antioxidants that help protect the eggs from oxidative stress and damage.
Some of the citrus fruits that are beneficial for fertility include oranges, grapefruits, and lemons.
9. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains high levels of antioxidants that can help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation and protect the eggs from oxidative stress.
However, it is important to choose chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa or higher as other types of chocolate may contain added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients that can hinder fertility.
10. Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and probiotics, which can be beneficial for fertility.
Calcium is important for healthy ovulation, while probiotics help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can help improve overall reproductive health. However, it is important to choose plain or Greek yogurt instead of flavored yogurt, which often contains added sugar that can interfere with fertility.
Conclusion
A healthy, balanced diet that includes fertility-boosting foods can improve your chances of conceiving.
Make sure to incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet, including leafy greens, whole grains, berries, nuts, seeds, salmon, and yogurt. It’s important to remember that a healthy diet is only one aspect of improving fertility, and it is advisable to also consult with a medical professional if you are struggling to conceive.