There is a common misconception that eating certain foods can help us become more fertile. Although there is some truth to the matter, the concept is not entirely correct. It’s true that our overall diet can help with our fertility. And researchers agree that our weight can also have an effect where being underweight or overweight can have an impact to our being fertile.
Although focusing on certain foods is not really recommended, adding the following to your diet may help contribute to your reproductive system because of the nutrients that they contain which are needed to increase your fertility. Here are a few that you should add to your diet.
Full fat yogurt
Dairy products like full-fat yogurt, cream cheese, whole milk, as well as ice cream are good options to consider as one study, conducted by Harvard, found women who consume full-fat dairy products had fewer ovulation problems compared to those who avoid these foods. Treating yourself to a full-fat ice cream once a week may be good for you. Just watch out the extra calories.
Wild salmon
Another way to boost your fertility is to add wild caught fish to your diet, like wild salmon, because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids that are needed for hormone production. Omega-3s can also support better brain function and ensure that your menstrual cycles are regular. If you are not fond of eating fish, look for plant-based foods that have this nutrient instead.
Cooked tomatoes
You should also use cooked tomatoes in your meals, such as in the form of tomato soup or tomato sauce, because of the antioxidants that they contain which is called lycopene. Lycopene has been studied for its contribution to male fertility. Studies show a positive effect on males taking lycopene supplementation as there is an increase in pregnancy after a year of taking this supplement.
Spinach
Another type of food that you can incorporate into your diet is spinach, as well as other dark leafy greens, because they are among the best sources of folate and iron, both of which are critical to your menstrual cycle. If you are planning on getting pregnant, it would be a good idea to stock up on iron. Folate is necessary if you are trying to get pregnant, and even more so when you are pregnant because this mineral is needed to help support the baby’s brain, neural tube, and heart too.
Oysters
You’ve probably heard that eating oysters is actually good for fertility because of the nutrients that they contain. Aside from iron, you will also get selenium, vitamin B-12, as well as zinc from eating this seashell. The healthiest way to eat oysters is when they are raw, but not everyone can stomach this. The good news is that there are several ways for you to prepare oysters which can make them more palatable for you.
Blueberries
Eating colorful fruits such as blueberries, pomegranates, raspberries, and strawberries are not only high in vitamin C, but they are also high in fiber and folate too. These berries pack plenty of antioxidants that contribute to the fertility of both genders. Antioxidants are known to protect the body from being damaged by free radicals so you might want to make them part of your diet too.
Walnuts
Walnuts are also good for improving your fertility because they have healthy fats that are good for your overall health. Men who ate walnuts saw an improvement to their fertility which is why this is a good snack to consider if you are trying to get pregnant with your partner.
