No, it’s not folktale wisdom or an old wives”” tale! Bizarre as it may sound, doctors, dietitians, scientists and herbalists alike are advocating the power of food to improve fertility.
Research shows over seven percent of couples trying to extend families have trouble in conception. Wanna be moms fret over everything from ovulation cycles, sperm count to time spent in bed, but what about diet?
Diet is an often-overlooked component of fertility. While there is a lot of advice out there on things to avoid eating when couples are planning a baby, we list some key items that are all part of a healthy fertility diet.
Iron and Zinc
Consumption of at least 15 mg of zinc a day can increase semen and testosterone production in men and ovulation and fertility in women. No wonder then zinc is often referred to the magic fertility bullet. In female fertility, zinc promotes cell division which is important for fetal development and in men it ensures adequate testosterone levels and sperm count. Food sources for zinc include oysters, chicken, beef, crab and turkey. Iron and zinc go hand in hand in improving fertility. You can get your supply of iron from meat, iron fortified cereals, beans and asparagus.
Colorful Foods
In any fertility campaign, a good and healthy diet plays a vital role. Try eating fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of colors. This is because each color has a specific health benefit that can help improve your health and thereby your chances of fertility. Fruits and veggies not only deliver a wealth of vitamins and minerals, they””re also brimming with free-radical-busting micro-nutrients, like phytochemicals and antioxidants.
Enjoy some kale, spinach, cucumbers, kiwi, and green peppers for the dark green category, strawberries, apples, and peppers in red. For the blue and purple hues eat blueberries, plums, black berries and for your dose of yellow and orange eat squash, bananas, oranges, nectarines, and lemons. Try to get about 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of veggies a day. Remember, the more vivid the hue, the higher the nutrient-content in the produce.
Whole Grains
While you indulge in foods like eggs, garlic and meat to improve your virility, don’t forget to incorporate whole grains, healthy fats, excellent protein packages and even the occasional bowl of ice cream. Whole grains contain folic acid, which aids blood production and is important once you fall pregnant so the baby doesn”t have neural tube defects.
Water Intake
Food is not the only thing that can help improve fertility, drinks can also confer benefits! A hydrated body can prop up the odds of getting pregnant. Having excessive fizz drinks means that the body is probably not getting enough water. Increasing water consumption to at least 8 glasses every day may influence your ability to become pregnant. If the water is too insipid try adding a dash of fresh lemon, lime or fruit extracts to it. Along those same lines, increasing the consumption of green tea (decaffeinated) has been shown to increase overall health.
Remember, a healthy body is the key to getting pregnant. The healthier you and your partner are the better are your chances of becoming proud parents!
