Did you know that what you eat could help to boost your chances at baby-making? It’s true. An awesome way to boost fertility is to improve your diet! Maintaining a healthy diet is important for every point in a woman’s life but even more so when trying to conceive a baby. There are certain foods that are fantastic for menstruation, encouraging ovulation and protecting your reproductive cells. They can help give your body just what it needs to make a baby!
Ready to jump-start your conception quest? Let’s jump right into what 7 foods help to boost fertility.
7 Fertility-Friendly Foods
Asparagus
These little green spears of deliciousness are filled with folic acid, which has been found to reduce the risk of ovulation issues. Add some asparagus to your salad or eat it alone roasted or steamed.
Beans
Add some beans onto a salad to seriously increase your chances of conceiving. Beans are a lean protein and are full of iron, which helps to increase fertility and libido. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health looked at approximately 19,000 female nurses who were actively trying to get pregnant. They discovered that infertility was 39 percent more likely in those with the highest intake of animal protein. Those women who consumed lots of plant protein were substantially less likely to have difficulty conceiving. Try some plant based beans like chickpeas, black beans and soybeans in your salad or vegetarian chili. If you’re not a big bean fan, add some lentils, tofu nuts and edamame to your diet for some solid plant-based proteins.
Berries
One of your best bets for fertility boosting foods are berries—blueberries and raspberries to be exact. These berries are high in antioxidants which protect cells from aging and damaging—including the cells found in your reproductive system. Enjoy some as is, in a smoothie, on top of a salad or cereal!
Bananas
If you’re trying for a baby, grab a banana anytime you need a mid-morning snack. Bananas are packed with vitamin B6, which is needed for good egg and sperm development and regulates hormones. They also facilitate regular menstruation and lead to healthy egg development.
The path to pregnancy can pose many questions. One of the most common questions is ‘what is ovulation?’ Look no further—we break down what it is and how you know when you’re ovulating.
Brussel Sprouts
Another fertility food full of folic acid, brussel sprouts are filled with the nutrients and vitamins that help women absorb balanced levels of estrogen and rid the body of any excess hormones.
Oysters
You may have heard that oysters can seriously heat things up between the sheets, but did you know they can also give your fertility a big boost? Oysters are excellent source of zinc, which is critical for conception. Zinc deficiency can slow egg-production and disrupt your cycle. If you’re not an oyster fan, try eating other zinc-filled foods like whole grains, eggs, nuts and legumes. There are also some great prenatal vitamins that contains zinc too.
Leafy Greens
Looking to boost your fertility? Eat those dark leafy greens such as romaine, arugula, spinach and broccoli! They’re high in folate, a B vitamin that can help improve ovulation and increase a woman’s libido.
Certain foods can improve your ability to make a baby. Whether you’re just starting your journey to add to your family or you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while, add these 7 fertility-boosting foods to your diet today!
Save this list to your phone! Keep this convenient list on hand next time you hit the grocery store.
Family Planning Preparation with My OBGyne
Ready to start a family? Scheduling a visit with your OBGYN before you start trying to conceive is a must. My OBGyne offers our patients a full range of family planning care and preparation to help guide you on this new journey. Our wonderful team is here to ensure that all your needs are met before, during and after your pregnancy. If you’re ready to start a family, we can ensure you that you are prepared by offering our complete family planning preparation services.
Request your appointment with My OBGyne today!
References: http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/nutrition/what-to-eat-when-trying-to-get-pregnant/, http://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-diet, http://www.parenting.com/article/what-eat-conceive, http://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/fertility-boosting-foods, http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/nutrition/what-to-eat-when-trying-to-get-pregnant/,