I want to start by debunking the myth that fertility is a woman’s business. Actually, at any one time, a woman only makes up 50% of a couple’s potential to conceive. Fertility is always COUPLE business. It takes two to tango! So what both men & women eat is very important in influencing their fertility. A healthy diet means a healthy ovum and a healthy sperm that eventually make a healthy baby.
Below are natural foods that boost fertility:
1 – NUTS & SEEDS
Nuts and seeds are nutritional powerhouses for fertility because they themselves are the
reproductive material of the plants they represent. Nuts and seeds contain all the DNA and
nutrients needed for a plant to reproduce and that makes them the most nutritious part of a
plant!
Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and all their nutty/seedy pals are
great sources of fat, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals like calcium, selenium and iron.
A special shout-out goes to flax seeds because they are also the world’s greatest known source
of lignans. Lignans are powerful antioxidants and are also great in helping the body eliminate
excess estrogen.
2 – WHOLE GRAINS
If nuts and seeds are the ‘egg’ of the plant, whole grains are the fertilized germs cells and thus
they contain all the nutrition needed to sustain the growth of the new plant. This makes them
very high in ‘fertile potential’.
Refined grains are stripped of the fertilized germ cell and in the process, they lose up to 17 key
nutrients. Whole grains release their sugars slowly into the bloodstream, unlike refined grains
which catapult your blood sugar levels drastically.
That makes brown rice, quinoa, oats, rye, barley, and whole wheat hearty foods that boost fertility.
3 – BEANS & LENTILS
Like nuts and seeds, beans and lentils are also the reproductive material of the plants they
represent and therefore have an impressive list of nutrients. These include folate, manganese,
thiamin, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and iron. Beans and legumes are also a great source of plant protein and fiber.
Adding more plant protein in your diet is a great step towards maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your hormones in check. Aim to eat beans/legumes at least 3 times a week and while at it, remember to pre-soak them before cooking as this improves their digestibility significantly.
4 – HEALTHY FATS
Fats and healthy in the same breath can sound a bit like an oxymoron, but your body actually
needs fat, especially for creating a healthy ovum and sperm cells. Essential fatty acids are needed for making new cells, for hormone production, and for brain development.
That said, not all fats were made equal, it is advisable to include more unsaturated fats ( liquid
at room temperature) and completely avoid trans fats. Examples of good fats are;
● Avocados
● Fatty Fish e.g Wild caught salmon
● Unrefined vegetable oils e.g Olive oil, Flax oil
● Nut butter
5 – EGGS
Eggs just like seeds, are the reproductive material of the chicken and thus contain all the
nutrients the little chick needs to hatch. This makes them nutritional giants.
However, remember this is one of the foods you want to have in moderation. Also the type of
egg matters – always go for organic, free-range eggs. Ideally, no more than 3 eggs in a week.
6 – FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
It goes without saying that fresh fruits and vegetables are the numero uno of good nutrition! Not
only are they packed with powerful antioxidants they are also the most bioavailable sources of
vitamins and minerals.
Dark green leafy vegetables contain folate which is very essential in the first few weeks of
pregnancy for preventing neural tube defects. These veggies are also very rich in iron and zinc.
When it comes to fruits, citrus fruits are a great option. This is because they are an
incredibly rich source of vitamin C which is a powerful immune booster.
7 – WATER
Water may not be a food but it is such an important nutrient that it earned its way into this list.
Water is literally life; one would literally die faster from lack of water than from lack of food!
Dehydration puts your body automatically into survival mode. This shuts down all non-essential
systems including your reproductive mechanisms. The more water you take, you will see an
improvement in your cervical mucus/seminal fluid production.
So rev up your water intake not only to boost ferility but also to help your body
detoxify from all the toxins you are exposed to in daily life.
In conclusion, consider fertility as an abundance of life. Nature provides perfect examples of this; An underfed chicken does not lay eggs, a bean plant without sufficient water will not sprout and likewise, an under-nourished couple may be unable to have healthy offspring. Eating well is an act of self-love and importantly an act of love toward your future offspring.
Enjoy eating these foods that boost fertility!
