Believe it or not, food and fertility are intrinsically linked. So, while the American Society for Reproductive Medicine attributes a Western-centric diet to increasing infertility among couples in America, adding certain foods to your daily diet can actually help you on your way to parenthood.
Here is a list of five baby-making foods (not aphrodisiacs) that you can add to your shopping cart and find your path to Babyville.
1Fruits
Vitamin C-rich fruits such as lemons, oranges, berries and papayas are known for their antioxidant properties and protecting the egg from damage. They also improve the potency and motility of sperm in men.
2Fish
Full of healthy omega-rich fatty acids, fish such as salmon, sardines and herring regulate reproductive hormones in women, while also increasing cervical fluid and promoting ovulation. Salmon contains selenium, which produces antioxidants that protect the egg and sperm from free radicals and prevents birth defects and miscarriages.
3Full-Fat Dairy Products
Dairy products such as whole milk, ice cream, yogurt and cheese are packed with calcium and vitamin D, which support the production of estrogen and promote ovulation in women. Worried about the extra pounds? You can also find the fertility-friendly calcium in tofu and leafy greens like spinach.
4Lean Meat
Iron is a very essential nutrient when it comes to reproductive health. Lean proteins like chicken, turkey and red meat are loaded with iron that boosts the production of red blood cells and reduces the threat of anemia during pregnancies.
5Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pine nuts are all rich in Vitamin E, which, according to studies, can improve sperm health in men.
Vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant that protects the egg DNA from any damage. Other foods rich in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, broccoli, avocados and kale.
6Whole Grains
Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates like white flour, white rice and sugary treats. Not only do refined carbs spike up your blood sugar levels, they also meddle with the production of reproductive hormones and the menstrual cycle.
On the other hand, whole grains are loaded with folic acid which is an essential nutrient if you’re trying to conceive. Asparagus is also a rich source of folic acid to include in your daily diet.
7Shellfish
Vitamin B12 is the magic nutrient of shellfish, which, if low, can interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg. Vitamin B12 also plays an important role in strengthening the lining of the endometrium while preparing for egg implantation.
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Updated July 19, 2018
