Fertility Foods
Foods that increase fertility
Full fat dairy products
women who eat at least one portion of full fat dairy a day are less likely to suffer infertility problems compared to those who have a low dairy intake. Dairy is a great source of calcium which is important in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, bones and blood.
Whole grains
Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, whole wheat as well as other whole grains are complex carbohydrates and contain an abundance of the B and E vitamins that are needed for cellular reproduction, hormonal balance and the production of healthy ova and sperm.
Oily fish
Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are the best source of EFAs essential fatty acids. omega-3 and omega-6 which play an important role in regulating the reproductive functions, helping blood flow and increasing sperm quality and mobility. Flaxseed oil is a good EFA alternative for those who don’t eat fish.
Garlic
Although not typically known as a food for romance, garlic contains an abundance of fertility boosting nutrients and can easily be neutralised with parsley. It’s a great source of the mineral selenium which is thought to enhance male fertility and help prevent the chromosome breakage that may play a role in early miscarriage. Garlic also contains vitamin B6 which helps to regulate hormones and strengthens the immune system.
Bovril
Bovril is a beef stock drink that is a high in folic acid . Folic acid is a member of the B vitamins group. New research also shows that men who have a folic acid deficiency could notice a 90% reduction in their sperm count. If men suffering with partial infertility take folic acid it is proclaimed to increase the quality and quantity of their sperm.
Green leafy vegetables
For the same reasons as Bovril these contain high levels of folic acid as well as a host of over vitamins and minerals.
Beef
Beef is one of those foods that has had a bit of bad press in the last few years. With many people turning away from red meat. Beef contains high levels of zinc. Deficiency of zinc can lead to sterility in men.
Brazil Nuts
The Brazil nut contains very high levels of Selenium. Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Selenium acts to help prevent oxidation of the sperm cell, thus aiding in maintaining sperm cell integrity. Selenium is also found in beef liver and seafood RDA 70 micrograms/day for an adult male. (1 oz of brizil nuts contain 544 micrograms)
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to increase fertility when given to both men and women. Men going for IVF treatment with their partners have been given vitamin E, and fertilisation rates have, as a result, increased from 19 to 29 percent. It is believed that the antioxidant effect has a positive effect on sperm making them more fertile. Other foods rick in vitamin E include asparagus, avocado, Egg, Milk, Nuts, Seeds ,Spinach and other green leafy vegetables, Unheated vegetable oils, Wheat germ and other Wholegrain foods
