When you are trying to conceive it is particularly important to eat the right foods and maintain a healthy diet. Although eating certain foods will not reverse infertility issues entirely, they can ensure that your body is in the best possible condition for a successful pregnancy.
To help you prepare your body for having a baby, here are five fertility boosting foods to add to your diet…
- Eggs
Eggs are full of protein as well as Vitamins B12 and E, which makes them one of the top fertility boosting foods. Whether you enjoy your eggs hard-boiled, scrambled, poached, or fried, make sure you don’t forget to eat the yolk as this is where you’ll find most of the fertility-boosting nutrients!
- Fish
Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel are the best source of essential fatty acids and omega-3. Omega -3 is a healthy fat that acts as a building block for hormones and plays an important role in regulating the reproductive cycle.
- Full fat dairy
While you may usually opt for low fat food options or skimmed milk, studies show that women who have the right amount of full fat dairy in their diet have fewer fertility problems. Dairy products are also a great source of calcium, which is a vital ingredient in the development of embryos.
Try and buy organic dairy products to avoid any additional hormones or additives, which can affect the hormones in your body.
- Garlic
It may be a little smelly, but garlic offers so many benefits to your health. Garlic is a great source of the mineral selenium which is believed to help alleviate any chromosome defects. It also contains vitamin B6 which helps to regulate hormones and supports the immune system.
- Avocado
Avocado is not only a very fashionable food at the moment, but it is also considered a fertility super food! This is because it is an excellent source of Vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant and an essential fertility nutrient. Vitamin E helps to regulate both ovulation and the production of cervical mucus. It is also an excellent source of unsaturated fats which are essential for healthy hormone functioning.
When you are trying for a baby (and throughout your pregnancy) it is important to choose good quality, fresh unprocessed foods because these will be much richer in vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Opting for organic will also mean your food is free from pesticides and added oestrogens that may affect your ability to conceive.
Remember, while it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet when you are trying to conceive, you should also drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and avoid alcohol and cigarettes.