A healthy lifestyle is important at every point in a women’s life but maintaining a healthy diet is especially important when you’re trying to conceive a baby. Studies have established a very close connection between dietary intake and fertility. Here’s how to dine your way to increased fertility by adding these recommended fertility-friendly foods to your everyday diet.
- Avocados
Avocados are a great fertility food because they’re high in folate (folic acid), which is key for conception. Avocados are also high in healthy fats and are great for your overall health, which is very important to maintain when you’re trying to conceive. And who doesn’t love a delicious guacamole or starting your day with avocado toast?
- Sunflower seeds
Raw sunflower seeds are great for increasing sperm count and improving sperm motility. Sunflower seeds are also rich in vitamin E, folic acid and selenium – all of which are potent nutrients to increase fertility. Try sprinkling these delicious seeds on your salad, snacking on them by the handful or slathering some sunflower seed butter onto a slice of toast.
- Berries
Packed with antioxidants, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are great for fertility. These members of the berry family protect your body from cellular damage and cellular aging — and this includes the cells in your reproductive system (e.g. your eggs). I like to simply snack on fresh berries or add them to the top of my oatmeal.
- Dark leafy greens
You should be adding leafy greens to your diet on a daily basis, but greens are especially important when you’re trying to get pregnant. Spinach, kale and Swiss chard all contain essential prenatal nutrients like calcium and folate, which are also important for fetal growth and development. There are endless ways to include dark leafy greens into your everyday diet. Try making a yummy superfood salad with a mix of greens or throwing a handful of greens into a smoothie.
- Salmon
Thanks to salmons’ high omega-3 fatty acid content, salmon is considered a fertility all-star because it helps balance your reproductive system. Salmon is high in protein and good for your overall health. Fortunately, salmon also contains the lowest amount of mercury out of all of the fish and is a great alternative to red meat. Pair it with your favourite side of vegetables and voila! Just make sure you opt for wild salmon, to keep mercury levels as low as possible.
At BodaHealth, we understand that all aspects of your health are important when you’re trying to become pregnant, and eating well is just one important aspect. If you’d like more information about enhancing your fertility through nutrition, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, naturopathy or any of the other natural therapies that we offer, call us today!
Click here for a free 15-minute consultation!
