Food for Fertility: 5 Foods that Make You Fertile

Although there is no pill that can dramatically improve your chances of conceiving, certain types of foods may help boost fertility. This gives you (and your spouse) a wider window for getting pregnant. If you’ve been struggling to conceive, try boosting your consumption of any of the foods below:

1. Beans

Beans have long been regarded as a fertility booster. Apart from being a rich source of protein and fiber, beans are also packed with folate and iron. These nutrients are proven to increase the chances of fertility.

In fact, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that nearly out of 19,000 female nurses in the facility, 39% are infertile due to high consumption of animal protein. In contrast, women who ate plant-based protein are more likely to conceive. To boost your chances of conceiving, we recommend eating all types of beans: white, Lima, black beans, etc. But minimize your consumption of soybean-based foods like tofu and edamame. These beans contain a type of isoflavone that mimics estrogen.  This increases the risk of breast cancer and even affects a woman’s fertility.

2. Berries

All types of berries can increase fertility. That’s because berries are loaded with antioxidants that protect the integrity of eggs and sperm alike! These fruits are also packed with phytochemicals and enzymes that re-balance the reproductive system, prolonging ovulation. In addition, berries contain anthocyanin. These nutrients keep the lining of the uterus thick and healthy. This increases the chance of a fertilized embryo to attach itself on the uterine wall.

To increase your chances of conceiving, add more blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and Goji berries to your diet! Ideally, you want to eat fresh, not juiced or preserved berries.

3. Cinnamon

Did you know cinnamon has the ability to prevent insulin resistance? Insulin resistance is a condition wherein the body no longer responds to insulin, causing blood sugar level to surge. High glucose in the blood is one of the main causes of ovarian disorders in women. It can lead to infertility especially those living with PCOS.

In a study, researchers at the Columbia University in New York City observed a group of women suffering from PCOS. The subjects were given a gram of cinnamon extract per day. In 8 weeks of consuming daily doses of cinnamon extract, researchers found a significant improvement in insulin resistance among the subjects.

Cinnamon slows down the breakdown of glucose as you eat. This keeps the blood sugar level from spiking after eating. As long as you consume the right amount of cinnamon, you too can take advantage of its fertility-boosting benefits.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is teeming with antioxidants catechin. This type of antioxidant prevents cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals. Catechin is proven to repair damaged reproductive tissues. It can also make eggs more viable for fertilization.  Scientists also say that tea contains hypoxanthine. This chemical generates more follicular fluid, a compound that helps eggs mature faster for fertilization. The antioxidant polyphenols in tea curb chromosomal abnormalities in developing fetus.

A Kaiser Permanente study found that women who drank at least half a cup of green tea twice daily raises their chances of conceiving twice, as oppose to those who never drank tea.

5. Cold Water Fish

Cold-water fish – such as salmon, herring, and tuna – are loaded with Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA, Alpha-linolenic acid or ALA and Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. These essential fatty acids are critical for fertility and proper fetus development!

Omega-3 fatty acids help regulate reproductive hormones. These beneficial fats also boost blood flow to the uterus, which keeps the uterine lining healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce inflammation in the pelvic area, increases egg white cervical mucus and normalize a woman’s menstrual period. Even better, these healthy fats boost the egg white cervical mucus. This compound is critical in helping the sperm reach the egg.