Research has shown that eating unprocessed wholesome food such as fish, eggs, meat, vegetables and fruits, seeds, nuts, and legumes are beneficial for improve your reproductive health. Folic acid, vitamins A, B, C and D, deep sea omega-3 fish oil, bee pollen, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and iodine are important supplements for fertility. One study shows that you should eat well for 3 to 12 months for dietary changes to take place before you conceive. But it is never too late to make a healthy change for your pregnancy.
In this Blog, we will discuss some highly nutritious foods for fertility in females and males by highlighting their specific benefits in your reproductive tract.
Royal Jelly
Of all the superfoods you can eat, royal jelly is probably one the most important powerful foods to increase fertility. What turns a normal bee into the queen bee that is responsible for laying millions of eggs in its lifetime is royal jelly, which is the exclusive food designated for the to-be queen bee only. Normal working bees live for days. The queen bee lives up to six years. Royal jelly is indeed food for the royalty. What makes this substance so beneficial for fertility is its incredibly rich protein content, in addition to vitamins, minerals, fats and sugars.
Many cases show that women who eat royal jelly receive enormous benefit to their menstrual cycle probably because of its strength in regulating hormonal balance. If your menstrual cycle is healthy, you are much more likely to conceive. Studies have shown that royal jelly improves egg quality, increases libido, strengthens sperm health and slows down aging. One word of caution is that there have been cases of people with bee product allergies who react adversely to royal jelly. So make sure you start with a small amount to check if you have any sensitivity towards it.
Powerful Protein
Protein is essential for growth. One study showed that increasing good quality protein and reducing carbohydrates in your diet boosts fertility and improve egg quality. Good sources of protein are eggs, fish, meat, beans and legumes. Brains, liver and kidneys are also particularly nutritious. Where possible, go organic as environment toxins can interfere with hormonal functions that help you fall pregnant.
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is one of the most powerful protein sources in nature. It contains more amino acids than eggs, beef or milk of equal weight. Bees collect pollen from flowers, pack it with honey and bee secretions to become bee pollen. It is the food for the young bees.
Humans have taken bee pollen for a long time for its ability to boost your energy, improve allergic conditions, benefit skin, aid digestion and strengthen the immune system and the cardiovascular system. Studies have also shown that bee pollen can increase the chances of pregnancy because of its beneficial effect on the ovarian function and hormonal functions. More information about bee products can be found on our website.
Bee Propolis
Bee propolis is a substance used by the bees to build the lining of their hives to work as a natural antibiotic to keep their homes safe and healthy. It comes from the tree sap, buds and leaves collected by the bees. It is commonly used in humans to strengthen the immune system to prevent respiratory conditions and to fight inflammation. In some human studies it was also found that taking bee propolis improves pregnancy rates as well, possibly due to its immune-regulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, autoimmune dysfunction makes the uterine environment hostile to sperm, as antibodies are present to attack sperm. Inflammatory conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis are also common causes of infertility. More information about finding good quality bee propolis can be found on our website.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are wonderfully multi-faceted nutrient. While it is well known for their benefit on the brain, eye and heart development of both the foetus and adults, they also keep your blood vessels healthy and well circulated and it fights inflammation in the body.
For women, these healthy fats keep the hormones function properly, increase blood flow to the uterus and improve cervical mucus quality to help sperm swim upstream to meet the egg. For men, these fats improve circulation to reproductive organs, help produce healthier sperm that are stronger and more motile and enhance erectile function.
The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are deep-sea fish, chia seeds and flax seeds. Eat oily fish 2 or 3 times a week. One of the most important supplements you can take for pregnancy is omega-3 fish oil. This is true especially if you are concerned about eating too much contaminated fish. Fish oil prices range from AUD $8 to 80 a bottle. One reason for this huge range difference is that farmed fish are often used to produce cheap fish oil. The problem with farmed fish is that the quality of the fish oil is often sub-standard. Good quality fish oil is produced in deep sea where oxygen is scarce and contamination is minimal. If you need more information, please check our website.
Chinese Medicine
Chinese herbs may be used to improve blood count, increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, shrink some fibroids, replenish lost nutrients during the menstrual cycle, regulate premenstrual tension, regulate hormones, strengthen sexual desire and relax the nervous system. Here are some of the common helpful herbs.
Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis)
This herb regulates hormonal level, strengthens oestrogen functions and improves the chances of embryo implantation. Being a blood tonic and a blood mover, it boosts the blood count, improves energy, benefits circulation and reduces menstrual problems.
Huang Qi (Astragalus)
Being a Qi tonic, Huang Qi greatly strengthens the energy production, improves circulation and supports the immune system. It is thought to improve sperm motility and quantity.
Ren Shen (Ginseng)
This is a well-known potent energy tonic traditionally by Chinese Olympians to boost their performance. It is thought to improve energy levels, increase testosterone levels, sperm motility and quantity.
Yin Yang Huo (Horny Goat Weed)
This herb strengthens your kidneys and hormonal system. It improves libido and lifts sperm count. It is also used to treat impotence and premature ejaculation.
For more information about Chinese medicine, check our website.
Warm Food
The idea of eating warm food to benefit your body is not limited to your fertility. Your body works like a pot that is used for cooking rice. If you keep pouring ice into it, it will never work properly and the rice will never cook. This is obvious with your digestive system. As a result by drinking and eating icy substances, you are dampening your digestive system to process your food properly.
Likewise, your other body systems also need a comfortably warm environment to function well. This is especially true for the female reproductive system. Many women suffer from menstrual irregularities, poor circulation and fibroids and cysts. They can benefit from warm Chinese herbs and a change into a warm diet such as warm temperature food and warm natured food. This is not to say that you need to overeat your body. Occasional cold drinks, watermelon, soymilk, salad and ice cream are fine as long as you eat a good balance of hot food and drink, ginger, cinnamon, garlic. Though it is deep-seated western cultural habit, an icy cold drink with your meal is really not a great idea.
Maca
Maca, or lepidium meyenll, is a cruciferous root vegetable grows in some of the harshest conditions of the high altitudes in the Andes of Peru. Natives have used maca as one of the foods to increase fertility for livestock and humans for thousands of years. It supports the hormonal glands that are responsible for the reproduction system. Studies have shown that it improves libido, increases sperm count and sperm activity and regulates the menstrual cycle. In addition, maca is rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It is a natural healthy way of improving your hormonal balance, thyroid, energy and overall health.
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