A healthy and well-nourished body will fundamentally speed up the process of conceiving. Agnes Kyotalengerire spoke to Fausta Aketch, a nutritionist based in Adjumani, what foods a woman should eat to boost her chances of conception.
Aketch shared the following:
Cactus and okra
The mucilage present in cactus and okra relaxes the body and increases healthy cervical mucus which aids lubrication making sexual intercourse enjoyable. Additionally, healthy cervical mucus facilitates sperm to swim and meat the egg for fertilization and, consequently, conception.
Regular consumption of cacti is believed to increase semen volume. To reap such a benefit, take about 250ml of cactus juice mixed with okra at least twice a day.
Nuts
Nuts provide a dose of good fertility boosters like omega fats, protein, folic acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium and Vitamin E. In addition, they can be a great source of fibre, helping to regulate hormones and balance blood sugar.
Consuming nuts such as walnuts and almonds may boost fertility levels. Snacking on almonds is recommended because they are loaded with the healthy monounsaturated fats that support the reproductive system, as well as Vitamin E and other vitamins and minerals. Besides, the antioxidants found in the nuts keep away free radicals and enhance egg production in the human body.
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of folic acid and Vitamin C, which helps in improving the process of ovulation. It decreases the chances of miscarriage and genetic abnormalities such as spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
You should include vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale and fenugreek in your daily diet for greater results.
Folic acid got from green leafy vegetables is an essential Vitamin B complex nutrient that plays a role during early congenital growth and development. Also termed folate, it plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and helps the baby’s neural tube develop into the brain and spinal cord. Incidentally, the benefits instilled in green vegetables also help in making good-quality of sperm. So, a couple of planning to have a baby should endeavour to have portions of green leafy vegetables at every meal.
Beans
Beans are an excellent source of fibre and folate, both of which are crucial to maintaining a healthy hormonal balance. They are also high in protein, which can help promote healthier ovulation.
Garlic
Garlic is a fertility-boosting spice and is augmented by the presence of an antioxidant, selenium. Garlic also maintains the oestrogen balance in the body and thus supports fertility. For men, it really helps in enhancing sperm movement, which increases the odds of conception when consumed regularly. To preserve and tap into the nutritional benefits of garlic, crush a few cloves depending on the quality of the sauce or food, and add it shortly before you remove it from the fire.
Dairy products
Dairy products are rich in calcium, good fats and Vitamin D, which are essential for improving fertility levels in couples who want to conceive faster.
Greek yoghurt and cheese contain calcium, probiotics, protein and Vitamin D, all of which help improve ovulation, hence reinforcing your odds of a successful pregnancy through more precise ovulation cycles.
Berries
If you are trying to conceive, then berries are excellent for you. Raspberries and blueberries are rich in natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which help in boosting fertility levels. They are also a good source of folate and Vitamin C, which can help with foetal development. Berries also help in weight loss and should essentially be incorporated in your fertility-boosting diet.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds really help in producing matured cells. They are also a rich source of zinc that aids in increasing testosterone and semen levels. It also stimulates a proper flow of blood to all the reproductive organs that sustains and controls a strong reproductive system. Pumpkin seeds are power packed with numerous benefits and the presence of abundant nutrition, thus must be consumed by one and all.
Bananas
Bananas are jam-packed with Vitamin B6 and help in the formation of the embryo by regulating the hormones involved in the ovulation process. It is also a rich source with potassium and Vitamin C as well. The inadequacy of potassium and vitamin B6 results in poor quality of eggs and sperms. Therefore, it is important for the intending parents to include bananas in her breakfast.
Water
If you do not drink enough water the reproductive system will lose out as the body ensures that the most vital organs receive the water that they need first.
Water is needed for plump egg follicles and a strong blood supply to the womb lining. If you are dehydrated, your cervical fluid (the stuff that helps the sperm find the egg) also becomes sluggish.
Orange fruit and vegetables
Peaches, apricots, carrots and mangoes all contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A and which helps to produce the female sex hormones important for ovulation.
Cinnamon
Taking cinnamon can help jumpstart irregular menstrual cycles in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of female infertility.
Egg Yolks
Most people ditch the yolk of the egg to cut back on calories, but yolks contain vitamin B and essential omega-3s. Yolks also contain folic acid which helps the body create red blood cells and help to maintain embryo development after conception.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a powerhouse food with incredible benefits for those trying to get pregnant. Studies show that eating one cup of boiled asparagus will provide you with over 60% of your daily recommended value of folic acid, fulfil your daily vitamin K value, and strengthen your reproductive health with more than 20% of vitamins A, C, and B. It also contains substantial amounts of zinc and selenium, so ensure your partner consumes asparagus as well
Salmon
To pile on more of those healthy fats, salmon offers loads of protein and valuable omega-3s that improve foetal development throughout pregnancy. Your spouse can also benefit from eating salmon for its high levels of Vitamin D and selenium, two components that raise semen levels and enhance its overall health. Keep in mind; it’s best to purchase wild-caught salmon to decrease the presence of mercury, which can be harmful to pregnancy if too much is consumed. To be safe, limit your salmon intake to once or twice a week.
Avocados
Avocados are full of Vitamin K, potassium and folate that assists your body with so many things vitamin absorption, blood pressure regulation and more! They are also comprised of monounsaturated fats (healthy fats) that offer tons of dietary fibre and folic acid, which we know are crucial during the early stages of pregnancy.
