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Fertility Foods and Healthy Pregnancy


 

Pregnancy may be an exciting and important event to a couple, particularly to a woman. But many times, it also brings with it so much ado – from hormonal changes, morning sickness, exercise, to food and dieting.  And so is preparation for getting pregnant.  It requires tremendous effort to set the body, the food she eats, the mood, and, to a certain extent, including the environment itself, just to prepare for pregnancy.  A woman’s nutrition, for example, is a very important factor to consider when one is bent on getting a boost to fertility because it does not only involve the mother, but also the well being of the baby she conceives. Having a healthy diet during pregnancy spells a healthier, happier, and smarter baby.

 

fertility food

Experts have identified particular foods that boost fertility and ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Cod liver oil.  This is found to be a powerful fertility food that boosts energy, libido, muscle growth, brain power, and general health. It is an abundant source of Vitamins A, B, and D, arachidonic acid, and DHA that are essential to reproduction and for preventing birth defects.

Vitamin A is known to promote healthy fertility in men and women, and an essential micronutrient during pregnancy and also in early childhood because of its role in visual function. It is involved in the cell to cell communication, ensuring that the cells and tissues develop normally as the foetus progresses, and promotes healthy hair and skin. The effective way to get Vitamin A is through animal sources, such as, liver, milk, butter, cheese, and whole eggs. It can also be found in dark green and yellow vegetables, like broccoli, spinach, carrots, squash and others.

Vitamin D, on the other hand, is vital in pregnancy because it promotes growth and development of the baby’s teeth and bones, aid in the absorption of calcium and phosphate, and lowers the risk of preeclampsia, rickets, and other musculoskeletal and health problems, lower bone density, and smaller babies.

Maca.  Scientifically known as Lepidium Meyenii, maca is a tuberous perennial plant that can be found in the high altitudes of the Andean Mountains. Its root is found to be a potent food that increases libido and enhances hormonal balance vital in maintaining fertility. Maca is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids; it is also an effective immune system booster.

Royal jelly. This is a thick, very nutritious substance secreted by the hypo-pharyngeal glands of the working bees that serve as food for the young larvae and the larvae that transform into queen bees.  It is found to be very rich in proteins and 8 essential amino acids, important fatty acids, sterol, sugars, phosphorous compounds, and acetylcholine.

Studies show that royal jelly contains a complex compound that activates the gland, stabilizes the reproductive systems of men and women, and is an effective supplement for people who want to get pregnant, as it triggers an increase in libido, and maintains the health of sperm and eggs. Besides, royal jelly is a beneficial food supplement to fight against impotency, infertility, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalance, and other health conditions.

Eggs and Fish Eggs. These are considered fertility foods as they provide superior nutrition and protein. Eggs and wild fish eggs or caviar are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Eating two eggs daily can help in having a healthy placenta, healthy baby, at the same time strengthening the bag of waters around the baby to avoid premature rupture of the membranes. Eggs and fish, like salmon and tuna, are high in calcium, thus ensuring strong bones, especially during pregnancy.

Organ meats, such as liver, heart, and kidney are seen as potent fertility foods that stimulate blood flow to the reproductive organs because of its blood-building power.

Tea. Research has found that women who regularly drink tea have a greater chance of getting pregnant. Green tea and orange pekoe tea enhance fertility because they contain a high level of antioxidants that boost a healthy immune system.

Nevertheless, what is most important is that a couple should maintain a nutrient-packed diet and also fertility foods to have a healthy and successful pregnancy.