Foods and fertility
Foods and fertility
Approved by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board
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What's below:
• I've heard that some foods can increase our chances of conceiving. Is this true?
• I've heard that drinking coffee can make men more fertile.
• What role does diet play in fertility?
• See also | Other Sources
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trying to get pregnant? Boost your chances!
Our FREE preconception newsletter, with:
• Advice from trusted experts
• Tools to help you conceive
• Support from others trying to conceive!
• Offers from BabyCenter and partners See a sample
I've heard that some foods can increase our chances of conceiving. Is this true?
No, with one possible exception. Beliefs about the wondrous powers of these so-called fertility foods date to early civilizations. Unfortunately, most are pure fiction. Many are based on the simplistic notion that eating foods that look like sexual organs, such as figs or eggs, will help those organs function better. For the record, there is no scientific data to support the idea that eating shark's fin, camel's hump, ginseng, pine nuts, prunes, or even chocolate can help you become pregnant. Also, no evidence proves the theory that eating spicy foods can increase sexual potency by raising your blood pressure and pulse rate.
There is, however, some scientific basis for the oyster recommendation. Oysters are packed with the nutrient zinc. Several studies have shown that zinc deficiencies can impair both male and female fertility. Zinc plays a role in semen and testosterone production in men, and in ovulation and fertility in women. That doesn't mean you should down a plate of oysters on the half shell at every meal. Maintaining the recommended dietary allowance of zinc (15 mg a day) can help keep your reproductive system working properly, but excessive amounts of zinc (or any nutrient for that matter) will not turn either of you into a babymaking machine. In fact, super-high doses of vitamins and minerals may actually reduce your fertility.
I've heard that drinking coffee can make men more fertile.
There are studies that suggest drinking a cup of coffee before making love can cause sperm to become more active in some men. And slow sperm is one of the leading causes of male infertility. So, it may help, but if it keeps you awake night after night you may develop some new problems.
What role does diet play in fertility?
Good overall nutrition, rather than eating any specific food, greatly improves your chances of conceiving a child. For women, nutrient deficiencies and low-calorie diets at one extreme, and obesity at the other, can disrupt ovulation. Poor nutrition can also have an impact on male fertility.
Once you decide to have a baby, you both should choose a variety of low-fat, nutrient-rich foods from all food groups. Eating a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy products each day will help ensure that you get the recommended dietary allowance of all the vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal reproductive functioning. For more information on what not to eat, and whether you need vitamin supplements, see Diet for a Mom-to-Be and Diet for a Dad-to-Be.Take good care of your body and your taste buds now, and you'll be that much closer to your ultimate goal: a
Approved by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's below:
• I've heard that some foods can increase our chances of conceiving. Is this true?
• I've heard that drinking coffee can make men more fertile.
• What role does diet play in fertility?
• See also | Other Sources
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trying to get pregnant? Boost your chances!
Our FREE preconception newsletter, with:
• Advice from trusted experts
• Tools to help you conceive
• Support from others trying to conceive!
• Offers from BabyCenter and partners See a sample
I've heard that some foods can increase our chances of conceiving. Is this true?
No, with one possible exception. Beliefs about the wondrous powers of these so-called fertility foods date to early civilizations. Unfortunately, most are pure fiction. Many are based on the simplistic notion that eating foods that look like sexual organs, such as figs or eggs, will help those organs function better. For the record, there is no scientific data to support the idea that eating shark's fin, camel's hump, ginseng, pine nuts, prunes, or even chocolate can help you become pregnant. Also, no evidence proves the theory that eating spicy foods can increase sexual potency by raising your blood pressure and pulse rate.
There is, however, some scientific basis for the oyster recommendation. Oysters are packed with the nutrient zinc. Several studies have shown that zinc deficiencies can impair both male and female fertility. Zinc plays a role in semen and testosterone production in men, and in ovulation and fertility in women. That doesn't mean you should down a plate of oysters on the half shell at every meal. Maintaining the recommended dietary allowance of zinc (15 mg a day) can help keep your reproductive system working properly, but excessive amounts of zinc (or any nutrient for that matter) will not turn either of you into a babymaking machine. In fact, super-high doses of vitamins and minerals may actually reduce your fertility.
I've heard that drinking coffee can make men more fertile.
There are studies that suggest drinking a cup of coffee before making love can cause sperm to become more active in some men. And slow sperm is one of the leading causes of male infertility. So, it may help, but if it keeps you awake night after night you may develop some new problems.
What role does diet play in fertility?
Good overall nutrition, rather than eating any specific food, greatly improves your chances of conceiving a child. For women, nutrient deficiencies and low-calorie diets at one extreme, and obesity at the other, can disrupt ovulation. Poor nutrition can also have an impact on male fertility.
Once you decide to have a baby, you both should choose a variety of low-fat, nutrient-rich foods from all food groups. Eating a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy products each day will help ensure that you get the recommended dietary allowance of all the vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal reproductive functioning. For more information on what not to eat, and whether you need vitamin supplements, see Diet for a Mom-to-Be and Diet for a Dad-to-Be.Take good care of your body and your taste buds now, and you'll be that much closer to your ultimate goal: a
