Whilst some women are lucky and can conceive almost straight away, for others it is a lot more difficult process. Some women are unable to conceive at all, regardless of what they eat, and as such have to explore different options. One of the most common is surrogacy. If you are considering surrogacy, or would just like some more information on it, these interesting statistics on surrogacy might be helpful. On the other hand, some women are able to conceive but it may just take a little longer. For those, their diet is very important. In daily living, the body needs adequate sources of vitamins and nutrients in order to thrive, more so when women are trying to conceive. There are some superfoods that contain really good levels of nutrients and antioxidants to address these issues providing your body with the building materials needed to go on and produce optimal sperm, eggs and hormones for pregnancy. Here are four superfoods to include in your preconception diet plan:
Maca is considered an “adaptogen”, a name given to certain herbs, plants, and natural substances that help the body naturally deal with an overloaded endocrine system that is responsible for producing all our hormones.
Maca root powder is rich in phytonutrients and comprise of approximately 18% protein, 76.5% carbohydrates, 5% fat, and 8.5% fiber (indigestible carbohydrates). Maca provides a powerful source of nutrition, including magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc, selenium, sodium, iron, vitamins B1, B2, C and E, over 20 amino acids (8 of which are essential fatty acids) and 20 free-form fatty acids such as lauric and linolenic amongst others.
Benefits of Maca root include:
- Helps with hormone balance. It is believed to help by controlling estrogen levels that a women produces, and in turn the amount of related progesterone produced, is very important for increasing reproductive health, fertility, and decreasing symptoms related to PCOS- like irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, and more.
- Maca is believed to restore women’s hormonal balance by supporting the endocrine system and aiding in the regulation of healthy adrenal and thyroid hormone production. The adrenal gland and thyroid gland play a major part in regulating many feelings – everything from stress levels to appetite. Restoring the health of these glands is paramount for someone wanting to feel their best.
- Maca has also been shown to improve sperm production, mobility, and volume, all important factors of increasing fertility
- Maca has positive effects on energy, stamina, and mood. Maintaining positive energy level is related to having lower levels of anxiety and depression, both of which maca has been shown to positively help achieve.
- Maca root has the ability to help prevent the development of chronic human diseases that are characterized by high levels of “bad” cholesterol, high oxidative states, and impaired glucose tolerance.
- The hypothalamus gland, which is responsible for regulating the pituitary gland can sometimes be over-worked and highly stressed out. Maca is a gentle tonic that can help balance the gland thus balancing the whole hormonal system. A recent study published in the Journal of Ethno pharmacology concluded that maca can be used to enhance fertility.
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is considered to contain the highest quality plant protein available. It also provides a number of vitamins and minerals and contains all the amino acids necessary to qualify as a complete protein source.
Many of the vitamins and minerals in spirulina are antioxidants, which have been shown to protect the body from free radical damage. Oxidative caused by free radicals have been shown to contribute to fertility issues such as luteal phase defect, poor egg and sperm health, as well as lowered overall immunity and health. Spirulina comes in tablets, capsules or loose powder, I tend to prefer the loose powder and add it to my juices or smoothies.
Healthy fats such as Omega 3, 6, 9 support proper immune system function and a healthy inflammation response. Healthy fats are also essential in helping the body manufacture hormones. Include organic coconut milk or unrefined organic coconut oil, avocado, organic raw full fat dairy (milk, yogurt, kefir) and hemp, chia, or flax seeds.
Royal Jelly is rich in amino acids, 10-hydroxydecenoic acid (10-HDA), lipids, sugars, vitamins, and proteins. It contains vitamins A, B complex (including folic acid and inositol), C, D and E, and also has ample levels of iron and calcium, as well as other minerals.
Regular consumption of high-quality Royal Jelly has been shown to help balance hormones. This makes it beneficial to those individuals that suffer from a hormonal imbalance, as it helps to provide support to the endocrine system. It may also help with fertility issues that are related to hormonal imbalance.
Royal Jelly may be beneficial for the following:
- To increase libido
- Support egg and sperm health
- Promote hormone balance
- Protect liver health and help you look after your liver
- Diminish and reduce the signs of aging
- Reduce inflammation caused by illness or injury
- Boost the body’s immune system naturally
- Protect against the fertility-damaging effects of chemotherapy
Royal Jelly comes in either capsules or in a semi-liquid state. Be sure to follow instructions for use on the label of the product you have purchased.
There are quite a few more superfoods that would be beneficial to boost fertility but in order to get optimal benefits, they have to be taken alongside adopting a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle…you cannot have one without the other.
Let me know which of these superfoods you already use or what you are using, I’m interesting in your opinions about them. I will go into a bit more detail about each of them and a few more in the near future so keep an eye out for them.
Peace & fabulous health!
Gloria x
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