If you're trying to conceive, a healthy diet for both partners is vital. Your reproductive systems need essential vitamins and minerals for effective hormone function and sperm production, and it can only get these from the foods you eat. Aim for a diet rich in natural foods to boost your fertility.
Pumpkin Seeds
According to Fertilinet.com. pumpkin seeds brim with zinc and essential fatty acids; eat ¼ to ½ cup a day for the best effects on your reproductive system.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Try to include one of these leafy greens---kale, lettuce, collards, turnip greens, beet greens, mustard greens---in every meal. The virtual OB-GYN office says that spinach is the most nutritious, but if they're green and leafy then they're full of folic acid, an essential ingredient for healthy sperm. They also contain iron and vitamin C, both improve the quality of your sperm. Leafy green vegetables also provide your body with plenty of antioxidants to keep it healthy and ripe.
Whole Grains
Complex carbohydrates such as oats, brown rice and whole wheat are full of vitamins B and E. The Mayo Clinic says these are essential for cell reproduction, healthy sperm production and hormone balance.
Full-Fat Dairy Products
It may sound crazy and go against all you've ever learned about healthy eating, but full-fat dairy products are full of calcium, which improves the health of your nervous system, bones and blood. The BBC lists full-fat milk as an excellent tool to boost fertility.
Oily Fish
Studies have shown fish oil has excellent benefits on sperm count. Shellfish, salmon, mackerel and sardines are full of omega-3 and omega-6. According to the virtual OB-GYN office, this enhances the quality and speed of sperm, regulates reproductive health and improves blood flow.
Oysters
They're well known for being an aphrodisiac, but oysters also boost your fertility with their high zinc content. Other high-zinc foods include baked beans, eggs and nuts. Try to include a few every day.
Honey
A well-known fertility booster, honey is rich in minerals and amino acids that are extremely beneficial to your reproductive system.
Avocado
Avocados are a great source of vitamin E, essential for fertility according to the Fertility Factor website. They're also a powerful antioxidant, which improves the viability of your sperm. Avocados are also an excellent source of unsaturated fats; these are key to healthy hormone functioning. If you don't like avocados, or find it difficult to include them in your daily diet, olive, grapeseed and walnut oil are other good sources.
