The Straits Times recently reported that the total fertility rate on Singapore is at its lowest since 2010! If you’re suffering from infertility and undergoing medical treatments, we can help. Did you know that diet may impact fertility? An eight year study conducted by Harvard followed the lives of more 10,000 nurses who were trying to get pregnant. The study reveals that a change in diet and exercise habits actually improves fertility and chances of getting pregnant.
While we might not be able to control aspects like genetics and age, we can control our diet. Adding these five ingredients to your diet can help improve fertility levels:
- Leafy Greens
Eat your greens. These green vegetables such as spinach, romaine, arugula and broccoli are rich in folate which improves ovulation. Add them into your daily diet.
- Salmon
Salmon is a natural source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids proven to regulate blood flow to reproductive organs. It’s simple to cook and can complement Asian and Western flavours easily.
- Complex Carbohydrates
Drop Atkins. Complex carbs are your companion on this journey to increase your fertility because they break down at a slower rate and help to regulate insulin levels which can have an impact on hormones. Hormonal changes affect the ovulation process by reducing the number and quality of eggs or interrupting the menstrual cycle. Add brown rice or rolled oats into your diet to help maintain insulin and blood sugar levels in your body. High insulin levels can have a negative impact on your fertility.
- Figs
Figs are vitamin powerhouses that have insulin-lowering, estrogen-mopping properties. Have them as snacks! In fact, when you chop a fig in half, it resembles ovary eggs! Now that food for thought. Figs also contain iron that’s useful to produce healthy eggs and regulate ovulation.
- Seaweed
Seaweed is packed with nutrients to improve the liver, kidney and bladder which will improve overall reproductive health. It is high in iodine, which can decrease the risk of infertility and miscarriage
If you are trying to get pregnant, do try to add the above foods into your diet You never know, it might help speed up the process.