Be sure to start by taking pre-natal vitamins while you are trying to conceive and stay on them during your pregnancy.
Fertility foods for women:
Tea – Green tea and orange pekoe tea are both excellent fertility enhancers. Tea contains a high level of antioxidants which aid in healthy immune systems. Research has shown that women who regularly drink tea increase their chance of conception.
Foods rich in vitamin C – Fruits, especially citrus, help enhance fertility, especially in men. Vitamin C plays a role in boosting the immune system, and thus helps to aid in a healthy conception.
Foods high in calcium – Calcium contributes to strong bones, and is especially important for pregnant women to consume.
Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid – Leafy green vegetables, nuts and whole grains contain high levels of these nutrients. Vitamin B6 is a reproductive hormone regulator and folic acid helps to prevent certain neuro-tube defects in the fetus.
Water – probably the most important thing to consume. Get in the good habit of drinking at least eight cups of water a day.
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Conceive Magazine ran an article on “Fertility Foods for Guys”- maybe it will help (and it definitely won’t hurt).
1) Brightly colored fruits and veggies – rich in antioxidants
2) Oranges & citrus fruits – Vitamin C reduces risk of damaged sperm
3) Watermelon – good source of lycopene
4) Pumpkin seeds and baked beans – rich in zinc
5) Lean meat and poultry – rich in L-carnitine for sperm movement / motility
They also said to avoid soy which may lead to poor sperm quality and alcohol which can lower testosterone.
Caffeine can go either way – three or more drinks a day may hamper fertility but other studes show that caffeine “may” help with a low sperm count
Good luck!