Trying to get pregnant? Know which foods affect fertility in men and women

We all know the impact diet can have on various aspects of our lives. A healthy diet can aid in weight loss, boost immunity and help the body to recover faster from illnesses. Not only this, but diet also has an impact on fertility. While certain foods can increase your chance of conceiving, some have no effect, while others can impact your body negatively.

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Here are foods and their impact on fertility in those not on any assistive reproductive technologies:

In women

*     Positive impact: As per a Harvard study, folic acid, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids and diets such as the Mediterranean can have a positive impact on fertility. 

Foods rich in folic acid include legumes, asparagus, leafy greens and citrus fruits; fish and clams are good sources of vitamin B12 and salmon, cod liver oil, flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

*     Low, or no impact: Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamin D, dairy products, soy, caffeine, and alcohol have little or no impact on fertility, as per the study.

*     Negative impact: Trans fat and foods such as red and processed meats, potatoes, sweets, and sweetened beverages have been found to have a negative impact on fertility.

In men:

*     Positive impact: In men, sperm quality improves with healthy diets, while those rich in saturated or trans fat have a negative impact.

*     Low, or no impact: Beverages and alcohol were found to have little impact, whether good or bad, on fertility.

*     Negative impact: As stated above, foods rich in saturated and trans fats have a negative impact on fertility in men.

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Butter, cakes, biscuits, sausages, cakes, ice creams are rich in saturated fat, and foods rich in trans fat include certain kinds of microwavable popcorn, certain vegetable oils, fast foods and baked products, such as cakes and cookies.

For couples on assisted reproductive technologies, women should have foods rich in folic acid and isoflavones (plant-based estrogens with antioxidant activity), while fertility in men can be aided by antioxidants.