Are you trying to conceive and looking for ways to boost your fertility?
You may have heard that Brazil nuts are a superfood that can help with fertility, but when is the best time to eat them?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Brazil nuts for fertility and provide tips on when and how to incorporate them into your diet.
From adzuki beans to pineapple, we’ll also discuss other foods that can support your fertility journey.
So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive in!
When To Eat Brazil Nuts For Fertility
Brazil nuts are a great source of selenium, an important mineral for thyroid function and overall health. While there is no conclusive scientific evidence to suggest that eating Brazil nuts enhances your ability to conceive, they can play a supporting role in a holistic pregnancy-supporting diet.
So, when is the best time to eat Brazil nuts for fertility? According to experts, it’s recommended to consume 2-3 Brazil nuts per day, from the day of ovulation until 10 days post-ovulation. This is because during this time, a fertilized egg burrows into the uterine lining about a week after ovulation.
It’s important to note that excessive intake of Brazil nuts could potentially do more harm than good. Since selenium is not water-soluble, when taken excessively, it cannot be flushed out of our system which might lead to toxicity. Therefore, it’s recommended to consume Brazil nuts in moderation (6 to 8) a couple of times a week as a tasty snack.
The Benefits Of Brazil Nuts For Fertility
Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, a mineral that has been linked to improved fertility. Selenium helps to thicken the uterine wall, which aids implantation, and also works as a mild anticoagulant that can increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, potentially increasing the chance of conceiving. The anticoagulant properties in selenium can also help to prevent blood clotting, which may lead to early miscarriage. Additionally, selenium acts as an antioxidant and can assist in creating a healthy environment for a developing egg by decreasing damaging free radicals in the body.
One nut can contain up to 175% of the daily value of selenium, making Brazil nuts an easy and effective way to maintain or increase your selenium intake. In fact, one study found that eating two Brazil nuts per day was as effective as taking a selenium supplement at raising selenium levels. Consuming 2-3 Brazil nuts per day during the fertile window (from the day of ovulation until 10 days post-ovulation) may aid in improving fertility along with thyroid function, decreasing inflammation, and boosting mood.
It’s important to note that while Brazil nuts can be beneficial for fertility, excessive intake should be avoided due to the risk of selenium toxicity. Moderation is key, with experts recommending consuming 6 to 8 nuts a couple of times a week as a tasty snack.
How Brazil Nuts Can Improve Sperm Count And Quality
Brazil nuts are not only beneficial for women’s fertility but also for men’s. Selenium is a crucial mineral for male fertility, and Brazil nuts are known to be the highest dietary source of selenium. It has been found that infertile men have reduced levels of selenium, and consuming Brazil nuts can improve male fertility.
Selenium acts as an antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative damage to sperm cells, increasing the chances of having healthy sperm. It also prevents chromosome damage that can cause birth defects and miscarriages. Additionally, selenium improves the development of sperm by strengthening the neck piece that connects the head and tail, enabling more sperm to swim better and live longer.
Research has shown that a diet low in selenium could be a key cause of male infertility, and studies have also shown that taking a selenium supplement may improve testosterone levels or aid male fertility by enhancing semen quality. For example, a 26-week study in 468 men with infertility noted that taking 200 mcg of selenium along with 600 mg of N-acetyl-cysteine daily increased testosterone production, sperm count, and sperm quality. Another study in 690 men with infertility observed that taking 200 mcg of selenium along with 400 units of vitamin E for 100 days improved sperm motility and appearance in 53% of participants.
Therefore, incorporating Brazil nuts into your diet can significantly improve sperm count and quality, leading to better chances of conception. Just one or two Brazil nuts per day can easily fill the daily requirements of selenium, making it an easy and delicious addition to your diet. However, it’s important to consume them in moderation to avoid potential toxicity from excessive intake.
The Best Time To Eat Brazil Nuts For Optimal Fertility
To optimize the benefits of Brazil nuts for fertility, it’s recommended to eat them during the second half of your menstrual cycle, from the day of ovulation until 10 days post-ovulation. During this time, the fertilized egg is burrowing into the uterine lining, and Brazil nuts can provide the necessary nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy.
It’s important to note that Brazil nuts should not be consumed in excess, as too much selenium can lead to toxicity. Experts recommend consuming 2-3 Brazil nuts per day during the recommended time period to meet your daily selenium needs. Additionally, it’s important to check nutrition labels for selenium content and limit your intake to avoid consuming too much selenium.
Incorporating Brazil nuts into your diet can be as simple as snacking on a handful of them or adding them to your favorite smoothie or salad. However, it’s important to remember that Brazil nuts should not be relied upon as a sole source of fertility-boosting nutrients. A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is key to supporting overall health and fertility.
Other Foods That Can Boost Fertility
Aside from Brazil nuts, there are other foods that can boost fertility. Here are some examples:
1. Leafy Greens: Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula are rich in folate, a B-vitamin that has been shown to improve fertility in both men and women. They are also packed with antioxidants and other essential nutrients that can promote overall health.
2. Wild Salmon: Wild salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved fertility in women. These healthy fats can help regulate hormones and improve egg quality.
3. Berries: Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are loaded with antioxidants that can protect eggs and sperm from damage caused by free radicals. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which has been linked to improved sperm quality.
4. Avocado: Avocado is rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which can improve fertility in both men and women. Vitamin E has been shown to improve sperm motility, while the healthy fats in avocado can help regulate hormones.
5. Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein that is rich in essential amino acids. It is also a good source of iron, which is important for maintaining healthy ovulation.
Incorporating Brazil Nuts And Other Fertility-Boosting Foods Into Your Diet
In addition to Brazil nuts, there are many other fertility-boosting foods that you can incorporate into your diet. Nuts in general are a good source of plant-based proteins and contain important fertility-boosting nutrients such as omega-3s, selenium, vitamin E, and magnesium. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are all great options.
Adzuki beans are another highly recommended food for boosting fertility. They are easily digestible and contain important minerals and vitamins such as folic acid, antioxidants, potassium, B vitamins, fiber, iron and zinc. You can purchase canned organic beans or prepare a large pot at home to eat throughout the week.
Eggs are also a great option for those looking to increase their chances of getting pregnant. Pasture-raised, farm-fresh eggs have higher amounts of vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, beta carotene and vitamin D. They are also high in folic acid, iron, zinc, and choline. If you don’t have access to eggs from a local farmer, choose organic eggs high in DHA.
Lamb is another food that is beneficial for boosting fertility. It warms the yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is beneficial in the second half of the cycle. It also strengthens the blood and increases circulation in the body. You can make it as a large stew in a crock pot with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and cumin.
Pineapple is also a popular food in the fertility world due to its claims around helping thicken lining and assist in the implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining. It contains an enzyme called bromelain that is thought to help with implantation. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and a blood thinner. It’s recommended to consume 5 pineapple rounds for 5 days after embryo transfer to help baby stick.
Incorporating these fertility-boosting foods into your diet can help prepare your body for conception. However, it’s important to remember that a healthy and balanced diet is key. Consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the best diet plan for your individual needs.