Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
All types of berries help to support fertility due to their high antioxidant content but Raspberries have been linked in studies to protecting sperm from oxidative stress. Raspberries contain a high level of Vitamin C which is a key nutrient in male fertility. They also contain magnesium, which is involved in the production of testosterone helping to give male fertility a further boost. In a study conducted by the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, it was found that men over 44 with the highest intake of Vitamin C had 20 per cent less damage to their sperm DNA than men who did not eat Raspberries.
Raspberries supply vital folate to women, which is essential at various key stages of female fertility and early embryo development. They are also packed full of vitamins and antioxidants which are vital to egg health as-well as to health in general.
Raspberries support both male and female fertility as they help in the management of obesity. This is important as it is the key to balancing sex hormones. They have one of the lowest GI (Glycemic Index) of any fruit, meaning their sugar is released into the bloodstream slowly and so therefore Raspberries help to balance blood sugar levels, which is important when trying to conceive.
Raspberry Smoothie (makes 2 smoothies)
300 g packet of Frozen Raspberries
200g tub Natural live yoghurt
24oml of chilled milk of your choice
Combine the raspberries, yoghurt and milk in a blender and process until smooth. Add some seeds of your choice – enjoy!
Why not make into a smoothie bowl and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, blueberries, strawberries and pumpkin seeds for that extra nutrient boost? Enjoy!
SInteresting Reading:
Thomas E. Schmid et al (2012) Micronutrients intake is associated with improved sperm DNA quality in older men, Fertility and Sterility,Volume 98, Issue 5,Pages 1130-1137.e1,ISSN 0015-0282,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.07.1126.
Amini N, Shiravi A, Mirazi N, Hojati V, Abbasalipourkabir R (2021) Protective effects of the fruit extract of raspberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) on pituitary-gonadal axis and testicular histopathology in streptozotocin induced diabetic male rats. Avicenna J Phytomed. ;11(2):199-209.
The post Ramp up the Raspberries to Support Health and Fertility with this Gorgeous Raspberry Smoothie appeared first on IVF Babble.
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