Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
Goji berries (also known as Wolfberries) are becoming increasingly recognised as a great fertility friendly food, due to being packed with antioxidants, as well as other beneficial fertility nutrients, including vitamin A and C, calcium, iron, amino acids, anthocyanin, carotenoids, and polysaccharides.
Antioxidants are the star of the show when it comes to the fertility benefits of goji berries and have been linked to helping both men and women improve their overall fertility health in various ways as well as benefitting the immune and cardiovascular system — overall health and wellbeing can support the production of healthy eggs and sperm. A study in rats indicated that Goji berry consumption significantly increased sperm quantity and movement- more research is required.
Oats contain healthy unsaturated fats, protein, dietary fibres, disease-fighting phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals. They are an excellent slow release carbohydrate (which help to keep you full for longer) and contain beta glucan, a prebiotic soluble fibre which is great for the gut and heart health, lowering ‘LDL’ cholesterol.
Cinnamon – rich in nutrients including fibre, iron, and vitamins B and C. Used widely by tribes in the Andes, it is believed to increase sperm and egg health. It can also stabilize sugar levels and thus help balance hormones.
Honey possesses an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. It also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties (in particular raw and manuka honey).
Goji Berry Granola
Ingredients:
9oz porridge oats
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
6 tablespoons of local honey
12oz dried Goji berries
3 teaspoons of cinnamon
12oz of pistachios (or nuts of your choice)
Pinch of salt (optional)
2oz of coconut flakes
How to make:
Heat a large frying pan over low heat. Add the oats, spreading them out into a thin layer. Toast the oats for a minute or 2, then add the coconut oil and salt. Stir to mix everything through and keep toasting the oats for another 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so the mixture doesn’t burn.
Next, add the honey 1 tablespoon at a time, make sure to keep stirring! Add the coconut flakes, pistachios (or nuts of choice) and cinnamon. Continue to heat the mixture over a low heat for another 5 minutes. Make sure the bottom doesn’t stick to the pan and burn.
Remove the mixture from the pan and tip into a large bowl, stir in the goji berries. Let it cool and enjoy as a snack, breakfast or lunch with some live natural yoghurt.
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