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Nutrients found in red meat play an important role in fertility levels and the general health of women and men planning a pregnancy, says an expert.
The intake of red meat and pork can make a difference, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
'Red meat is often associated with fertility in so-called 'old wives' tales' and has been traditionally encouraged in the diets of couples trying for a baby. Now we know from scientific research that the nutrients found in red meat really do have a role in normal fertility,' said Carrie Ruxton from the Meat Advisory Panel. (Read: 7 inexpensive food items to boost your fertility)
The Meat Advisory Panel is a group of healthcare professionals who provide independent and objective information about red meat.
Most adults across the globe have chronically low intakes of selenium due to poor levels in soil.
Hence, numerous reports implicate selenium deficiency in several reproductive complications including male and female infertility, miscarriage, preeclampsia, foetal growth restriction, preterm labour, gestational diabetes and obstetric cholestasis.
Pork is an excellent source of selenium and can, therefore, go some way to boosting selenium levels in adults, thus supporting normal reproduction.
Vitamin B6 is one of the most important vitamins for conceiving and fertility because it contributes to the regulation of normal hormonal activity. Again, red meat is a rich source of Vitamin B6.
'The Government recommends that adults eat up to 500 gm of cooked red meat a week which gives the opportunity for four to five meat meals a week, including pork, ham, beef, lamb and bacon,' added Ruxton.
Foods that can boost fertility in men
Fresh fruits
Fruits are great thanks to the high levels of Vitamin C which ensures the potency and quality of your sperm. If you want to be a daddy, we would recommend at least two portions of fruits like lemon, sweet lime (mousambi in Hindi), oranges and mangoes. They're all rich packed with nutrients and antioxidants and won't hit your wallet as hard.
Garlic
Garlic's health benefits are well-known but various studies have shown that it has aphrodisiac properties and also helps improve blood circulation. No wonder that Twilight fellow looked so peakish and pale! (Also read: 15 health benefits of garlic)
Fish
Rich in fatty acids, many kinds of fish can help you become fit and fertile and get your little ones swimming! Fish contains Essential Fatty Acids which helps improve circulation around the reproductive system and boosts sperm quality in the process! (Also read: Top foods for enhancing fertility)
Foods that can boost fertility in women
Nuts
Nuts of various varieties including almonds and walnuts which are rich in Vitamin E content heightens the female sex drive while protecting the embryos from miscarriages.
Potatoes
It's found that baked potatoes are rich in Vitamin B and E which enhances cell division, increasing the likelihood of a healthy ova being produced.
Eggs
Eggs are an extremely small power-packed nutrition source that boosts fertility. It contains Vitamin B12 and folate which minimises birth defects. In addition, it's rich in antioxidants and cartenoids which all boost fertility in women.
With inputs from IANS
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