The Right Food Can Improve Fertility

Roasted red peppers, mini crab cakes and Brazil nuts can all help to increase fertility. They will all feature in a special Fertility Buffet, laid on by Dr Margaret Rayman, Director of the MSc Course in Nutritional Medicine at the University of Surrey, on 3 July 2003.

A good, balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) and protein sources such as meat, poultry and fish, is necessary to optimise fertility. Meat is a good source of animal protein and important minerals such as iron and zinc, the latter being especially important for fertility. "Oysters are by far the best source of zinc, but they are not included in this meal, as they are out of season," Dr Rayman explained. "Fatty fish is a very good source of n-3 fatty acids, which are important in the development of the foetus' brain and vision."
To give yourself the best chance of conceiving, alcohol and smoking should be avoided. This applies to both men and women, as there is evidence that sperm damage through smoking can predispose to cancer in the offspring. Full details