Mediterranean-Style Diet Boosts Fertility, say Researchers

A latest study highlights the benefits of following a Mediterranean-style diet, suggesting that increasing intake of vegetables, vegetable oils, fish and bean could help women deal with common infertility problems. 

The study, conducted by dietitians  at Loyala University Health System (LUHS), found that managing weight and strictly following a Mediterranean style diet increases the chances of becoming pregnant.

"Establishing a healthy eating pattern and weight is a good first step for women who are looking to conceive," Brooke Schantz, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, LUHS, said in a statement. "Not only will a healthy diet and lifestyle potentially help with fertility, but it also may influence fetal well-being and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy."

According to the National Infertility Association, nearly thirty percent of the infertility in women is due to either being overweight or being underweight. Problems with weight-management trigger a shift in hormones and drastically affect ovulation. But, one can enhance fertility by shedding about 5 percent of weight.

Researchers recommended a few nutrition tips for those women who want to conceive. They suggest that women lower the intake of food with trans and saturated fats and consider increasing the intake of monosaturated fats like avocados and olive oil. They also suggest that women should lower the intake of animal protein and consume more of whole grains, vegetable and fruits.

It is also good to add more vegetarian sources of iron like tofu, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. Consuming high-fat dairy instead of low fat dairy and above all regularly taking women's multivitamins could help with infertility issues.

According to the American Society for Reproduction, 40 percent of the infertility issue is attributed to men. Out of which common problem in overweight and obese men is low sperm count and poor sperm quality.

"Men who are looking to have a baby also have a responsibility to maintain a healthy body weight and consume a balanced diet, because male obesity may affect fertility by altering testosterone and other hormone levels," Schantz concluded.