Include Whole Grains to Optimise Your Fertility

Posted August 2020
2020-09
Tomato, avocado & cheese on Corn Thins slices

Are you trying to start a family or grow you current one? Then make sure you are including whole grains. Research shows that including whole grains, or whole grain containing products like brown rice or pasta, quinoa, couscous and Corn Thins™ slices contain a matrix of health benefits which will improve your chances of conceiving.

Whole grains are fantastic for boosting fertility due to many nutrients including fibre, also folate. Folate is required for DNA developments, creating new tissue and cells and is essential in the formation of the neural tube of the foetus. The neural tube is the beginning of what will progress to become the brain and spinal cord of your child. Fibre is important in promoting fullness and assists with maintaining a healthy weight needed to conceive.

Whole grains are also important sources of other fertility supporting nutrients including B vitamins, antioxidants, and iron.  Oxidative stress caused by free radicals is one factor thought to reduce fertility, antioxidants reduce the free radicals and as a result reduce oxidative damage. Iron plays an essential role in keeping providing all the cells in your body with adequate oxygen to function. B vitamins are essential for the proper formation and function of red blood cells, this is essential for nerve function and energy in your cells to conceive.

One study showed that women who included a higher amount of whole grains in their diet had a greater chance of implantation, pregnancy and live birth in women who were undergoing IVF.

Easy ways you can include whole grains in your day include:

  1. Oats for breakfast with milk, sliced banana, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  2. A Corn Thins™ sandwich of boiled egg, salad vegetables and low-fat mayonnaise.
  3. A delicious bowl of winter style vegetable soup including quinoa and a side of 2 Whole Grain Rice Thins™ with ¼ avocado on top.
  4. An easy snack is 2 Corn Thins™ slices with ¼ avocado, sliced tomato and a slice of low-fat cheddar cheese on top.

 

Take home message: You deserve to have the best possible chance of conceiving. There are many important factors which play a role in promoting fertility and including whole grains in your diet is one easy addition to improving your chances.

  • Article By:
    • Ashleigh Felth…