5 Emerging benefits of strawberries for fertility and pregnancy

Do strawberries increase fertility? Yes, strawberry benefits for fertility can be attributed to its rich vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and folate which are important for fertility and can improve pregnancy outcomes.

On that note, while trying to get pregnant, consider adding more strawberries to your diet. You can eat them fresh, frozen, or dried. You even combine them with antioxidant-rich fruits such as nectarines, blueberries, raspberries, oranges, kiwis, cantaloupe, mango, avocado, peaches, etc.

Today’s article considers the benefits of strawberries for fertility, nutrition profile, and diet.

The strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a widely grown hybrid species of the genus Fragaria, collectively known as the strawberries, which are cultivated worldwide for their fruit.

The fruit is widely appreciated for its characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture, and sweetness. It is consumed in large quantities, either fresh or in such prepared foods as jam, juice, pies, ice cream, milkshakes, and chocolates.

Strawberry nutrition

They contain a high amount of Folate, Fiber, vitamin C, Choline, Vitamin K, Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Carbs, and a small amount of Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Vitamin B-6, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Betaine and Pantothenic acid [1]. These nutrients contribute greatly to our health, as some can help to regulate hormones and improve your overall health.

Benefits of strawberries for fertility

Strawberries not only boost your chances of getting pregnant due to their antioxidant profile but, also improve pregnancy outcomes due to their folate content. Here are 5 impressive benefits of strawberries for fertility and pregnancy :

Improves egg and sperm quality

Are blueberries good for egg quality? Yes, strawberries are high in antioxidants [2, 3] and vitamin C [4], both of which are essential for healthy egg and sperm production. Strawberries also contain anthocyanins and quercetin [5], which have antioxidant properties that can protect eggs and sperm from free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells [6, 7], including eggs and sperm, their deleterious effects are dangerous to reproductive organs, as they can increase the risk of infertility.

Antioxidants are very important for a healthy and functional reproductive system [8, 9]. A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that women who ate the most antioxidant-rich foods had a higher chance of getting pregnant. Another study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that women with low levels of vitamin C were more likely to have infertility problems.

Strawberries contain vitamin E [10], and a study on fish models suggests that dietary intake of vitamin E-rich diets or supplements can greatly improve sperm quality, including that of egg [11].

Fight inflammation

Strawberries have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can interfere with ovulation and implantation. Several studies have shown that strawberries can help to reduce inflammation [12, 13].
This is good for reproductive health and can improve fertility.

Another supporting animal study also revealed that intake of a strawberry diet can greatly reduce inflammation [14], suggesting that strawberries could be a potential agent to fight inflammation.

Regulate hormone production

Berries — including strawberries, cranberries, and raspberries — are rich in lignans [15, 16]. Lignans have estrogen-like effects on the body, they are found in a variety of foods, including flaxseeds, sesame seeds, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.

Lignans are converted by the gut bacteria into enterolignans, which are the active forms of lignans. Enterolignans can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, they can regulate hormone production since they can mimic or block the effects of estrogen.

Strawberries are also a good source of fiber. Fiber can help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve hormone production. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that women with diabetes who ate the most fiber had a lower risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can cause infertility.

Fiber can also help to regulate hormones and improve overall health, which can lead to regular ovulation and easier conception.

A supporting study suggests that moderate intake of dietary fiber daily may lower the risk of ovulatory infertility among women above 32 years [17].

However, evidence is mixed on whether too much fiber can increase the risk of anovulation in women between 18 and 44 years old [18].

Improves perinatal outcomes

If you are pregnant, or trying to conceive, strawberries are a good option, they are rich sources of folate and choline, which are nutrients that have been shown to boost the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy and protect against certain neural and metabolic insults [20].

A study published in the journal Birth Defects Research found that women who took folate supplements before and during pregnancy were less likely to have miscarriages or birth defects [21].

Studies have also shown that increased intake of folate, which is also found in strawberries, is associated with higher live birth rates after assisted reproductive technology treatment and may increase ovarian reserve [22].

May Improve ovarian function

Choline, folate, and zinc are nutrients found in strawberries. They are important for ovarian function such as the production and maturation of eggs. They can help to regulate hormone production in the ovaries.

Regular intake of folic acid or folate-rich foods may also increase ovarian reserve as measured by antral follicle count [23]. This can also improve embryo quality [24] and reduce the risk of miscarriage [25].

Another related study has shown that dietary intake of choline can increase the number of corpus luteum per ovary and the percentage of antral follicles in pigs [26]. This suggests that eating strawberries may improve ovarian function due to their choline content.

Strawberry diets

strawberries are a nutritious and healthy fruit that can benefit fertility in several ways. If you are trying to get pregnant, consider adding more strawberries to your diet.

Here are some tips for adding more strawberries to your diet:

• Eat them fresh, frozen, or dried.
• Add them to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal.
• Use them in baking, such as muffins, pies, and cakes.
• Make a strawberry salsa or salad.
• Add them to your favorite recipes, such as chicken stir-fry or pizza.

Strawberries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Try out different recipes and find more ways to add more strawberries to your diet.

Is strawberry good for ovulation?

Yes, strawberries may help to improve ovulation. They contain antioxidants, which can help to protect eggs from damage. Strawberries also contain vitamin C, which is essential for the production of progesterone, a hormone that plays a key role in ovulation.

Which fruit is best for fertility?

All fruits are beneficial for fertility, but some of the best fruits for fertility include:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Oranges
• Kiwi
• Cantaloupe
• Mango
• Avocado

Which foods boost female fertility?

In addition to fruits, many other foods can boost female fertility. Some of the best foods for female fertility include:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Nuts and seeds
• Fatty fish
• Lean protein

Tips for increasing fertility

Here are some tips for increasing fertility:

• Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol.
• Get regular exercise.
• Manage stress.
• Get enough sleep.

If you are having trouble getting pregnant, talk to your doctor. They can help you to identify any underlying medical conditions that may be affecting your fertility.

Conclusion

Strawberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can benefit fertility in several ways. They are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and fiber, all of which are important for fertility. Strawberries may help to improve ovulation, reduce inflammation, and support the healthy development of the fetus.

If you are trying to get pregnant, consider adding more strawberries to your diet. You can eat them fresh, frozen, or dried, or add them to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, baking, salsas, salads, or your favorite recipes.