Infertility: 11 foods that can improve your fertility and not raise blood sugar
Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
Here are 11 foods that are low on the glycemic index and do not cause rapid rise in blood sugar levels while providing essential nutrients to improve fertility
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health and fertility. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Dr Priyanka Dilip Kumar, Senior Consultant - Reproductive Medicine and High-Risk Obstetrician, highlighted 12 foods that are low on the glycemic index, meaning they do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, while providing essential nutrients that improve fertility - (Photo by Jeremy Doddridge on Unsplash)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
1. Berries - Berries protect eggs against damage and ageing due to their antioxidant properties. On the contrary, strawberries are thought to increase libido in women. (Unsplash)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
2. Leafy Greens - Leafy greens such as spinach, curry leaves, fenugreek and broccoli contain folate, a B vitamin known to aid ovulation. Eating green leafy vegetables also naturally increases women's libido. (Pixabay)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
3. Beans - The lean protein in beans, along with the iron helps increase fertility and libido. Due to low iron, ovulation does not produce healthy eggs and this is called anovulation. They are high in fiber, which can help you feel full for longer. Beans, including black beans, contain carbohydrates but also fiber, protein and other nutrients, resulting in a low glycemic index. Therefore, they are very important in the list of diabetes foods.(Unsplash)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
4. Figs - In fact, there is scientific evidence that figs have been used as a stimulant since the ancient Greeks. Figs contain plenty of iron, which is important for egg and ovulation. (Shutterstock)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
5. Vegetables and Fruits - When trying to conceive, it is especially important to eat up to three servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.(Shutterstock)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
6. Full Fat Milk - Full-fat milk is a nutrient-rich beverage that can support fertility. It contains essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which promote hormone function and a healthy menstrual cycle. Including full-fat milk in your diet may improve fertility by providing necessary nutrients and supporting hormonal balance.(Shutterstock)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
7. Spinach - This is an all-season vegetable and a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, folic acid, chlorophyll, manganese, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, protein and carotene. The glycemic index of spinach is almost 0, so it is a healthy habit for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar stable. (Freepik)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
8. Collard green - These are a part of the cruciferous vegetable family and include; kale, rutabaga, brussels, broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, turnips, etc. They provide a lot of nutrients at low calories and are known to lower the blood glucose level in patients with type 1 diabetes and stabilize the lipids, insulin and blood glucose level in type 2 diabetics.(Shutterstock)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
9. Mustard greens - Leaf-mustard is very low in calories (27 calories per 100g raw leaves) and fats. However, its dark-green leaves carry ample amounts of phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it contains a very good amount of dietary fiber that helps control cholesterol levels by interfering with its absorption in the gut.(Shutterstock)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST
10. Sweet potatoes - Sweet potatoes are the top product of the potato family and have a glycemic index of 44, so it is considered a good food for diabetics. Even if you have diabetes, eating potatoes in moderation can help keep your blood sugar within a healthy range, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.(Unsplash)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 07:00 AM IST