Many cultures celebrate this time of year, the Kanamara Matsuri is a Japanese celebration and prayer for fertility, where giant pink penises (yes you did read that right) are paraded around the city, people everywhere have hopes for a fertile future.  In fact, since the beginning of time, people have been doing all sorts of things in the name of fertility.

Spring is a great time to take advantage of a wide array of seasonal vegetables to boost fertility.  According to Chinese and Japanese philosophies, our bodies are naturally drawn to different foods, depending on the season.  This is simply nature’s way of nudging us towards food that is most beneficial for us at that time of year.

With its sunshine, abundance of wild life and promises of new beginnings this time of year can encourage lifestyle changes that can help overcome fertility issues. Below are my top 7 fertility boosting foods and their benefits for you to add into your diet to boost fertility:

  1. Asparagus

In 19the century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of asparagus spears at their pre-nuptial dinners.  Asparagus is packed full of the minerals Selenium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, potassium, magnesium, calcium and Vitamins A,C,E, K, B1,B2,B3,B5, B6 and Folate (Folic acid).  Folate, B6 and B12 play a critical role in the regulation of homocysteine.  Elevated homocysteine is considered a rink factor for recurrent miscarriage and linked to poor egg quality and low fertilisation rates in IVF.

  1. Almonds

Were given to newly weds as a symbol of fertility since roman times.  Their aroma is thought to arouse passion in women.  Amongst other things Almonds are a great source of magnesium.  Magnesium is required by the adrenal glands and so is depleted during periods of stress.  Magnesium also assists in the transportation of oestrogens in the body.  Signs of low magnesium in the body are: sleep issues, anxiety, depression, cramps, muscle aches and spasms, poor stress management, PMS, infertility and increased risk of miscarriage.  Other sources of magnesium include Spinach, sesame/pumpkin seeds, swiss chard, broccoli and other green vegetables.

  1. Beetroot

The ancient Romans revered Beetroot as an aphrodisiac.  Beetroot is a wonderful liver support, when the liver is supported the body can safely eliminate toxins from the body, which is important for fertility with all the oestrogen mimicking chemicals that we are exposed to.  Beetroot can also improve exercise performance and stamina, especially when taken over a period of a few days.

  1. Lemons

Lemons are one of the best sources of vitamin C.  Vitamin C helps to protect sperm DNA  Additional vitamin C has been shown to also increase sperm count.  In women vitamin C helps with facilitating ovulation.  Finally vitamin C has also been found to increase progesterone levels and aid fertility in women with leuteal phase defect.

  1. Eggs

The ancient Egyptians believed their God created the egg from the sun and moon.  Eggs are packed full of nutrients and contain the full range of amino acids.  They also include a wide range of vitamins including A, B2, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, biotin, D, E and K.  Along with the minerals: selenium, manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, Zinc and copper.  They used to say that you shouldn’t eat too many for the cholesterol content but now they say its not a problem so I recommend you eat plenty!

  1. Oysters

Giacoma Casanova was said to dine on 50 oysters for breakfast every day.  Oysters are very high in zinc and selenium both of which are needed for sex hormone production and healthy sperm.  They also contain D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-d-aspartate which are the amino acids found to increase testosterone in men and progesterone in women.  Spring is when the levels of these amino acids are highest.

  1. Avocado

The Aztecs called the avocado ahuacati, or ‘testicle tree’.  The catholic priests in Spain found this fruit so obscenely sexual that they forbade it.  Avocados are a great source of vitamin E.  Vitamin E is a great antioxidant, protects the cell membrane, supports sperm health and motility and it aids sperm penetration of the egg.

Cassie Everett is a Homeopathic practitioner who specialises in treating infertility.  She is available for consultations in London or via Skype. Contact Cassie for a free 15-minute consultation to see if Homeopathy could help you. 07588 820 409, www.becomefertile.com