The University of South Australia has found that Mediterranean diets make a couple more likely to conceive. Infertility is an issue impacting about 186 individuals and 48 couples globally. A diet change could benefit some of them.
The Mediterranean diet is a plant-heavy diet that experts have praised for its benefits. It comprises spices, herbs, nuts, grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, and extra virgin olive oil. While it focuses mostly on plant-based foods, it occasionally allows people to have red meat and processed foods. Other diet components are eggs, chicken, oily fish, cheese, and yogurt.
How a Mediterranean diet improves fertility
The study found that the diet had anti-inflammatory properties which boost fertility. The diet also improved sperm count in men and enhanced the success of fertility treatments.
According to study author Evangeline Mantizioris, planning to have a child can be rewarding. However, it can be stressful when struggling to conceive. Fortunately, the team found that a non-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean diet, could increase the chances of having a child.
Moreover, fertility treatments are often expensive and with little guarantee. A Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, could boost your fertility in a cost-effective and non-invasive manner.
Mantzioris states that inflammation affects both women and men. It can affect implantation, menstruation, and sperm quality. As a result, the team wanted to find out how a diet that reduces inflammation could help a couple conceive.
A western diet is unhealthy
Many people in the U.S. follow a western diet. Unfortunately, the diet is unhealthy since it has excess animal protein, refined carbohydrates, and too many saturated fats. The diet also lacks sufficient minerals, vitamins, and fibre. Experts have also associated the western diet with high rates of inflammation. As a result, it could cause fertility issues.
Another study author, Simon Alesi from Monash University, adds that discovering the benefits of a Mediterranean diet could help couples. He adds that this diet is among the healthiest globally, with experts saying that it improves cognitive function and reduces the risk of heart disease. In addition, finding that it could increase fertility makes people more likely to start on the diet.
