Fertility Road Issue 44 May/June 2018

BODY
Data collected in the United States have shown that a half teaspoon of
cumin has the same antioxidant potential as a standard portion of red
grapes or kiwi fruit. Equally a teaspoon of dried ginger or paprika can
match a portion of tomatoes or green pepper.
Australian and American researchers found that the antioxidants found some
curry powders are as powerful as portions of broccoli, spinach, red peppers,
carrots and other high-scoring antioxidant vegetables called ‘superfoods’.
On the sweeter side of things, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cloves packs in
as much antioxidant power as a portion of raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries.
Making regular use of spices and herbs can be a healthy and economical way to
enhance your fertile health and of course your cooking. Spices allow you to reduce
salt, sugar and fat content in your meals and still have a tasty plate of food.
Spices have differing amounts of antioxidant content, and at the top of the list
suggested by the Journal of Nutrition include allspice, chilli, cinnamon, cloves,
cumin, curry spice mixes, garlic, ginger, mustard, paprika and turmeric, all
of which can be found as supplements as nutraceuticals have seen the health
benefits of spices.
However, like all supplements, they are there to add to your diet and not
replace nutrient values found in fresh organic food.
In places like Turkey, India and East of the world, the freshness of spices
is a major factor and the aromas along with the vibrant colours found in
local markets are simply breathtakingly tantalising.
However, fresh herbs and spices are becoming more accessible to provide
the shopper a good quality and choice.
When buying spices, proper storage is essential. Avoid buying spices that
have been sitting on grocery shelves for goodness knows how long, or those
exposed to light and if you can purchase them in authentic and cultural
food stores or certainly good quality food stores.
Just adding herbs and spices to an
otherwise balanced diet can improve
your PCOS and fertility health.
We have seen an increase in the use of spice supplements for its health
benefits, and no doubt those on a fertility journey have added many
supplements into their daily routine to help increase fertility outcomes.
However, spice nutrition has so many other considered fertility health
benefits like hormonal balance especially those for PCOS, endometriosis
and fibroids as well as egg and sperm health improvements. Weight
management is fast becoming an important factor as obesity increases and
BMI levels are expected to reduce for those needing IVF as well as those
gaining weight after undergoing IVF because spicy chillies have been seen
to speed up metabolic rates.
There are so many components that may be affecting fertility and stress as
we know is a big factor particularly those with unexplained infertility. Many
studies relate to stress and its chemical changing effect on the body such as
raised inflammation, migraines, IBS, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, low sperm
count, poor morphology to name a few, and nutritional benefits to help
manage these types of responses in the body are becoming widely known
through research.
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