How Pineapples Can Help with Fertility and Implantation
If you're trying to get pregnant, you'll try just about anything to increase your chances of success. From standing on your head after sex to eating certain foods, there are a lot of old wives' tales out there about how to get pregnant. But as it turns out, there may be some truth to one of those old wives' tales: eating pineapple can help with fertility and implantation. Here's how.
Pineapples and Bromelain
Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, a natural anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory. Bromelain increases blood flow to the uterus, which can benefit embryo implantation. Bromelain can be found in the core of the pineapple. So, when eating pineapple during your fertility cycle, focus on the core!
In addition to helping with implantation, bromelain is also known to help with indigestion and assist in protein digestion. So, if you often have trouble digesting meat or other protein-rich foods, eating pineapple may help alleviate some of those symptoms. Bromelain is also known to have other health benefits, such as reducing swelling from injuries and helping to fight allergies.
Pineapple Nutrients for Fertility
In addition to bromelain, pineapples are a good source of vitamins C and B6, which are important for fertility. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, which is important for reproductive health. Vitamin B6 is necessary for hormone balance, crucial during fertility treatments. Pineapples are also a good source of manganese, which is important for metabolism and egg development.
How Much Pineapple Should You Eat?
If you're wondering how much pineapple you should be eating during your fertility journey, there's no need to worry—you don't need to eat an entire pineapple every day! Just one cup of pineapple chunks contains 76% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C and over 20% of the recommended daily intake of manganese. So even a small amount of pineapple can go a long way in boosting fertility.
If you're trying to conceive, you may consider adding pineapple to your diet. Between the bromelain, vitamins C and B6, and manganese, pineapple contains nutrients that can boost fertility and improve implantation rates. And since it only takes a small amount of pineapple to get these benefits, there's no need to go overboard—a cup or two per week should do the trick!
Written by Dr Melinda Webb (TCM), Acupuncture, herbal medicine, Calmbirth Educator, Buteyko Breathwork Instructor and Birth Doula. Melinda works in women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, postnatal and menopause care.
